The world premiere of the sixth generation Honda CR-V crossover took place in the United States. New design, improved equipment, a more spacious interior, as well as upgraded engines and all-wheel drive.

The new 2023 Honda CR-V is stylistically similar to the Ridgeline and Passport TrailSport models. This is a natural evolution, because a few years ago the company promised that the design of all SUVs would become “rougher and more aggressive.” 

The sixth-generation CR-V is 68mm longer and 38mm wider than the fifth-generation model, although the proportions are more affected by the A-pillars set back. In addition, the wheelbase has been increased by 40 mm, so second-row passengers have even more legroom. And the trunk turned out to be the most spacious in the history of the model - up to 1028 liters with the seatbacks folded down.

The interior design is somewhat similar to last year's Honda Civic. The general architecture of the front panel coincides with a separately installed screen of the multimedia system and a long decorative grille, under which the air conditioning deflectors are hidden. At the same time, the CR-V does not have cup holders next to the transmission selector, the lever is located further from the driver, the door panels are different.

The US Honda CR-V will use 18-inch alloy wheels in the base EX trim and 19-inch black alloy wheels in the top Sport Touring trim. According to the manufacturer, the CR-V now looks more like a passenger car on the road. This effect is achieved thanks to a more rigid (+15%) body structure, reinforced subframes and a reconfigured rear multi-link suspension.

The basic equipment of the Honda CR-V 2023 includes the Honda Sensing security system, 10 airbags, a multimedia system with a seven-inch display (there is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a virtual instrument panel, USB-A and USB-C ports. In expensive trim levels, a 9-inch central display, 15 W wireless charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system will appear.

Under the hood of the EX and EX-L versions is an updated 1.5-liter engine, which received a new turbocharger and a redesigned cylinder head. Engine power has not changed - 193 hp, but it is available in a wider rev range. In addition, the maximum torque value of 243 Nm is reached earlier - at 1700 rpm (it was at 2000 rpm).

Versions of the CR-V Sport and Sport Touring will be equipped with a fourth-generation hybrid power plant. In it, a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine is complemented by two electric motors.

The combined power of the entire system is 207 hp. (it was 215 hp), and the torque is 335 Nm (+20 Nm). Hybrids can tow trailers weighing up to 454 kg and accelerate to a stable top speed of 185 km/h, although this figure did not exceed 138 km/h before.

Real Time AWD will continue to be offered as an option on all versions of the CR-V, with only the Sport Touring version getting it by default. In addition, for the first time, an assistant appeared on the CR-V during the descent (speed selection from 3 to 19 km / h is available) and a special profile for driving on snow. That is, now you can choose from four driving modes: Normal, Econ, Snow and Sport.

Prices for the next generation Honda CR-V will be announced at a later date. The EX and EX-L versions are expected to go on sale before the end of the summer, with the Sport and Sport Touring hybrid models expected to hit dealers towards the end of 2022.

The new sixth-generation Honda CR-V will be built at three factories in North America, "continuing Honda's 40-year commitment to building products that are close to the customer." In the US, these are car factories in the states of Ohio and Indiana. In Canada, Honda of Canada Mfg. 

Source: Honda

Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving