Lets face it, when you think of long lasting, economy vehicles, Honda and Toyota are clearly top of the conversation. And thinking that Honda delivered excellence in their fifth generation, wait till you experience the sixth generation, 2023 Honda CR-V. The precise, deep expansion of the CR-V is here and a perfect display of excellence is born.
With model sales exceeding 300K in 2021, the CR-V was ready for a re-design and one that appealed better to consumers while maintaining great values, excellent safety features and the great reliability that the CR-V has been known for during its existence since 1997. In fact, the CR-V is outright the best-selling crossover in America. Our tester, a 2023 Honda CR-V AWD Touring Sport Hybrid. Wrapped in a beautiful Canyon River Blue which has some metallic flake and a nice pearl to its base coat, delivered nicely apportioned offsetting black wheels and black plastic fender wells. Powering the 2023 Honda CR-V offers two motor options. A 1.5L turbo with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, or a 2-motor hybrid system offering 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Did I mention towing capacity? The CR-V now offers 1,000 lbs of towing.
Interior-wise, we notice similarities to other vehicles in the fleet. The CR-V shows paddle shifters for shifting, a sporty and modern interior with accent color stitching, a honeycomb metal panel in front of the air vents and a 4.4 degree wider visibility view for an even wider overall sight. Comfort and passenger space also improved greatly with more space and reclining rear seats.
For Honda Motor Co. it is no secret, they have the mass-market economy corner covered. Their delivery of perfection to consumers is superb. With the recent revitalization of the CR-V, the sight lines are great, the interior is spacious, the engine is powerful and the gas mileage has improved. I am not sure what else Honda can do to make this even better, but they certainly have it figured out.
Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Are you in the market for a new car? I would be happy to provide my honest input. All you have to do is email me: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.
2023 Honda CR-V Touring Sport Hybrid
MSRP: $39,100
MPG: 40 city / 34 highway / 38.8 as tested
As Tested: $40,395
