Honda CR-V Hybrid 2023: The Test of the Week

The Honda CR-V has been among the most popular SUVs on the market for ages. However, I won't hide the fact that competition is becoming increasingly fierce in the segment, and the beloved SUV of Canadians lost its title as the best-selling SUV in 2022, giving way to the Toyota RAV4. It must be said that the latter had a more diverse offering with two hybrid versions and packages specifically designed for off-road driving. In short, that's why Honda brought out the big guns in 2023 with the introduction of the hybrid version of the CR-V.

I must say I was eagerly awaiting this, as the CR-V is a vehicle I already have a lot of affection for, and I'm sure it's the same for the majority of you. The hybrid version makes the Japanese manufacturer's SUV more competitive and attractive than ever. If I have one thing to criticize about Honda, it's that they reserved the hybrid powertrain for the top-of-the-line versions. Most buyers who opt for a hybrid model are looking to save money. Fortunately, the benefits offered by the 2023 CR-V Hybrid go far beyond fuel consumption, which is why I still consider it one of the best SUVs you can get today.

The Driving Experience

Unlike the regular version of the CR-V, which is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the hybrid version features a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine under the hood. This engine is paired with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, which are more than satisfactory figures for the category. In terms of fuel consumption, Honda claims an average of 6.0 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway, which is quite close to the figures I obtained during my test. This is excellent, especially considering that the hybrid version of the CR-V is only available with all-wheel drive.

What particularly pleased me about the 2023 CR-V Hybrid's driving experience was the brisk acceleration. Let's face it, the small 1.5-liter turbocharged engine lacks character in this regard. With the hybrid combination, I felt like I was rediscovering the old CR-V. However, there was one thing that particularly annoyed me during my test. During acceleration, the CR-V hybrid's engine can be particularly noisy at times, which is quite unpleasant.

City Driving - Like almost all hybrid vehicles, the CR-V is more economical in the city than on the highway, which is a good thing because it's also more enjoyable to drive in the city. Its brisk acceleration and good visibility make it one of the most pleasant compact SUVs to drive in large urban centers. It's a perfect vehicle for those who commute in the city every day.

Country Roads - The Honda CR-V surprisingly impressed me on this type of road. In the past, it's a model I've criticized severely for its body roll effect. However, perhaps it's the position of the battery, but the SUV's center of gravity seemed lower and thus offered better stability in curves. On the other hand, the 2023 CR-V Hybrid remains a rather heavy model, and that's something you especially feel in the curves.

Highway - As always, the CR-V is a model in which you can comfortably and peacefully cover long distances. Apart from the noisy engine during acceleration, it remains a fairly quiet and well-insulated model. Long journeys are therefore very pleasant. The only time the Japanese manufacturer's SUV seems to lack power is during overtaking. It takes a lot of space to perform a necessary pass. Apart from that, it's a vehicle that feels very comfortable on the highway.

Price and Equipment

For 2023, there is only one version that offers the hybrid powertrain, and as you may have guessed, it's the one that sits at the top of the range. The Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid starts at a price of $51,005, which is quite expensive even if you manage to save some money on fuel. However, the advantage is that you get a complete standard equipment. Interestingly, a slightly more affordable hybrid variant will be available for the 2024 model.

Design and Technology

I really like the direction Honda has taken with the new CR-V in terms of aesthetics. The Japanese manufacturer's SUV has a more robust and muscular look. In fact, it seems like its design was directly inspired by that of the Pilot. Honda also offers attractive wheels and interesting color choices.

The CR-V's interior is anything but plain this year. Honda has opted for a more dynamic and modern design, and I find it a success all around. The multimedia system screen is well-positioned and offers very smooth navigation. I also really like the digital dashboard that the 2023 CR-V Hybrid offers. The display is clear, and it's easy to navigate through the different menus. The only thing that's missing, really, is a phone button on the steering wheel. I still have trouble understanding why Honda insists on not doing what everyone else does in this regard.

Recommendations

The Honda CR-V is one of the few vehicles that doesn't need recommendations because it has built one of the strongest reputations on the market over the years. Nevertheless, I will still tell you that it remains a must-have in its category. It offers one of the most spacious cargo areas available and is a pleasant model to drive in almost any situation. The hybrid version has some minor drawbacks, especially in terms of engine noise and price, but for the rest, it remains an excellent option. This version is well worth its weight in gold.