The 2023 Honda CR-V Checks The Boxes, But Doesn't Ace The Test

Honda's CR-V is perfectly practical and extremely well priced. But when it comes to gadgets, gizmos, and high MPG numbers, the competition leaves the CR-V behind.

Join this channel to get access to perks:

[nsteblay]

I just bought the 23 sport touring. I find the screen more than big enough. I actually like the location of the screen, because as a driver, it is very easy to manipulate. I've been driving power split planetary gear CVT hybrids now for 10 years. In my experience, the i-MMD hybrid architecture provides for a superior hybrid driving experience and more than adequate acceleration. I'm getting stated MPG in mixed driving and once the weather gets warmer I'm sure I'll exceed it. Also, the number of options for drive modes provides a lot of flexibility. It lacks a few bells and whistles the competitors have, but overall I appreciate the conservative Honda quality and safety. I see that Honda has a PHEV CR-V now in Japan and it appears to be adding some of the missing features other brands have been providing.

[Hogtown]

This is sadly a downgrade over the 5th Gen CR-V. The previous non-hybrid 1.5 turbo runs 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. While it is EPA rated at 28 mpg and 34 mpg, I get 33-34 mpg around town, and 36-37 mpg on the interstate going 70-75 mph as one has to go in the U.S. without getting run over. On a 200 mile trip on secondary roads I got 39.6 mpg. And I have a spare tire.

[swainp]

Great video!! I want to post 100 likes if I can. This is what I wanted to hear from a review.
So basically ICE engines, Honda or any other OEMs, haven’t really had any efficiency gain in last 10-20 years. Power has gone up, but they are still dirty and reached theoretical limit of efficiency. That’s why they are prime for disruption IMO. I bet in 3 years there will be less priced comparable electric SUV of the same form factor that consumers love. Same with minivans. They may have mid 200miles of range, but sure it will appeal to lot of consumers. It is already taking over China, so it is matter of time before the biggest segment is disrupted in North America.

[richrigney]

Not only do you get slower acceleration but also worse mileage since they have the gas engine revving so high under acceleration even though it's turning a generator.

[juliekortus]

I love the smaller screen and REAL buttons. It’s so difficult to safely use screens to adjust A/C or music while driving. Also love how consistent the interior controls are across Honda models - makes it easy for my husband and I to swap cars depending on who is on kid duty.

[thebigguy]

I, for one, do not understand the fascination with big screens in automobiles. There are probably times when that is useful, but I've got to believe the majority of the time the car is just being used to do a standard commute and the screen is probably only used to display what's playing on the sound system. I've been driving for over 40 years and the only time I care at all about a screen is when I'm using navigation on a trip, and that's not very often. What's way more important to me is how comfortable the passengers are in the car - ride quality, good seats, leg room, head room, climate control, etc.

[lawrenceboyd]

Big screens are a big distraction and a passing fad. Tesla made it cool. Cool doesn’t mean it’s a good thing, just means it will have to run its course as it evolves to primarily voice commands in the future.. For now, at this moment in time, Honda chose the right balance. In the dark, reaching for a knob is easier and safer than groping for the right touch of an icon, removing your eyes from the road even momentarily.This model is a winner!
The infotainment system looks much simpler than my ‘22 Forester touring…you can use when you’re NOT moving!

[philzee]

I hate big screens since I find them too distracting. You are supposed to be driving not watching TV. The fonts are large on the CRV which makes up for the smaller screen.

[inspector]

Lots of good options, if all things remained equal. In the real world though, you didn't mention the dealer markups that have become prevalent in this segment. If you can find a Sportage or Tucson hybrid, it's unlikely to be anywhere near MSRP. In my neck of the woods, there a a several months wait, and then you'll pay up to $10K OVER MSRP. Seriously? Toyota RAV 4's are even more scarce, so I didn't even look at them. I got a Honda Sport Touring Hybrid for MSRP, and an 8wk wait (supposedly due anytime). If this doesn't work out, we'll probably look at the Toyota Venza. It's still a tough time to be in the market for a hybrid right now. Unfortunately, it's not something that car reviewers such as yourself are talking about. It's the elephant in the room for most buyers though.
I can't honestly say the size of the screen is even a factor in our consideration. Totally a non-issue since they all have decent screens. An inch or two, one way or the other, is not a consideration.

[codtide]

We bought a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport L 2wd. We were looking at the Rav4 Hybrid but they are in short supply out here.. We actually did not consider the Honda at first. But after seeing one in the Costco parking lot we decided to go have a look see. I texted my local Honda dealer and asked if they had one on the lot. They said yes so off we went. We looked at the Sport L which has leather and some other goodies. My wife test drove the car that's all it took. We bought it. She loves her car. Comfortable seats, gets good MPG, good ride, plenty of room in the back and she like the blue color. The screen size is perfect. Software is miles ahead of my Subaru's, everything works as it should. No freeze up, connecting issues or anything, We're really happy with the car.

[mj]

How is front seat comfort "excellent" but only rate 7/10? Is this rating the actual seat comfort or is the lack of 4-way lumbar control a 2 point deduction?

[yukidear]

Not so for me on mpgs - 23 Sport Touring Hybrid. I drive 65-80mph on the highways but I'm getting 45.5mpg. Drive in Sport mode with the left regen paddle at least 5 times. I can't explain it, saw it on a CRV fb page, and it works. I was not getting nearly this good gas mileage before using this method.

[KWX]

My story: time to replace my 2012 Nissan Rogue and I wanted to consider a hybrid this time around. Went to the Chicago Auto Show in February and came back with a list of 6 cars, 3 of which are available in hybrid versions, so call it a list of 9 cars. Spent the past 30 days driving them as much as I could and preferred the CR-V for handling, ride and NVH, my most important attributes. And, the CR-V's lack of a pano roof is actually a plus for me. But the CR-V hybrid doesn't make sense for me with too many highway miles in my daily driving: A higher purchase price that that can't be recovered by fuel savings. I will be picking up my CR-V EX-L tomorrow.

[cgatito]

Just bought a '24 Sport L (FWD). Have had several trips of mixed freeway and city 20+ miles and each has been ~42-43MPG. That aced my test.

[Wised]

My EQS has probably the biggest screen in the market. Our sport hybrid CRV smaller screen gives me no offense. I would NEVER choose a RAV 4 over the CRV, its much less refined vehicle that feels cheap in comparion.

[tophlovr]

CRV is a much nicer ride and I would 100% choose it over the RAV4. HOWEVER the CRV looses things like BSM on lower trims and the loss of a spare in the hybrid is crippling for any weekend adventurer. Canceled my allocation as soon as I found out it didnt have a spare. Honda was so close to a perfect competitor.

[CK-czml]

Just got my Canyon River Blue Sport Touring on Saturday. It's an absolute treat to drive. Its not perfect and there are certainly fair criticism of it. However; I think it's a treat to drive, absolutely beautiful and will serve me well over the next few years.

[timdsd]

I don't mind the screen size. What I don't like are super-sized screens like in the Mustang Mach-E.

[rwfowler]

You sure don't care for the CRV, the screen on the Rav is 1" bigger, whoopee. How about which one functions better, which one has the better sound system and operating system. Which has the better seats / comfort. Which of these two rides nicer and is quieter. Doesn't the CRV have more cargo space? I could go on but it looks like Why.

[fredf.]

I have a crv sport touring on order. I selected it because 1. driveablity smooth and quiet 2. legroom and rear storage 3. interior and exterior style 4. honda reputation. I eliminated 1.the rav 4 for the firm ride and rear power cable issues 2. escape was excellent but to small 3. mazda cx50 for no hybrid.