The Honda CR-V hit the scene way back in 1997 and since then has been a top choice for compact SUV drivers. Now, that the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring model is here, it’s ready to carry the torch by offering the same reliability and practicality that’s made the CR-V such a favorite.
What this means is that what you mostly got in the past is what you’ll be getting with this model.
Is that a bad thing? In some instances it is and in others it’s not. You’ll have to keep reading to find out but what I will say is that there are some new details in this model that’ll please even the fussiest of CR-V owners out there.
The Honda CR-V Lifestyle
The target consumer demographic for this vehicle has always been a very diverse bunch as it’s marketed to families, professionals, and the outdoor lover. Honda has targeted these folks by emphasizing the CR-Vs comfort, safety and performance. I spent a week with the Hybrid Touring model on a recent road trip to Gananoque and The 1000 Islands so I can see why they target those demographics and why it works for them all.
The Honda CR-V is more than a vehicle that’s used to drop Little Johnny off at pre-school or one that the outdoor lover uses to transport their canoe to a lake every weekend. It has evolved over time into a modern vehicle that’s dependable and is quite nice to look at.
Exterior Features Of The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring
This model of the CR-V is wider and longer than previous models making it the largest CR-V ever produced.
Looking head on at the car the first thing that you notice is the totally redesigned front. Gone is the boring grille from previous models and in it’s place is a black grille with hexagonal shapes that modernizes the look of the car and integrates the LED headlights.
One thing that I didn’t like at the front were two silver-accented “intakes” just below the grille. They’re not functional but personally it doesn’t do anything for me. I would’ve preferred if they used the space for some lights.
While the front of the CR-V has been redesigned, the rear, unfortunately, hasn’t changed too much and is similar to the 2022 model. The biggest difference and the bit I liked the most was the fact that they have removed the chrome trim right below the rear window. Like the front, the rear has a pair of chrome exhaust finishers but only one is functional. I will admit, they do add to the sporty look of the vehicle.
The Interior Of The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring
First things first: The interior of the 2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid is sleek and uncluttered and I like it! I like it a lot!
Dashboard
Lets start with the dash. Right in the middle we have a very easy to use infotainment screen that comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To the left of that we have an analog speedometer and another digital display.
One of the details that caught my eye, as I sat down for the first time, was the hexagonal trim that runs across the front of the dash as it was the same design as the front grille. I appreciated the fact that the designers at Honda brought some of the exterior elements into the cabin.
The trim hides the air vents and if it wasn’t for the directional control knobs you wouldn’t even know that they were there. Right below the vents were the climate control knobs. While the dashboard, as a whole. was nice to look at I found it to have a slightly plastic feel, with the exception of the climate control knobs. They actually felt nice and solid.
Seating
The leather seats are plush and comfortable. Orange stitching gives the interior a nice, subtle bit of colour. According to Honda, “the front seats were redesigned to improve driver’s posture and help reduce fatigue”. I didn’t get the opportunity to drive the 2022 model but I can say that the driver’s seat in the 2023 Hybrid Touring model was very comfortable.
I like to test all seats in a vehicle and as I slipped into the seat behind the driver I was surprised at just how much legroom I had. Even with the driver’s seat pushed back I’d have no issue sitting back there on a long road trip. The back seats also have an adjustable recline making it even more comfortable.
Cargo And Storage Space of the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring
Cargo space
Owners of this SUV wont be lacking for space as this is the biggest CR-V ever. Behind the rear seats the trunk offers up 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space and that jumps up to a best-in-class 76.5 cubic feet with the rear 60/40 seats folded down. With that much space it’ll easily accommodate whatever cargo you’d like to stuff back there.
Storage
Inside, the CR-V Hybrid Touring you’ll find the largest center console in its class with well-designed compartments. In the doors there are pockets and a tray under the armrest offer additional storage for smaller items. As for cupholders there are a total of eight, throughout the vehicle. Yes, eight!
The Magic Under The Hood Of The 2023 CR-V Hybrid Touring
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring ditches the usual gas engine for a smart hybrid system that gets great mileage without sacrificing power. The 2.0-liter engine works with two electric motors. One electric motor gives it a surprising jump which is useful for city driving, while the other charges the battery using either the gasoline engine or the energy created when you brake.
Combined, the gas engine and electric motors delivers 204 horsepower which is a lot of pep for most driving situations. The best part is that you’ll get amazing fuel economy. Up to 40 mpg in the city, which translates to roughly 5.9 liters per 100 kilometers. This means fewer trips to the gas station and less emissions into the environment, sounds like a winning combination to me!
While the CR-V Hybrid Touring focuses on fuel savings over speed it does offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a great choice for everyday adventures.
Safety Features
It’s obvious that the Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring gets great gas mileage but the other selling points are its safety features.
The body of this vehicle is built to absorb impact energy. Along with that, the vehicle is equipped with a full collection of airbags. Owners will find them all over the vehicle including ones for the driver, front passenger, knee airbags, side curtain with a rollover sensor, and side airbags for rear seat passengers.
Other impressive safety features include:
- Blind Spot Warning: This warns the driver if there’s a car in their blind spot when changing lanes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist: This helps to prevent unintentional lane changes by alerting you if you leave your lane and it will gently bring you back within your lines.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: When cruise control is on the vehicle slows down and speeds up to maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead.
- Traffic Jam Assist: In stop and go traffic this feature will allow you to keep a safe distance and even apply light braking when necessary (at low speeds).
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System: This will alert you when your tire pressure is low.
- Traffic Sign Recognition: This clever feature detects and displays traffic signs immediately after the sign is passed. This can come in very handy to help you stay within the speed limits.
Pros and Cons of the 2023 CR-V Hybrid Touring
As with every vehicle on the road today there are some pros and cons to owning the 2023 CR-V Hybrid Touring. Keep in mind that these are just our opinions so please look into them some more and make your own decisions.
Pros:
- Fuel economy: The hybrid engine offers up impressive fuel efficiency allowing you to save money at the gas pump and reduce your environmental impact.
- Spacious and comfortable: The interior is well designed with ample passenger and cargo space.
- Tons of safety features: Safety is a priority with this vehicle as it has a full suite of driver-assistance technologies as well as a durable build.
- Smooth and responsive: While fuel efficiency is prioritized the CR-V Hybrid Touring still delivers a very comfortable and responsive driving experience.
- Top-tier amenities: The CR-V Hybrid Touring boasts features like a panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, and a navigation system, among others to give you a comfortable driving experience.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: The hybrid system is one of the major selling points in this vehicle but unfortunately it does contribute to the higher price tag as compared to the gasoline-powered CR-V.
- Reduced Cargo Space: The cargo space behind the rear seats in the hybrid model is slightly reduced (36.3 cubic feet), because of the battery pack, compared to the gas powered models (39.3 cubic feet). On the other hand both models offer the same space with the seats folded down. (76.5 cubic feet).
- Not a Performance Powerhouse: While it’s remarkably comfortable, the CR-V Hybrid Touring is all about fuel efficiency over acceleration.
Final Thoughts About The 2023 CR-V Hybrid Touring Model
Owning a Honda CR-V is never a bad idea as their vehicles are some of the more reliable ones out there. I myself own a 2012 CR-V and I love driving it. As for owning a 2023 CR-V Hybrid Touring it all boils down to what’s important to you. If fuel efficiency and reducing your environmental impact is at the top of your list then this vehicle is a strong contender. If you’re looking for something with a lower price tag or a more powerful driving experience then then you might want to consider a gasoline-powered CR-V or explore other SUV options.
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this article but I was loaned a Honda CR-V for a week to be able to do this review.
