The sixth generation of what most of us consider the ultimate mom car has shifted its targeted demographic. Now, I’m not afraid to admit I’d buy one! Introducing the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring Edition. With an MSRP of $38,000, this CR-V features an AWD system mated to a CVT. The Sport Touring Edition puts down 204 horsepower with its 2L 4-cylinder engine paired with its two electric motors. It’s now the most powerful CR-V Honda has ever made. Of course, you can still expect excellent gas mileage measuring at 40 in the city, 34 on the highway, and a combined 37 mpg. What else is new for this Sport Touring Edition?
The new Canyon River Blue paint combined with the black trim truly gives this specific CR-V an aggressive appearance. We like that this more menacing demeanor goes against what you think of as a “traditional” mom car. Honda has completely re-designed the front grille, crafted a stylish creased hood, and added functional corner air inlets to increase airflow. This isn’t the early 2000s anymore, so say goodbye to the roundness that once was the CR-V! To make this sixth generation more modern, Honda has also added sharp bodylines and re-designed the chassis. The icing on the cake is the bold appearance of matching gloss black 19-inch rims.
Hopping into the comfortable black leather orange-stitched seats, you’re greeted with a minimalistic, modern-inspired interior. The honeycomb wire-mesh dash elements and 9-inch infotainment system were unexpected. Although the interior doesn’t have much going on, its gorgeous design is reminiscent of interiors you would find in luxury vehicles. My favorite activity is to roll down the windows and blast music on the way home from work, and that Premium 12-speaker Bose Sound System fills the cabin with a deep bass I can feel in my chest. As someone with long commutes to work, audio systems are important, and the 2023 CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring gets an A+ in sound quality.
Driving this hybrid was like a knife cutting through warm butter. From a standstill to 25 mph, the electric motors glide the vehicle up to speed. Being an electric car skeptic, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed driving this vehicle. The eco mode is not sluggish like you’d expect from hybrid vehicles, and the sport mode’s responsiveness provided my long commutes with a bit more fun. To combat previous visibility issues, Honda added 4.4 inches of width between the A pillars, combined with the new extended side mirrors, allowing for a much better view. The paddle shifters aren’t exactly shifters but control the regenerative braking that was easy to adjust and charges the electric battery.
It is evident that Honda has taken a leap into the future with this sixth-generation CR-V. From its aggressive exterior design and smooth driving experience to the unexpectedly chic interior with black leather orange-stitched seats, the CR-V makes a lasting impression. Whether you’re a daily commuter seeking comfort or an adventure enthusiast craving power, storage, and reliability, the new Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring Edition is definitely an option to consider. Not sure you want the full package like we had? Check out the four other options available, with the LX starting at $29,760.
Nice perspective Luke, and congrats on your first review here!
After a weekend as passenger in one of these, my observations:
Acres of interior hard plastics (even armrests) a surprise after a friend’s top line earlier CR-V.
Relentless tortured, crying angels inside and out from the VESS pedestrian warning system.
Seat support fine. Performance fine. Visibility fine, almost good as a Forester.
Excellent survey of Honda 2023 crv hybrid
Love the moaning of the Forester’s CVT? No-me either.
You’re clearly a Subaru lover. Honda is nr1 hybrid selling car and is A lot better than your garbage subaru or Toyota rav which is for old people.
The writer just sold a modern Hemi Challenger and picked up a Jeep Wrangler. And, generally, our readers are more respectful and proofread before they post.
I own a 2024 Honda CR-v Hybrid Sport L. There are four things I wish Honda would change. I enjoy this vehicle and I knew all of these prior to purchase.
1). You can not get fog lights. These are especially helpful in blizzard and fog conditions at night.
2). There is no pocket behind the drivers seat. This is helpful to organize things that you prefer to keep off the floor but would access once you are stopped (like sunscreen etc). Yes you can purchase many alternatives elsewhere.
3). There is no tray in the center console although you can see it is designed for one. This is helpful to organize small things you use frequently. Again you can purchase this elsewhere.
4). There is no spare tire and no space for a spare tire. Yes this is a rare event but flats do happen…. You are given something to reinflate a flat tire.