2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

It goes without saying that the Honda CR-V is a monumentally important vehicle for the Japanese marque. In 2021, it was the fifth best-selling vehicle in the United States, and by far Honda's most popular individual model. Quite simply, the compact crossover provides the answer to most of the questions posed by the average commuter. But it's almost time for Honda to introduce a new CR-V. Although it has yet to be officially launched, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid has been teased by the automaker and we know a few details about what is a much bolder vehicle than before. Its mission remains much the same as before: usurp the evergreen Toyota RAV4. Let's find out if the all-new CR-V has what it takes to do just that.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's release date is expected to be sometime this fall.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's price hasn't yet been shared but we can expect it to cost a little more than the existing model. For reference, the 2022 CR-V Hybrid has a starting price of $32,010. We anticipate that the new one will begin at around $33,000.

Rivals include the all-conquering 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid which starts at $29,575.

While the current Honda CR-V SUV is a neatly designed crossover, it can hardly be described as exciting. Based on the teaser images shared by Honda and leaks out of China, the new one has a more masculine appearance. It has slimmer headlights with a simple LED lighting signature that flank a larger grille, seen here in a black finish. Like the current model, the taillight clusters extend high up alongside the rear window. On the 2023 model, though, the chrome beam running across the back has been removed for a cleaner look. The license plate holder is now sited higher up than before, and the overall appearance looks cleaner.

We don't know what the Honda CR-V Hybrid's exterior colors will be yet, although Honda isn't known for going wild in this area. Besides the darker blue hue seen here, expect the usual white, black, and grey choices, with perhaps a vivid red adding some sportiness. The white one pictured below is a Chinese-spec model that was leaked earlier in 2022.

Finding a new car that is smaller than its predecessor is roughly as likely as getting struck by lightning on your way to the office. We already know that the China-spec CR-V measures 185.1 inches in length, 73.4 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height. By comparison, the current Honda CR-V Hybrid's dimensions include a length of 182.1 inches, a height of 66.5 inches with all-wheel drive, and a width of 73 inches. It rides on a wheelbase of just under 105 inches. A third seating row will likely be left to larger Honda SUVs like the Pilot.

While we don't expect the Honda CR-V Hybrid's engine and powertrain to undergo a radical transformation, electrification will feature prominently. Honda specifically chose to tease a CR-V Hybrid, and promised a "more advanced hybrid system for a sportier driving experience." This suggests that the new CR-V Hybrid will have better specs than the current model, which makes a combined 212 horsepower from its 2.0-liter engine and electric motors. Expect it to be economical, too, as the existing CR-V Hybrid returns 40/35/38 mpg city/highway/combined and has a range of well over 500 miles.

Although Honda did not make specific mention of a gas-only model in its recent teaser, we wouldn't be surprised if there is a non-hybrid 2023 CR-V that retains the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides a good balance of power and efficiency. In the current model, it makes 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. Honda's continuously variable transmission, along with both front- and all-wheel-drive derivatives, should continue to be available. 0-60 times don't matter too much in this segment, but around 7.5 seconds for the benchmark sprint should be on the cards.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's interior wasn't revealed when the automaker teased its new SUV. Therefore, we can only speculate about what's to come. If the latest Civic is anything to go by, the new CR-V's cabin will have a cleaner layout inside, a much more modern infotainment interface, and horizontal design elements. The current CR-V has a disappointing five-inch LCD screen as standard and an available seven-inch touchscreen, so we're looking forward to the new CR-V Hybrid adopting the nine-inch unit that's available in the latest Civic. Expect features like wireless charging and wireless operation for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid's seats should come in both cloth and possibly faux leather combinations, and upper trims should enjoy niceties like power-adjustable front seats. The current Honda CR-V Hybrid's trunk space is one of its highlights and we doubt that the new one will be any less accommodating.