Honda’s best-seller is about to receive a complete overhaul. The test mule has been around for a while and it looks like the production version will arrive pretty soon. Most likely, this will happen in the second half of the year and the new generation will debut as the 2023 Honda CR-V. At this point, the officials are still quiet about the launch date.
The officials also try to keep details a secret. Therefore, there isn’t much official information regarding specs and features. On the other hand, some things are already known, while others seem pretty certain. Of course, we will see a completely new styling, along with the new interior design. Also, the new generation will get notably bigger, which indicates the addition of the third row. On the other hand, the powertrain will remain largely the same, though we might see a plug-in hybrid version some day in the future.
2023 Honda CR-V Redesign
A lot of new things are about to come with this redesign. Although the outgoing model is still pretty impressive in many aspects, the Japanese manufacturer has prepared a full set of novelties, which will keep it among class leaders. Of course, one of the first things that come to mind is the platform, which will be shared with the new, 11th generation Civic. This architecture should bring improvements regarding ride quality, but also open up new possibilities in terms of powertrain, electrification etc.
Exterior
Redesigns bring tons of changes but the exterior design is always the first thing we notice. The 2023 Honda CR-V won’t be an exception and despite that the test mule still wears camouflage, some things are pretty easy to be seen. It looks like the new generation will feature bigger dimensions, with a notably stretched wheelbase. Moreover, the test mule seems to feature a longer hood, which will provide a more elegant, more premium look. Naturally, bigger dimensions will bring a lot of benefits on the inside as well.
On the other hand, the design language is still a bit of a mystery. We presume that some of the design solutions will be borrowed from the new Civic, though the new HR-V may serve as an inspiration as well. In any case, we count on sleeker lines than before, which would ensure a more mature look to this popular crossover.
Interior
Naturally, a completely new interior design is another thing that comes to mind. At this point, we don’t know the details but we presume that Honda designers will use the same base approach as in the new Civic. So, the dashboard should utilize a lot of clean, horizontal lines, with simplicity in the focus. Of course, this simplicity will be complemented with quality materials and a couple of retro elements. Naturally, we count on a lot of tech features as well. The infotainment screen will probably be the same one as in the new Civic, with 9 inches in size. Furthermore, we count on the same or very similar 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as many other tech goodies.
As we already mentioned, the new generation will grow in size and therefore, there is a big chance to see the third row of seats. If this happens, the new CR-V would enter a pretty exclusive company of small crossovers with three rows, which currently includes just two models – Mitsubishi Outlander and VW Tiguan. The third row would probably be offered as an option, while the longer wheelbase promises, even more, cargo space than you get from the current model, which is already among class leaders.
2023 Honda CR-V Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, we don’t expect bigger changes, at least not when it comes to base versions. The familiar 1.5-liter turbo-four should carry on in the same way, though minor changes regarding power are possible. Currently, this engine puts out around 190 horsepower and offers pretty good overall performance. The CVT should carry on as well.
On the other hand, the hybrid version might get some upgrades. We presume it would keep the same 2.0-liter inline-four but we could see more powerful electric motors and higher overall output. We might see some transmission changes as well.
Finally, we can hear reports about the plug-in hybrid version, even though the officials are still quiet on this matter. We presume that these powertrain options won’t be available initially. It should come in the next year or two.
2023 Honda CR-V Release Date and Price
The 2023 Honda CR-V will come sometime in the second half of the year, though the officials are still quiet about the more precise date. We presume that the starting price will be slightly higher compared to the outgoing model and probably go around 28.000 dollars. Of course, the main competition will remain the same – Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester etc.
