2023 Honda CR-V revealed with classier styling and a much improved interior

Honda has unveiled the 2023 Honda CR-V, which arrives with a more rugged and sophisticated look, refined powertrains and updated tech features.

Compared to the last generation, the 2023 CR-V is bigger than its predecessor with its length increased by 2.7-inches with a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase and 0.4-inches wider. The new CR-V also looks sportier thanks to the repositioning of the A-pillars, which have been moved 4.7-inches rearward and 1.4-inches lower, giving the CR-V a longer hood.

The CR-V will be offered in four trim levels: EX, EX-L, Sport and Sport Touring. The CR-V hybrid is now the sportier version, which is only available in Sport and Sport Touring trims. The EX and EX-L versions are powered by the standard powertrain.

Inside the new CR-V gets a revamped interior that looks similar to the Civic and HR-V models. This includes the clean dashboard with a metal honeycomb mesh pattern over the air vents. In front of the driver there’s a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that’s positioned next to an analog speedometer. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard on the EX and Sport models, while the EX-L and Sport Touring models get a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charger is standard on the EX-L and Touring models, while the CR-V Sport Touring also adds a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Rear seat passengers will also enjoy the extra comfort of the reclining rear seats.

Under the hood the CR-V is powered by either a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain. The EX and EX-L models are powered by an updated 1.5-liter engine that generates 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Honda has given the engine a new turbocharger and 4-2 exhaust port cylinder head and it’s now more responsive since peak torque arrives 300 rpm earlier. The 1.5-liter is mated to a CVT, with an updated all-wheel drive system being optional.

The Sport and Sport Touring models are powered by a 4th-generation two-motor hybrid powertrain that mates a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine to two electric motors. The two electric motors are now mounted side-by-side, which allows for larger propulsion motor with more torque. The hybrid powertrain generates 204 horsepower (a 3 hp increase) and 247 pound-feet of torque (up 15 lb-ft.). The CR-V hybrid can now tow up to 1,000 pounds and its top speed has increased from 86 mph to 115 mph.

To help when going downhill on a trail, the CR-V now offers Hill Descent Control that lets the driver select speeds between 2 and 12 mph. Honda says that it also updated the CR-V steering and suspension to make it more fun to drive.

On the safety front, the CR-V now comes standard with a blind spot monitor, new driver and front airbags that are designed to minimize the potential for severe brain trauma in a front collision, and a new wide-angle camera. Honda also says that it’s updated the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems.

The 2023 Honda CR-V will go on sale this summer, with the hybrid arriving later this year. Honda now expects that the CR-V hybrid will account for 50 percent of all CR-V sales.