2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review by Mark Fulmer
A Beneficial Evolution of a Family SUV
Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL
The 2023 Honda CR-V is a sixth-generation crossover that has been steadily evolving and expanding creating more interior and cargo space as well as increased visibility via a larger windshield. During this 2023 wild and wooly winter in California the CR-V plowed through wind and rain with a steady posture and a combination of ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes made for either feathery or firm stops on slick and slippery road surfaces.
The gas/electric hybrid has a combined output of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet. The all wheel drive version gets a fuel rating of 40/34 city/freeway. There are two electric motors, one to keep the battery charged up and the other for adding 181 horsepower to the system. Both do their jobs cleanly, quietly, and reliably which is what you would expect from Honda engineering.
The front seats are both height adjustable giving both the ability to enjoy the view when sightseeing as well as the safety feature of seeing over the sedan(s) in front of you. The driver also get lumbar back support for those long hauls.
Front head room 38.2 in.
Front leg room 41.3 in.
Front shoulder room 57.9 in.
Front hip room 55.6 in.
The second row seating got a round of silent applause as passengers get eight reclining positions. That is a nice feature for families with folks who like to travel with their eyes closed.
Rear head room 38.2 in.
Rear leg room 41.0 in.
Rear shoulder room 55.9 in.
Rear hip room 52.6 in.
The cargo space has increased to 36.3 cubic feet with seats up, but flatten those seats for 76.5 cubic feet for sporting equipment and other such material.
The infotainment system can connect to both Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and provides inputs for both USB-A and USB-C cables as well as wireless charging. Driver assist systems include adaptive cruise control and numerous collision alerts and emergency braking.
Other safety systems include:
Lane keep assist
Rear cross traffic alert Stability control
Traction control
4-wheel ABS
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Engine immobilizer
This hybrid version of the CR-V belongs on the test drive list for a family SUV shoppers.