~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

In a short time, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid becomes an old-shoe friend. It is comfortable, easy-going and accommodating—as CR-Vs have been for more than a quarter century.

The Environmental Protection Agency, which monitors such things, describes it as a “small sport utility vehicle.” That’s despite the fact that its interior space for passengers and cargo totals 140 cubic feet, or 20 cubes more than a large sedan.

However, the CR-V is defined by Japan’s Honda as a Compact Recreational Vehicle. Popularly, it is considered a compact crossover SUV, though the term has no official standing. The EPA has just two categories: Small and Standard, which are not defined.

In the top-line Sport Touring Hybrid model tested for this review, the CR-V is light on its tire contact patches with responsive steering for quick moves in heavy traffic as well as sedate motoring on Interstates. It has no sports car credentials, yet easily maneuvers on twisting roads at reasonable speeds.

Cruising is quiet with muted sounds from under the hood and little tire or wind noise, eliminating the need to crank the audio volume, which includes HD and satellite radio. Seating is supportive and comfortable for four, and even the fifth passenger in the center rear seat doesn’t suffer, though the seat is a bit high, hard and tight. The ride is supple over all but the most pockmarked roads, and braking is fuss-free.

There are five versions, called trim levels, starting at $29,705 for the LX. It and the EX and EX-L are gasoline-only models with a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid come exclusively with hybrid power, each connecting a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that runs on regular fuel to two electric motors for a system 204 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force. City/highway/combined fuel consumption is rated by the EPA at 40/34/37 miles to the gallon.

Although the Sport Hybrid trim can be ordered with front drive or all-wheel drive, the Sport Touring model comes standard with all-wheel drive. Like all other CR-V versions, the Sport and Sport Touring are equipped with hill descent control that helps control downhill speeds on steep or slippery slopes.

Though it’s likely that the CR-V could engage in some modest off-roading, it  seems intended mainly for smooth pavement on highways and byways.

Tested for this review was the top-line Sport Touring version, the most expensive CR-V, yet reasonably priced at $39,845, including the destination charge. Moreover, the sticker is near the current average price of a new car in the U.S.

In an era when customers pay attention to their protection in vehicles, a full complement of safety equipment is standard, including air bags all around—some with rollover sensors–automated emergency braking, forward collision warning,  lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot information, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention monitoring.

The CR-V was extensively re-designed for 2023 and continues mostly unchanged for 2024 except for a likely price adjustment. So most comments about the 2023 here should apply to the 2024 as well.

Besides the safety enhancements, the tested CR-V Sport Touring AWD was so well equipped that the price included no options. Standard features are extensive: leather-trimmed seats, heated in front; heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel; leather-covered shift knob, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto accessed via a nine-inch color center touchscreen; HD radio and SXM satellite radio; Bluetooth hands-free link; wireless phone charger; dual-zone automatic climate control, and 10-way power driver’s seat.

Also: power sunroof, hands-free power tailgate with spoiler, 19-inch black alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlights, LED tail lights, variable intermittent and rain sensing windshield wipers, heated outside mirrors, roof rails and walk-away automatic locking.

The CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring sends its power to all four wheels via the electric direct drive transmission, boosted by the gasoline engine. Independent tests place the zero-to-60 miles an hour acceleration at slightly less than a respectable eight seconds. The CR-V Hybrid’s towing capability is rated at 1,000 pounds.

Around the world, The CR-V reportedly is Honda’s best-selling model.  To paraphrase a storied line by comedian Al Franken playing character Stuart Smalley, the Honda CR-V looks good, drives well, is comfortable, doesn’t break the bank, and doggone it, people like it.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport Touring four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
  • Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, direct injection, with two electric motors; combined 204 hp, 248 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Electric direct drive with all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 15 feet 5 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 7 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 104/36 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 3,914 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 1,000 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 40/34/37 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $39,845.
  • Price as tested: $39,845.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Honda