2023 Honda CR-V makes US debut with bigger, bolder styling

After a series of teasers and image leaks, the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V has finally bared it all in its North American debut, featuring a more rugged design with updated hybrid powertrains to match the bigger and more refined crossover.

The sixth-generation CR-V has grown in size. The new model now stands 69mm longer, 10mm wider, and its wheelbase has been stretched by 38mm over the outgoing fifth-generation CR-V.

As we've seen from the initial teaser photos, the 2023 CR-V looks right at home with Honda's recent exterior design language, echoing styling cues from the smaller HR-V with its slim LED headlights, and a larger trapezoidal grille like the bigger Honda Passport. These changes make the front fascia of the CR-V look much more mature and sophisticated than its predecessor.

From the side, the CR-V has a more upright stance with larger windows, plus its door handles are now placed below the character line. Around the back, there's a lot less chrome now. The garnish plate connecting the two L-shaped LED taillights has been traded for body-colored ones. Other changes at the back include a new tailgate spoiler and reshaped twin exhaust tips.

As for its interior, Honda already shared the 2023 CR-V has the Civic's dashboard prior to its launch. It features the same “Simplicity and something” layout with a standard-issue 7-inch information interface screen for the driver and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system for higher-spec models. For lower trims, there's a smaller 7-inch unit, but both systems have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

In terms of its engine options, Honda offers two in the North American market – the first is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC Turbo with 190 PS at 4000 rpm and 243 Nm of torque from 1700-5000 rpm paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The other one utilizes a hybrid system - a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine mated to a pair of electric motors that give a combined system output of 204 PS and 335 Nm of torque.

For its safety equipment, the all-new CR-V comes standard with 10 airbags and the updated Honda Sensing advanced driver-assist system that adds a new wide-angle camera and millimeter-wave radar for better collision prevention. Also, the updated safety suite adds the driver attention monitor, traffic jam assist (TJA) and traffic sign recognition (TSR) to the existing features like adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane keep assist (LKAS).

The 2023 Honda CR-V will go on sale in the US market by August, with hybrid models coming later in the year. As for its ASEAN region debut, however, we may have to wait a bit longer. Hopefully, the CR-V arrives in our region before the year ends to get set for a Philippine launch in early 2023.