Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2023 Honda CR-V, as reviewed by the experts at Edmunds. If you're in the market for a reliable, versatile, and downright awesome compact SUV, the CR-V should definitely be on your radar. Edmunds puts vehicles through rigorous testing and provides in-depth reviews to help you make the best decision. So, what did they find with the latest CR-V? Let’s break it down!

Edmunds' Take on the 2023 Honda CR-V

Edmunds' review of the 2023 Honda CR-V is comprehensive, covering everything from performance and fuel economy to interior comfort and technology. One of the first things Edmunds highlights is the CR-V's improved design. The 2023 model boasts a more mature and sophisticated look compared to its predecessors. The exterior features clean lines and a bolder front grille, giving it a more assertive presence on the road. Edmunds appreciates that Honda has moved away from the overly styled designs of the past, opting for a more refined and timeless aesthetic.

Inside, the CR-V offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin. Edmunds notes the high-quality materials and excellent build quality. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with easy-to-use controls. The infotainment system is a standout, featuring a large touchscreen display with crisp graphics and quick response times. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Edmunds also praises the generous cargo space, which is among the best in the compact SUV class. Whether you're hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, the CR-V has plenty of room to spare.

Under the hood, the 2023 CR-V offers two powertrain options: a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid setup. Edmunds finds the 1.5-liter engine to be peppy and fuel-efficient, delivering ample power for most driving situations. The hybrid powertrain, on the other hand, provides even better fuel economy and a smoother, more refined driving experience. Edmunds particularly likes the hybrid's seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. Both powertrains are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which Edmunds notes is well-tuned and responsive.

In terms of driving dynamics, the 2023 CR-V offers a comfortable and composed ride. Edmunds finds the steering to be precise and the handling to be confident. The suspension soaks up bumps and road imperfections with ease, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The CR-V also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Edmunds praises Honda for making these features standard across the CR-V lineup, enhancing safety and peace of mind.

Overall, Edmunds gives the 2023 Honda CR-V a positive review, praising its improved design, spacious interior, fuel-efficient powertrains, and comfortable ride. They consider it to be one of the top contenders in the compact SUV class, offering a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and value.

Performance and Handling: What Edmunds Says

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2023 Honda CR-V aims to strike a balance between efficiency and capability, and Edmunds dives deep to see if it succeeds. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is designed to provide a good mix of power and fuel economy. Edmunds' testing reveals that this engine delivers adequate acceleration for everyday driving. Whether you're merging onto the highway or navigating city streets, the CR-V feels responsive and capable.

Edmunds notes that the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) paired with the engine is well-tuned, providing smooth and seamless gear changes. While some drivers might miss the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, the CVT in the CR-V is designed to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. In Edmunds' real-world testing, the CR-V achieves impressive fuel economy numbers, making it a great choice for those who want to save money at the pump.

For those seeking even better fuel economy, the 2023 CR-V offers a hybrid powertrain. Edmunds finds the hybrid model to be particularly impressive, offering a significant boost in fuel efficiency without compromising performance. The hybrid system combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, providing instant torque and smooth acceleration. Edmunds praises the hybrid's seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power, making for a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

In terms of handling, the 2023 CR-V offers a comfortable and composed ride. Edmunds notes that the steering is precise and responsive, providing good feedback to the driver. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, delivering a smooth and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. While the CR-V isn't designed to be a sporty SUV, it handles corners with confidence and feels stable at higher speeds.

Edmunds also evaluates the CR-V's braking performance, finding it to be adequate and reliable. The brakes provide good stopping power and feel confident in both normal and emergency situations. Overall, Edmunds concludes that the 2023 CR-V offers a well-rounded driving experience, with a good balance of performance, fuel economy, and handling.

Interior Comfort and Technology: Edmunds' Insights

Let's talk about the interior of the 2023 Honda CR-V, which Edmunds scrutinizes for comfort and tech features. The interior is designed with the driver and passengers in mind, offering a spacious and well-appointed cabin. Edmunds highlights the high-quality materials used throughout the interior, giving the CR-V a premium feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all the controls within easy reach.

One of the standout features of the 2023 CR-V is its infotainment system. Edmunds praises the large touchscreen display, which is easy to use and responsive. The graphics are crisp and clear, and the system offers a variety of features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These smartphone integration features allow you to seamlessly connect your phone to the car, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Edmunds notes that the infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to stay connected on the go.

In terms of comfort, the 2023 CR-V offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. Edmunds highlights the generous legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The rear seats can also be reclined for added comfort. The cargo area is also spacious, offering plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Edmunds notes that the CR-V has one of the largest cargo areas in its class, making it a great choice for families or anyone who needs to haul a lot of stuff.

Edmunds also evaluates the CR-V's noise levels, finding the cabin to be relatively quiet and refined. The CR-V is designed to minimize road noise and wind noise, creating a more peaceful and relaxing driving environment. Overall, Edmunds concludes that the 2023 CR-V offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior, with plenty of space, user-friendly technology, and a refined driving experience.

Safety Features: Edmunds' Perspective

Safety is paramount, and Edmunds takes a close look at the safety features of the 2023 Honda CR-V. The CR-V comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies, designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Edmunds praises Honda for making these features standard across the CR-V lineup, enhancing safety and peace of mind for all drivers.

Some of the key safety features included in the 2023 CR-V include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting the CR-V's speed to match the flow of traffic. Lane departure warning alerts the driver if the CR-V begins to drift out of its lane, helping to prevent unintentional lane changes. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact.

Edmunds also evaluates the CR-V's crash test performance, noting that it has earned high ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These crash test ratings demonstrate the CR-V's ability to protect occupants in a variety of collision scenarios. In addition to these active safety features, the 2023 CR-V also comes standard with a variety of passive safety features, such as airbags, seatbelts, and a strong body structure. These features are designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Overall, Edmunds concludes that the 2023 Honda CR-V is a safe and reliable vehicle, with a comprehensive suite of safety features and excellent crash test ratings. Whether you're driving around town or embarking on a long road trip, you can have peace of mind knowing that the CR-V is designed to protect you and your passengers.

Final Verdict: Is the 2023 Honda CR-V Worth It?

So, what's the final word from Edmunds? Is the 2023 Honda CR-V worth your hard-earned cash? The answer, according to Edmunds, is a resounding yes. The CR-V offers a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and value, making it one of the top choices in the compact SUV class. Edmunds praises the CR-V's improved design, spacious interior, fuel-efficient powertrains, and comfortable ride.

The 2023 CR-V is a well-rounded vehicle that excels in many areas. Whether you're looking for a fuel-efficient commuter car, a comfortable family hauler, or a versatile adventure vehicle, the CR-V has something to offer. Edmunds notes that the CR-V is also backed by Honda's reputation for reliability and durability, giving you peace of mind knowing that you're buying a vehicle that will last.

Of course, the CR-V isn't perfect. Edmunds points out that the CVT transmission may not be to everyone's liking, and some drivers may find the engine to be a bit underpowered. However, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by the CR-V's many strengths. Overall, Edmunds concludes that the 2023 Honda CR-V is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a compact SUV. Its combination of practicality, versatility, value, and reliability make it a winner in its class.

So there you have it, folks! Edmunds' expert review of the 2023 Honda CR-V. If you're considering buying a compact SUV, be sure to check out the CR-V. You might just find that it's the perfect vehicle for you!