15Apr
The 2023 Honda CR-V was one of the most highly anticipated crossover SUVs for the 2023 model year, with the fully gas-powered versions slated to hit dealerships in September last year, while the Hybrid model got an October 2022 release date. The revamped CR-V lineup comes in five distinct trim levels, with the LX, EX, and EX-L making up the gas-only models, while the Hybrid model got distilled into Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring trim levels.
We'd have quickly recommended the hybrid powertrains (especially the FWD CR-V Hybrid Sport), except that, well, this is Nigeria. As the fifth-generation CR-V, it boasts a completely redesigned exterior and interior that will certainly catch the fancy of crossover SUV buyers. The new CR-V has a sleek and modern exterior design, with a bold front grille, LED headlights, and a sporty bumper.
The SUV’s rear features a new taillight design, complete with a redesigned bumper and dual exhaust pipes. The Honda CR-V has been a popular choice for crossover SUV buyers since its debut in 1995. As we vroom down the weeks and months of 2023, the 2023 Honda CR-V has the ingredients of a top contender in the highly competitive crossover SUV market – again.
2023 Honda CR-V Exterior Design
The 2023 Honda CR-V features a sleek and modern exterior design that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. The SUV’s front fascia features a bold grille with chrome accents, sleek LED headlights, and a sporty bumper that gives the CR-V a more aggressive look. The rear of the vehicle features a new taillight design, a redesigned bumper, and dual exhaust pipes that add to the sporty feel of the crossover.
Honda has added a range of new colors with the new 2023 Honda CR-V, including Sonic Gray Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, and Obsidian Blue Pearl. The new colors, combined with the redesigned exterior, make the CR-V a standout in the crowded crossover SUV market. We note that the new CR-V now sports slightly larger exterior and interior dimensions, with the redesigned SUV’s wheelbase stretched 1.6 inches.
Consequently, the 2023 Honda CR-V has even more legroom than before, although the cargo hold remains similar to the outgoing generation. However, even the Hybrid variant now offers a significantly copious interior volume of up to 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats lowered.
2023 Honda CR-V Interior Design
The interior of the 2023 Honda CR-V has gotten completely redesigned, with a focus on comfort, convenience, and technology. The interior features a modern and sophisticated design, with premium materials and finishes throughout the cabin. The new CR-V also features a new digital instrument cluster and an updated infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display.
The new 2023 Honda CR-V also features Honda's Magic Seat system, which allows for easy folding and rearranging of the rear seats to accommodate large items. The CR-V's cargo area is already one of the largest in its class, but the Magic Seat system makes it even more versatile.
2023 Honda CR-V Technology
The 2023 Honda CR-V offers a range of new technology features that enhances the driving experience. The infotainment system features a larger touchscreen display with improved graphics and faster response times.
The new CR-V also comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless integration with your smartphone. The new CR-V also features Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assistance technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Honda Sensing is designed to make driving safer and more enjoyable, and Honda offers it as standard equipment on all 2023 CR-V models.
2023 Honda CR-V Engine And Performance
The 2023 Honda CR-V comes with a choice of two engines. The base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The automaker pairs this engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comes with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
For buyers looking for more power, the 2023 CR-V is also available with a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 212 horsepower. Honda also married the hybrid powertrain to an e-CVT transmission, offering it with all-wheel drive as standard.
You can expect the hybrid powertrain to provide excellent fuel economy, with Honda estimating an EPA rating of 40 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. This is a significant improvement over the current CR-V's fuel economy ratings and makes the hybrid CR-V one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers in its class. Now you know why we said earlier we’d have quickly recommended the hybrid versions.
Notably, the Hybrid isn’t a standalone CR-V version to covet after anymore. Instead, Honda has made the hybrid powertrain standard on the top-of-the-line CR-V trim levels. And yes, Honda has revised the Hybrid powertrain for the 2023 model year, leaving it with a reportedly quicker acceleration (even if by a slight margin) and overall improved road manners.
We’re not particularly enamored over this news, considering Honda carried over the CR-V’s turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 engine. In other words, you can trust the 2023 Honda CR-V to deliver near-uniform efficiency and road manners, whether you go for the fully-gas models or the hybrid powertrains.
2023 Honda CR-V Safety Features
Safety is always a top priority for Honda, and the 2023 CR-V is no exception. The new CR-V comes with a range of active and passive safety features, including Honda Sensing, which we mentioned earlier. In addition to Honda Sensing, the new CR-V also comes with a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.
The CR-V also features Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure designed to improve the safety of its occupants in the event of a collision. The new CR-V comes with a range of airbags, including front-side airbags, side-curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag.
We wouldn’t worry so much about gunning the new CR-V down Abeokuta road or Badagry expressway, not with Honda’s safety-conscious ACE engineering ensuring passengers’ safety in the event of – God Forbid – a crash.
2023 Honda CR-V Price In Nigeria
According to the Kelly Blue Books, the 2023 Honda CR-V starts at $28,410. This translates to roughly ₦13 million using the official currency conversion rates. The fully-loaded EX trim with front-wheel drive begins at $31,610 (roughly ₦15 million), while the EX-L with even more features starts at $34,260 (roughly ₦16 million).
Opt for the all-wheel drivetrain and it will set you back an extra $1,500 (₦700,000), no matter the trim or powertrain. Note that these prices does not include logistics and import duties. If you’re looking to buy the 2023 Honda CR-V in Nigeria, we recommend having a budget of, at least, ₦18 million to get started.
Final Word On The 2023 Honda CR-V
Summarily, the 2023 Honda CR-V is an excellent choice for buyers looking for a versatile, comfortable, and technologically advanced crossover SUV. With a redesigned exterior and interior, new technology features, and improved performance, the CR-V is set to sweep the market as a top contender in the highly competitive crossover market.
Aware of the practical and functional implications of size in the C-SUV segment, Honda has predictably resized the new-gen CR-V to be slightly larger than its predecessor. Overall, we're pleased with how the 2023 CR-V turned out. We don’t hesitate to recommend the new CR-V alongside market all-stars such as the value-packed Kia Sportage, stylish Mazda CX-50, and evergreen Toyota RAV4.
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