2023 Honda CR-V – larger sixth-generation SUV; bolder styling; 1.5L VTEC Turbo and hybrid; Interior like Civic

Honda just revealed Sixth generation CR-V, has been completely redesigned and will go on sale in the 2023 model year in the United States this summer (between June and August). Initially, the brand’s all-new SUV will be offered with a turbo engine before hybrid variants are introduced later this year.

The EX and EX-L variants will receive an updated version of the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine, which Honda claims is more refined and offers improved emissions performance. Notable improvements to the four-cylinder engine include a new high-performance, high-response turbocharged cylinder as well as a 4-2 exhaust port cylinder head.

Outputs remain unchanged despite these modifications, with the engine producing 190 hp (193 PS) and 243 Nm of torque, although they come at a different engine speed than before. . In the case of peak horsepower, it will reach 400 rpm later at 6,000 rpm, while peak torque now comes 300 rpm earlier from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm. The VTEC Turbo continues to be paired with a continuously variable CVT transmission, which has also been fine-tuned to reduce noise and vibration.

As for the hybrid powertrain, it is only possible with the Sport and Sport Touring variants. The setup is similar to what you will find in the latest section Civic e: HEVwith a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine and e-CVT working together with two electric motors for a total system output of 204 hp (207 PS).

It should be noted that the quoted figure is less than the model that comes with the same setup is rated at 212 hp (215 PS). However, one of the electric motors (not the one that acts as a generator for the battery) is actually more active than before, producing 335 Nm instead of 315 Nm. The newer hybrid powertrain also gives the CR-V a towing capacity of 454 kg (1,000 pounds), where the previous system hit none.

All variants can be optionally available with all-wheel drive (marketed as Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control), with the system now able to send 50% of the torque. Twist the engine to the rear wheels for better traction in slippery conditions like snow and mud – Sport Touring takes this as standard. In terms of driving modes, there are three selectable standard options (Normal, Econ and new Snow), with Sport being an additional mode for hybrid variants.

Other mechanical modifications include a stiffer front subframe and a repositioned steering rack for improved feel and accuracy. The rear subframe is also stiffened for a re-tuned multi-link suspension with 15% higher spring rates for the upper spring rack – MacPherson struts continue to be used at the front.

Style wise, the latest CR-V eliminates its curved shape predecessor for a sharper, firmer look. The bolder appearance is said to be inspired by the recently redesigned Ridgeline and Passport TrailSport, with key cues being a large, vertical grille in glossy black surrounded by slim LED headlights.

The angled bumper is also new, and on hybrid variants it gets a wide lower air intake with chrome accents and L-shaped details that integrate vertical air vents. The non-hybrid models resemble the red car in the gallery below.

You’ll also notice a longer bonnet, which is a result of the A-pillars being moved back by about 119 mm. The base of the A-pillars has also been moved 71 mm outward and sits 35.6 mm lower than the previous CR-V.

Along the sides, a prominent border highlights the reshaped window line with a less obvious kink near the base of the D-pillar, accompanied by the familiar lower body cladding. Moving to the rear, we find vertical taillights that resemble an upcoming model, although they are sleeker on the new SUV.

The reworked rear end also shows that the number plate is placed higher, with the lower concave completely omitted. Those rectangular exhaust finishes are only available on Sport and Sport Touring variants, both of which come in 18-inch and 19-inch black alloys respectively – the EX and EX-L replace the color units. 18 inch silver.

If the new CR-V looks bigger than its predecessor, your eyes aren’t fooling you. The sixth-generation model measures 4,694 mm (+69 mm) long and 1,864 mm (+10 mm) wide, while the height is only slightly reduced to 1,681 mm (-8 mm). More importantly, the wheelbase has increased by 40 mm to reach 2,700 mm.

The wider wheelbase means more rear-seat legroom (+15 mm) and the bench now has eight recline angles for increased comfort. Other benefits include greater front-to-rear distance and more cargo space in both turbo and hybrid variants.

Also on the inside is a Civic-inspired dashboard that has been revealed a few days before the official launch today. Much of the design is almost a carbon copy of the sedan, including the three-spoke steering wheel, full-width mesh-covered air vents, and a freestanding infotainment touchscreen, the last of which has size 7 inches in the EX and Sport, and 9 inches in the EX-L and Sport Touring.

Another area with the Civic is the center console, which is larger in the CR-V than the SUV’s overall size. This allows placing the gear lever in tandem with the drive mode selector, downhill control and electronic parking brake switch. These items are located behind the storage compartment with a Qi wireless charger (EX-L and Sport Touring only), with a pair of racks sandwiched between the raised center console and the armrest.

All CR-V variants support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless connectivity reserved for EX-L and Sport Touring variants. A seven-inch digital instrument cluster is also on the basic kit list, as are 10 airbags, downhill control, rear seat belt reminder, rear seat reminder and driver attention monitor. and Honda Sensing.

The suite of safety and driver assistance systems is now supported by a new 90-degree field of view and 120-degree millimeter-waveradar field of view, with additional functions being the new Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Speed ​​Brake Control low and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). Blind spot information (BSI) is now standard, and existing features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Lane Keeping Assist and Low Speed ​​Tracking (LKAS) are now more responsive .

Fabric upholstery is included in the EX and Sport variants, while leather is used for the EX-L and Sport Touring. The hybrids also add two more rear-passenger USB-C ports above the USB-A and USB-C ports at the front of the cabin, while the top option is the only one with a 12-speaker Bose sound system. .

So there you have it, the all-new CR-V? Are you impressed by the SUV’s new look or do you prefer its predecessor? Do you hope we get a redesigned SUV with a hybrid powertrain? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.