After making its international debut a few months ago, the sixth generation of the honda crv It is already rolling on the roads of our country. As it happened with the CivicIt is a great evolution that represents a great advance with respect to its predecessor.
Is Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, better known only as CR-VIn fact, it is a model of great relevance for the brand. It was originally introduced in 1995 and became a direct precursor to modern SUVs. The second generation arrived in Mexico as a 2002 model, and since then it has been among the best sellers in our country. It was even produced here.
But not only Mexico has a huge taste for this SUV, since during 2001 it was placed as the third best-selling model in the world. Only behind Toyota RAV4 (its eternal rival) and the Corolla Sedan.
With all this, you can imagine that Honda did not play games when renewing its star SUV, and right, today we are going to know all the secrets around the 2023 Honda CR-V.
2023 Honda CR-V: Design
Aesthetically, the new generation is easily identifiable as a CR-V. We find already classic elements such as the upper skulls, which have been a hallmark of this vehicle since its origin. However, it is not a continuation model, since, in reality, it is a welcome improvement over its predecessors, which, frankly, stood out for their practicality, but not precisely for their attractive figure.
It is so, that more than a “stretch”, This 2023 CR-V adopts a new design language with lines that have a lot of Civic, with serious lines, but bolder. In addition, the Touring version, which is the one we tested, is distinguished by having black elements such as the grill, 19-inch wheels, and roof bars, which gives it a sportier image.
But what is most striking is the long hood, which, although it also contributes a lot to this aggressive appearance, is not really a mere aesthetic whim, since Honda engineers actually delayed the A-post on purpose. 11.9 centimeters. This with the pretext of giving the driver a greater sense of control, as well as security, since, according to the brand, this solution allows him to overcome the increasingly demanding impact tests.
Honda CR-V 2023: Interior, technology and connectivity
Inside, we are greeted by a cabin with a design directly inspired by the Civic. A grille that merges with the air conditioning vents runs the width of the dash. The plastics, more than sumptuous, are of high quality. The steering wheel and gear knob are upholstered in leather, but the light-colored synthetic leather seats deserve special mention for the comfort they provide to the crew.
In terms of connectivity, the 9-inch screen positioned in the form of a tablet stands out. The Android Auto and Apple Carplay connection is a guarantee and, by the way, it also has OTAS support when connecting to a Wi-Fi network. The audio system has 12 speakers and is signed by BOSE.
Already entered in technological matters, we must also mention the 7-inch digital cluster, as well as the wireless charger for smartphones. In the front there are USB and USB Type C ports, while in the back they are only of the latter configuration. A curious detail is the absence of a panoramic roof, since its place is taken by a simple sunroof. Something that is a rarity in the segment.
Regarding space, the truth is that the CR-V boasts a generous cabin. Four occupants will travel “at ease”, and a fifth will even travel comfortably. The trunk for its part is wide and has a double bottom floor. The seats are foldable 60/40 and Honda announces a cargo volume of up to 1,113 liters.
2023 Honda CR-V: Handling and Safety
Under the hood, this sixth generation uses the already known and improved engine of 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder capable of delivering 188 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to a CVT automatic transmission with simulated shifts and paddle shifters behind the wheel. Suspensions are independent on both axles.
The understanding of the engine and the box is very good. Honda’s CVTs are some of the best on the market and this is no exception. In fact, from the first moment it feels more agile and responsive than the previous generation. The torque is available from 1,700 rpm and it should be noted that the brand claims that the CR-V is 15% more rigid, which translates into better behavior and ride quality.
The acceleration is good and although it is not sporty, it is agile and to be honest it fully fulfills the mission of being a family vehicle. On the highway, the balance between comfort and firmness stands out. Even when attacking curves, the body behaves up to the task and the wobble of the body has been significantly reduced. Undoubtedly, the dynamic capacity was benefited.
Assists such as lane maintenance become intrusive in their actions and sometimes even somewhat dramatic, although effective. Same case for the Frontal Collision Braking Alert, which has proven its worth more than once. Although I insist, I believe that its activation resorts to “better safe than sorry”.
Other ADAS assists to highlight are Heavy Traffic Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation System with Braking, Road Departure Mitigation System, as well as Honda LaneWatch. By the way, it has 10 airbags.
Honda CR-V 2023: Gasoline consumption
As is customary in autocosmos, we put the 2023 Honda CR-V through a real-world fuel economy test. The rules, you already know:
It was given a use like the one you would give it on a day-to-day basis. A mixed route was drawn up that would allow us to face the heavy traffic of Mexico City, while driving on the highway, without neglecting the journey through secondary and tertiary roads.
The only determining factor was not to drive at a speed that endangered our lives or that of the other drivers around us, without this meaning refraining from overtaking. In fact, on the highway the average speed was approximately 120 km/h. The air conditioning was on most of the time.
We traveled a total of 77.3 km, for which 6.1 liters were necessary. This gives us a combined performance in CR-V of 12.67 km / l. Not bad considering the good dynamic performance that it boasts. As a cultural fact alone, this figure is comparable to smaller and theoretically more efficient SUVs.
2023 Honda CR-V: Conclusion
The new Honda CR-V 2023 arrives in Mexico with the difficult mission of continuing to maintain itself as one of the benchmarks in the segment. It finds its main sales arguments in handling, consumption, design and safety. The price has not yet been revealed, as we handled it before its official launch
Among its main contenders are the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, KIA Sportage, as well as the Nissan X-Trail that will also debut a generation these days. Undoubtedly, a strong battle, but the CR-V has very strong cards that will surely make it the protagonist of the market again.