Some things in this world are pretty hard to improve upon—and that includes the Honda CR-V Hybrid, completely redesigned for 2023.
The new CR-V is more handsome than the outgoing model, with creases in its sheet metal that give it a bold, aggressive look. Under the hood, an updated powertrain is built around a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a pair of electric motors that bump total output to 204 hp. The top-of-the-line Sport Touring version is rated by the EPA at 40 mpg city/34 mpg highway/37 mpg combined.
The CR-V Hybrid’s acceleration and handling don’t exactly take your breath away, but they’re more than sufficient for ordinary driving. The brakes are smooth and confidence-inspiring, with none of the odd pedal feel common to the regenerative braking systems of many other hybrids.
Figure in a surprisingly spacious 5-person interior—Honda has spiffed up the cabin’s design and materials—plus a huge 76.5-cubic-foot cargo hold, a full suite of advanced safety features, and top scores in tough IIHS crash tests, and the latest CR-V Hybrid leaves us with no significant nits to pick.
