2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's release date is this summer, but the hybrid model specifically is launching later in 2022.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's price hasn't yet been shared but we can expect it to cost a little more than the existing model. For reference, the 2022 CR-V Hybrid has a starting price of $32,010. We anticipate that the new one will begin at around $33,000.

Rivals include the all-conquering 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid which starts at $29,575.

While the current Honda CR-V SUV is a neatly designed crossover, it can hardly be described as exciting. The new one has a more masculine appearance. It has slimmer headlights with a simple LED lighting signature that flank a larger grille, seen here in a black finish. Like the current model, the taillight clusters extend high up alongside the rear window. On the 2023 model, though, the chrome beam running across the back has been removed for a cleaner look. The license plate holder is now sited higher up than before, and the overall appearance looks cleaner.

We don't know what the Honda CR-V Hybrid's exterior colors will be yet, although Honda isn't known for going wild in this area. Besides the darker blue and red hues seen here, expect the usual white, black, and grey choices. Different trims also look different; for example, the Sport and Sport Touring trims have black detailing for the grille that set them apart. Black 18-inch wheels on the Sport make way for 19-inch items on the Sport Touring.

Finding a new car that is smaller than its predecessor is roughly as likely as getting struck by lightning on your way to the office. The new CR-V is 2.7 inches longer, has a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase, and is 0.4 inches wider. This means that the new Honda CR-V Hybrid's dimensions are 184.8 inches in length, 73.4 inches in width, and with a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The height in front is 66.2 inches, and at the back, it's 66.6 inches.

Honda hasn't shared curb weight figures for the new CR-V just yet.

The new Honda CR-V Hybrid's engine is a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit. Supplemented by two electric motors, the total output is 204 horsepower, and there is 247 lb-ft of torque on tap immediately and up to 2,000 rpm thanks to the electric motors. For the first time, the hybrid has a towing capacity although this is limited to 1,000 pounds. Also adding a little more capability is the fitment of hill descent control for the first time.

The two electric motors are now mounted side-by-side which has enabled the use of a larger propulsion motor. All models can be equipped with all-wheel drive but this is standard on the Sport Touring. Based on these specs, we expect the 0-60 mph time to be similar to the previous model's effort of around 7.5 seconds.

Expect it to be economical, too, as the existing CR-V Hybrid returns 40/35/38 mpg city/highway/combined and has a range of well over 500 miles. EPA ratings for the new CR-V Hybrid haven't been published yet.

The normal, non-hybrid CR-V - reviewed separately - makes use of a 1.5-liter turbo four-pot with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's interior has undergone a significant upgrade. It's a more modern design than the previous models and borrows some styling cues from the new Civic. The base hybrid trim has a seven-inch color touchscreen but the Sport Touring features a nine-inch touchscreen and wireless operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's safer, too, as every model now has 10 airbags and the Honda Sensing suite. The latter includes pedestrian and cyclist detection, and adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are also included.

The new Honda CR-V Hybrid's seats are also worth a mention. Called Body Stabilizing Seats, Honda says that they both improve posture and reduce fatigue. Together with over half an inch of extra rear legroom, the new CR-V's cabin should be even more comfortable than before. Materials look good, too. Details like the metal honeycomb mesh running across the dashboard and Black or Gray leather on the Sport Touring are appealing. Both the Sport and Sport Touring hybrids also have a black headliner with orange contrast stitching.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid's trunk space remains a highlight, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row. This is the most cargo space ever offered in the CR-V.