Since its introduction to the North American market in 1997, the Honda CR-V has been a resounding success. As one of the leaders of the compact crossover SUV revolution, the CR-V showed the world that drivers could truly have it all: affordability, reliability, and some impressive performance to boot.
The CR-V has evolved considerably over nearly three decades, seeing increased power, visual redesigns, and forward-thinking hybrid engine technology.
Now, the latest iteration of this popular SUV, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring, has officially arrived. It introduces a blend of sleek design, cutting-edge tech, and great fuel economy that is poised to make a significant impact on the hybrid SUV market.
So, whether you’re browsing the showroom at a Honda dealership in New York or building out your dream car online, the CR-V has plenty to offer. Can this Hybrid Sport Touring edition CR-V get the job done in 2023? Let’s dig in and find out.
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Bigger and Bolder: The CR-V Grows Up
At first glance, you’ll notice that this 2023 CR-V brings a more mature and defined look compared to previous versions. With an all-out redesign, the 2023 has been well received so far by industry critics and customers alike.
For those familiar with CR-Vs from years past, the 2023 remodel will immediately stand out with more muscular angles, shedding the “smoothed over” curves that characterized SUVs for more than a decade prior. The CR-V Sport Touring features some athletic front-end flourishes as well, including geometric bumper cutouts typical of stately European counterparts.
There’s no denying that the Sport Touring Hybrid CR-V has stepped up its design to compete with a tougher, bulkier competitor roster in 2023. Still, it maintains the charm that brought the CR-V to the forefront back in the day, and better yet, it hasn’t had to make any major compromises in the process.
Tech, Comfort, and More: The CR-V’s Elegant Interior
Stepping inside the 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring offers a taste of luxury that Honda owners might not be accustomed to, but we couldn’t be happier about this refresh. The seats are racing-inspired but exceptionally comfortable, with a total redesign from the previous generation.
Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are some of the more sought after features in the auto industry, and this Sport Touring edition delivers them upfront, no questions asked.
In general, the look and feel of the interior is a leap forward for Honda, with higher-quality materials and textured panels that can’t be found on lower trims. The dashboard is far from crowded, taking a “quality over quantity” approach with its buttons, knobs, and switches. Honda found the sweet spot between luxury and simplicity here, offering a multitude of interior features without suffering from gadget overload.
Speaking of tech, the infotainment display is one of the biggest yet at 9 inches across. You can seamlessly connect your Apple or Android devices to the unit and navigate with smooth touchscreen controls.
And let’s not forget the audio system that comes with the Sport Touring CR-V: an exclusive 12-speaker Bose stereo that can only be found on this model. If you’ve been waiting for a branded sound system in a Honda, the wait is finally over with this exclusive feature.
Under the Hood: The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring Engine Delivers Power and Efficiency
Despite a larger size, a boatload of storage, and tech features packed to the brim, the Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring is the most fuel-efficient CR-V yet.
You read that correctly: this front-wheel-drive model achieves 43 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, running laps around other SUVs in the same category. This means that you’ll get cost savings on fuel, and with proper maintenance, even extend the life cycle of your CR-V beyond the typical estimates. With Honda, reliability is already part of the equation; it’s just a matter of how far you’re willing to go!
Meanwhile, you don’t have to calculate the classic trade-off of fuel efficiency and performance with this Sport Touring model. This CR-V combines a 2.0 liter engine with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 204 hp.
The idea of a hybrid powertrain is nothing new, but it’s made better than ever thanks to Honda’s advanced engineering and refinement from the dawn of the 21st century. Honda led the way with hybrid models like the Insight back in the day — now they’re raising the bar even higher with the 2023 CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring.
CR-V Hybrid Sport vs. Sport Touring: Key Differences to Know
It’s worth noting that the Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid is the most expensive of all the CR-Vs currently available. Compared to the entry level CR-V LX, which is priced at just under $30,000, the feature-packed Sport Touring Hybrid will cost just north of $40,000 in most cases.
However, for the efficiency, the all-wheel drive, and exquisite amenities throughout, we stand behind the 2023 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid as the best compact crossover money can buy.
So, if you’re ready to take the leap and experience the best that hybrid SUVs have to offer, look no further than the 2023 CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid.
