Honda announced in a statement the debut of the 2023 CR-V, offering a more advanced 4th-generation hybrid-electric system. CR-V hybrid models will represent about 50% of sales for this 6th generation, a key step in the Honda electrification strategy, according to the statement. The 2023 CR-V is launching this summer, with the Hybrid model launching later in the year.

CR-V is available in four trim levels, including the hybrid-powered CR-V Sport and Sport Touring, with 247 lb.-ft of torque from the new generation two-motor hybrid system.

“As America’s outright best-selling SUV of the past 25 years the Honda CR-V has played a critical role in our past, but what’s significant about the all-new CR-V is the important role it will play in our future — with the CR-V hybrid to represent about 50% of sales,” said Mike Kistemaker, assistant vice president of Honda sales at American Honda in the statement. “More stylish, more rugged, more tech, and more fun-to-drive, this 6th generation CR-V will be best in class in a large segment where that really matters.”

Key CR-V Features

• 4th-generation two-motor hybrid system (Sport, Sport Touring), adding 1,000lb. towing capability.

• 9-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility (EX-L and Sport Touring).

• Standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility (EX and Sport)

• Updated 1.5L turbo engine (EX, EX-L).

• Retuned real time all-wheel drive with intelligent control.

• New hill descent control.

• New snow driving mode.

• Standard Honda sensing system with new wide-view camera and radar, plus new Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), low-speed braking control, and Traffic Sign Recognition system (TSR).

• Next-gen front airbags with standard knee and rear passenger side-impact airbags.

The CR-V Sport and Sport Touring feature a new 4th-generation two-motor hybrid-electric system with refined 2.0L Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine that adds direct fuel injection and is mated to a pair of electric motors that are now mounted side-by-side. This new configuration allows for the use of a larger propulsion motor with increased torque output. Combined system output is 2041 hp (a 3 hp increase, ISO net), while the traction-motor peak torque rises to 247 lb.-ft. of torque (up 15 lb.-ft.).

The updated 1.5-liter turbo engine and 190 horsepower (SAE net at 6,000 rpm). Enhancements include a new high-efficiency, high-response turbocharger and 4-2 exhaust port cylinder head that help the 4-cylinder engine maintain peak power over a broader range of rpm. Its torque peak of 179 lb.-ft. also arrives 300-rpm earlier, from 1,700-5,000 rpm, improving response. 

The new 6th-generation CR-V will be built in three plants in North America, including the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio, the Indiana Auto Plant, and Honda of Canada Mfg. Since 2006, Honda has produced about 5 million CR-Vs in North America, with roughly half of those built in the U.S.