2023 Honda CR-V: Design, Powertrain, And Everything Else We Know About The Next-Gen SUV

To keep things fresh, the Japanese automaker is fast developing an all-new, sixth-generation CR-V. And as our spies have revealed, Honda’s cash-cow is playing things safe with a contemporary, well-tailored but also more mature appearance, much like it did with the new iteration of its Civic compact sedan and hatchback. But what else can we expect? Will it be electrified? Let’s dig further.

You only need to look at Honda’s current lineup to see that the weird and wacky styling has been given the boot. Like the latest Civic and Accord, the CR-V exudes a more refined, mature approach to please many and offend very few.

At the front, it sports a dynamic new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille, and a horizontal spear that connects the matrix LED headlights. The longer hood emphasizes power, and the prominent fenders cement a confident stance. A crisp shoulder line connects the front and rear taillights, with the latter being sharper and more detailed in appearance.

Judging by the prototypes, the new CR-V will be longer than the current model that measures 182 in. (4,623mm) long, 73 in. (1,855mm) wide and 67 in. (1,690mm) tall and is riding on a 104.7 in. (2,660mm) wheelbase. The rear overhang also appears to be longer, which in combination with the other changes, alters the crossover’s proportions compared to the fifth-gen model.

Honda rarely makes a dud for interiors, and the new CR-V will be no exception. Thanks to a bump in exterior dimensions, it will feature a roomier cabin with improved materials, minimalist styling and potentially a three-row, seven-seat variant.

The dash will have a larger tablet infotainment display with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless charging and WiFi hotspot capability. In September, Honda confirmed that it is working with Google to integrate the latter’s in-vehicle connected service into an all-new model that will come to market in the second half of 2022 in North America, and which is believed to be the CR-V. Key functions of this system include Google’s Voice Assistant installed to the on-board Display Audio, integrated Google Maps and in-vehicle Google Play apps.

A digital key will be offered for the first time on a CR-V. Honda’s Sensing suite of driver aids, which includes lane-keeping assist, dynamic cruise control, traffic sign recognition and advanced omnidirectional autonomous emergency braking, will be standard.

From the outset, the new CR-V will not be a dedicated battery-electric vehicle. However, it could offer plug-in hybrid capability under the e:PHEV banner to compete against Toyota’s RAV4 Prime and Ford’s Escape PHEV. One option could be to use the Clarity PHEV’s 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine paired to an electric motor for a combined 212 hp, but Honda may also have something entirely different under its sleeve.

What’s certain is that the Japanese company will once again offer a self-charging hybrid. As with the current model, this variant will use a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder gasoline unit mated to an electric motor delivering 212 hp. Power will be fed to the front wheels or all four via Honda’s e-CVT transmission.

The same applies to the base models powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine hooked up to a CVT in both FWD and AWD layouts that’s carried over from the current CR-V.