Body Styles

The 2023 Honda CR-V is a five-door compact crossover SUV with seating for five passengers. It features clean, upright proportions, a long hood, and a stretched wheelbase that improves both rear legroom and cargo space. The design adopts a more squared-off, SUV-like stance compared to previous generations, with a vertical front fascia, slim LED headlamps, and a horizontal beltline that runs into bold, L-shaped tail lights. The roofline remains nearly flat, maximizing interior headroom and rear visibility while keeping the profile dynamic and functional.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name “CR-V” is generally interpreted as Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, though Honda has never officially confirmed a single definition. The acronym underscores the vehicle’s purpose as a comfortable, practical, and efficient compact utility vehicle, suitable for everyday use across a wide range of driving scenarios.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The CR-V is offered in a modern selection of colors including Meteorite Gray Metallic, Canyon River Blue, Radiant Red Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Urban Gray Pearl, and Platinum White Pearl. The exterior color palette is conservative yet stylish, emphasizing the SUV’s rugged elegance. Hybrid trims offer blacked-out trim accents, roof rails, and dark grille finishes for a more aggressive aesthetic, especially on Sport and Sport Touring variants.

Inside, the CR-V features Honda’s latest horizontal dash layout with a metal mesh air vent strip running across the cabin. Upholstery ranges from black cloth to perforated leather, with orange contrast stitching available on Sport trims. Interior colors include black, gray, and tan depending on trim level. The cabin integrates a 7” or 9” touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and physical climate controls for intuitive operation. Material quality is markedly improved, with soft-touch surfaces, tight panel fitment, and a premium-feeling steering wheel even on mid-grade models.

Wheel options include 17", 18", and 19" alloys depending on trim. Hybrid models often receive black or dark machined wheels with Y-spoke or turbine designs. The wheel arches are subtly flared, giving the CR-V a planted stance. Though not oversized, the wheels are well-proportioned and visually reinforce the CR-V’s balance between utility and modern urban styling.

Top Expensive Options

• Hands-Free Power Tailgate with Programmable Height: $600
• 9” Infotainment with Wireless CarPlay & Navigation: $1,200
• Bose Premium Audio System (12 speakers): $1,200
• Panoramic Moonroof: $1,100
• Wireless Phone Charger: $350
• Heated Front and Rear Seats: $900
• Two-Tone Black/Orange Interior Trim (Sport Touring): $650
• Honda Sensing 360 with Blind Spot and Traffic Jam Assist: $1,300
• Roof Rails with Cross Bars Package: $800
• All-Weather Protection Package (Mats + Trunk Tray): $400

vs Competitors

The CR-V Hybrid competes with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Subaru Forester e-Boxer. While the RAV4 edges it slightly in raw efficiency, the CR-V counters with more rear-seat space, a better ride, and a significantly more upscale cabin experience. Compared to the Tucson and Sportage, the CR-V feels more mature and composed, trading flash for functional elegance. The Subaru Forester offers more off-road character, but the CR-V beats it in refinement, powertrain smoothness, and interior design. Honda's attention to ride quality, interior quality, and hybrid responsiveness positions the CR-V Hybrid as a segment leader for buyers prioritizing comfort and confidence over sheer output.

Fun Fact

The 2023 CR-V Hybrid is the first CR-V built on Honda’s new global architecture shared with the 11th-generation Civic and 2023 Accord. It also marks the first CR-V where the hybrid model is marketed as the more premium and performance-focused variant, replacing the 1.5L turbo as the flagship drivetrain in North America.