2023 Honda CR-V Trim Levels, Specifications & Comparisons
As one of America’s top-selling SUVs of all time, the Honda CRV is a crowd favorite that Honda continues to improve upon. With its completely new design, which takes style cues from the newest generation of the Honda Civic, the 2023 Honda CR-V is a force to be reckoned with. If you’re interested in buying one, which many people inevitably are, which of the 2023 Honda CR-V trim levels is the best value?
The first thing you’ll notice about the new 2023 Honda CR-V is it’s gotten a size upgrade. The new CR-V is 2.7 inches longer and has a wider stance and wheelbase compared to previous generations. This is par for the course for SUVs, as they keep getting bigger to suit the demands and consumer trends in the United States.
Along with its slightly bigger size, the 2023 Honda CR-V has some noticeable style changes. While it has simple and minimalistic features, it simultaneously looks sleek and modern. It seems Honda is attempting to appeal to more aesthetics-driven consumers, while still trying to remain at an affordable price. The CR-V sits in the Honda lineup just above the smaller and more affordable 2023 Honda HR-V.
Four trim levels are available in the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V. The EX, EX-L, Sport, and Sport Touring all have something for everybody, whether you’re looking for a comfortable budget-friendly commuter, a family road trip vehicle, or anything in between.
The lower trim levels on the 2023 Honda CR-V are equipped with a familiar 1.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine that uses a CVT, or continuously variable transmission that has been standard with Honda for several years now.
The 1.5 L CVT engine for the EX and EX-L trim levels has an estimated 190 horsepower and 179 ft-lb of torque. This dependable engine will get the job done with great fuel economy for your everyday driving needs for years to come.
On the other hand, the Sport and Sport Touring trim levels come standard with a 2.0 L 4th generation hybrid engine. This hybrid engine has an estimated 204 combined horsepower with 247 ft-lb combined torque.
With growing trends for hybrid and electric vehicles, Honda is putting a heavy emphasis on these new hybrid CR-V models, and it’s no secret. Honda has continuously stated that the hybrid CR-V models will represent around half of all production and sales for the 2023 CR-V.
In addition to available AWD for each trim level, the 2023 Honda CR-V will come standard with many Honda safety features. These include blind spot information, low-speed braking control, traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control, low-speed follow, and lane-keeping assist.
Not every detail for the 2023 Hinda CR-V is available just yet, so additional specs on colors, prices, and other details have yet to be fully released by Honda.
Now that we’ve gone over the basic layout of what to expect for the 2023 CR-V, let’s take a closer look into the specifics of the different trim levels.
2023 Honda CR-V EX vs. EX-L
Beginning with the entry-level EX trim level, you can count on the unwavering quality and dependability that’s to be expected from a Honda.
Although the interior is nothing to write home about, it has a modern look and feel with many physical controls that seem to be going away with newer vehicles. Drivers of all levels of experience will be able to comfortably drive the 2023 CR-V EX in no time.
The EX trim level has the 1.5 L CVT engine, 18-inch silver alloy wheels, and has econ, normal, or snow driving modes. AWD is available for the EX, but it does not come standard.
Additional features for the 2023 Honda CR-V EX include a 7-inch touch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, automatic dual-zone climate control, USB-A and C charging ports, heated door mirrors with LED indicator, and heated front seats.
If you’re looking for a few added features, next let’s take a look at the 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L trim level.
The CR-V EXL has the same 1.5 L CVT engine and 18-inch wheels as the EX but has some enhanced features that you’re sure to love.
In the interior of the EX-L, you’ll have more luxurious leather seats with a larger 9-inch center display and an 8-speaker audio system. The EX-L seems to strike a great balance between practicality and features, making it a good overall option.
Additional features include a four-way passenger seat, memory mirror and driver seat, heated rear seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, satellite radio, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 2 rear USB-C charging ports.
If you’re looking for a feature-rich Honda CR-V with an appealing look without having to pay the extra cash for the higher trim levels, the 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L is an excellent choice.
2023 Honda CR-V EX-L vs. Sport
Although the EX and EX-L trim levels for the 2023 Honda CR-V look promising, the real star of the show for the newest generation of the CR-V is the hybrid models.
With its 18-inch black alloy wheels, standard AWD, and the added horsepower and torque from the hybrid engine, the 2023 Honda CR-V Sport definitely lives up to its name. Unlike the 2023 Honda HR-V Sport, the CR-V Sport actually has a Sport driving mode, which is a nice benefit.
Gone are the days of tiny and dorky-looking hybrid cars. The hybrid trims of the 2023 Honda CR-V show us that hybrid engines are a valuable tool for SUVs and that the possibilities are far-reaching.
Along with a 7-inch touch screen display with a 6-speaker audio system, the Sport trim has some added features. These include a power tailgate, exclusive sport badging, variable intermittent wipers, sunroof, leather shift knob, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirror, front roof ambient LED light, and 8-way power driver seat with lumbar support.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Sport trim level provides some welcome features in addition to the enhanced hybrid engine. I can foresee many consumers going for this trim level for its cool look and performance aspects. While it’s not at the peak of the possible features for the 2023 CR-V, it seems to have everything anyone would need for a variety of uses.
2023 Honda CR-V Sport vs. Sport Touring
The 2023 CR-V Sport has plenty of appealing features, but for those looking for the most feature-rich trim level, the CR-V Sport Touring trim is sure to satisfy even the pickiest consumers.
Equipped with the 2.0-liter hybrid engine and 19-inch black allow wheels, the Sport Touring has the option for econ, normal, and sport driving modes. A dynamic driving mode is also standard, which is a mode exclusive to the Sport Touring.
The CR-V Sport Touring has the looks and performance of the Sport model with the addition of some amazing style and tech features. The CR-V Spirt Touring stands out from the other models with its touring and hybrid badging, door handle ambient lighting, tailpipe finisher, and black mirror caps.
With a sporty, modern, yet elegant look, the CR-V Sport Touring is sure to stand out, but that’s not all that makes this highest trim level unique. The Sport Touring trim also includes a hands-free power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, paddle shifters, rear camera washer, 12-speaker audio system, wireless navigation, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
For prospective 2023 CR-V owners looking for the most available features with the added benefit of a hybrid engine, the Sport Touring is the move.
Which 2023 Honda CR-V trim should you buy?
With the completely new design of the 2023 Honda CR-V and the available hybrid options, there’s plenty to look forward to for CR-V enthusiasts.
The CR-V has long been a capable and dependable small to midsized SUV that helps families travel across the country, daily commuters get to work in comfort, and outdoor enthusiasts haul all their gear to the backcountry. With the next generation of the Honda CR-V, those capabilities are only improved, and it’s safe to say we can still expect the approachable pricing Honda is known for these vehicles.
All of the 2023 CR-V trim levels look awesome and would make a great vehicle for just about anyone. Unlike some of Honda’s other offerings, the difference in trim levels is much more noticeable, which makes deciding which one suits you much easier. Instead of a few trim levels with minimal differences, the four trim levels of the 2023 CR-V are unique enough in their own right, which is a good thing.
If I had to pick the best overall trim level for the 2023 CR-V, it would have to be the Sport Touring model. The Sport Touring has a super appealing look and some nice and unique features. With the hybrid engine and all the tech features, the Sport Touring stands out as having the best combination of looks, performance, and features.
The interior and all the added benefits of the Sport Touring trim level are more reminiscent of an Acura, Honda’s luxury line, rather than a true Honda. This is by no means a negative, as the pricing will still reflect that of a Honda, even if it is the highest trim level.
Whichever trim level you choose, the 2023 Honda CR-V has had a lot of hype around it, and it’s clear why. The style, performance, tech, and overall design enhancements of the 2023 Honda CR-V sure have Honda fans excited.