2023 Honda CR-V

Honda's car lineup is star-studded: you get legendary machines such as the Civic and Accord, but the Japanese automaker's best-selling car is neither of those. It's the CR-V, a crossover SUV that's now in its sixth generation and has the honor of being America's best-selling crossover for the last 25 years. The latest iteration is a brand-new model, and if first impressions are anything to go by, we think that Honda fans in the USA will be very pleased. The new CR-V arrives on the scene with an entirely new look inside and out and gets a slew of new tech features, as well as a turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. A 204-hp hybrid model is available, with the Sport Touring Hybrid topping the range and offering good fuel economy, to boot. With the previous CR-V already being so good, competitors such as the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 have to watch their backs.

The price of the 2023 Honda CR-V starts at $28,410 for the LX, and $31,060 for the FWD EX. Going for the AWD version pushes that price up with $1,500. The Sport Hybrid is next in line and will cost you $32,400 in FWD guise, with the same price uptick for AWD. The mid-range EX-L costs $33,710, or $35,210 in AWD configuration. Finally, the range-topping Sport Touring Hybrid goes for $39,100 with standard AWD. These prices are MSRP and exclude tax, registration, or a destination fee of $1,295.

Buyers in this corner of the market don't expect the world when it comes to handling prowess; instead, they prefer something with predictable road manners and a cabin that will keep the family comfy over long distances. Thankfully the all-new CR-V manages to offer a bit of everything. The new car feels just as communicative and easy to drive as the previous model, and although it's not massively talented in the corners, the low-down torque offered by the base engine does a good job of pulling it around the city - don't expect thrilling take-offs, however.

The new CR-V feels compliant and sure-footed on the highway, especially when fitted with AWD. It remains an incredibly easy car to drive, and its unfussy demeanor makes it suitable for almost anyone. It will likely spend most of its life on city roads, but Honda has equipped each model with hill descent control for when you decide to tackle the odd gravel path.

The secret for success in this category is either to offer massive value for money or to be part of a literal dynasty, and the new Honda CR-V has a bit of both. When Honda decided to rework the CR-V for its sixth generation, it didn't go back to the drawing board but instead built on what it already knew worked and made it better. The new CR-V looks better, drives better, and is more comfortable and practical than ever. The 190-hp turbocharged four-cylinder isn't a performance motor, but it does deliver enough to keep regular commuters happy. The hybrid model is efficient and has higher outputs, still. With the new generation comes new tech, and we appreciate Honda's efforts here. The Honda CR-V has gone through an evolution rather than a revolution, and the end result will likely see it continue to bag top-seller titles for some time.

You can't really go wrong with the 2023 CR-V. The base spec is a little sparse, but from EX trim upwards, this car delivers excellent value for money and an impressive standard feature list. If it's value you're after, the EX model is the one to go for, and if you're after something a bit more premium, we'd recommend the EX-L, which comes with leather seats and added driver assistance features, as well as a larger infotainment display and navigation. The hybrid models are equally impressive and have the added bonus of excellent fuel economy. But, if you're looking at a hybrid, we'd stretch for the Sport Touring model for all the comfort and conveniences.