2023 Honda CR-V short cut review

An efficient engine, spacious cabin and impressive driving manners help this car take the fight to established favourites.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid won News Corp Australia’s 2023 Car of the Year award. Here’s a closer look at this classy family car.

VALUE

The Honda CR-V has recently arrived in its sixth generation and there’s a hybrid as part of the family for the first time.

2023 Honda CR-V hybrid.

Whereas some rivals offer multiple price levels for their hybrids, with the CR-V there’s just the one to choose from – and it’s not cheap. The CR-V e: HEV RS sells for $59,900 drive-away and because you’re buying directly from head office (through agents rather than dealers) there’s no negotiating on price. It’s a hefty step up from the entry-level CR-V that is priced from $44,500.

Still, that big price tag brings a long list of equipment, including 19-inch alloy wheels, leather, 9-inch infotainment screen, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charger, panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, powered tailgate, and a punchy 12-speaker Bose sound system.

2023 Honda CR-V e: HEV RS (hybrid)

COMFORT

There’s a modern look to the CR-V Hybrid’s cabin and it’s helped by red stitching and highlights as part of the RS design elements. Nicely finished leather lines the seats and the dark plastics match the upmarket theme. A memory function for the driver’s seat is a bonus if there are two regular drivers.

The central infotainment screen isn’t particularly big, but it’s vibrant and easy to operate. Having dials for commonly used functions such as ventilation and volume also adds to the user friendliness.

The quality finishes flow through to the back seat.

Those in the rear are well catered for with space, too, courtesy of generous headroom and an almost flat floor.

2023 Honda CR-V e: HEV RS (hybrid)

Whereas the CR-V is available with a third row of seats – expanding capacity to seven – the hybrid comes with seating only for five.

A 60/40 split-folding back seat helps expand the generous 581-litre boot to accommodate bulky items.

The CR-V is not as plush as some in its ride but the suspension is well controlled for good overall comfort. A generally quiet cabin gets some tyre noise on country roads and the engine can work hard up long hills.

SAFETY

Honda has thrown its full active safety suite at the entire CR-V range. As well as 11 airbags – including knee and a front centre airbag – there’s auto braking, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning and steering assistance that is nicely calibrated.

It’s the only CR-V to do without a spare wheel, instead getting a tyre repair kit.

2023 Honda CR-V e: HEV RS (hybrid)

DRIVING

The CR-V e: HEV matches a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to make a combined 135kW and 335Nm.

The torque, in particular, is hearty and makes for easy acceleration. The engine and motor also interact nicely together for clean acceleration, although longer uphill runs can have the engine revving to keep up.

However, whereas some rivals offer all-wheel drive systems, the CR-V drives only the front wheels. If you’re too eager punching out of a tight corner it can sometimes awaken the traction control.

But the CR-V generally feels secure and surefooted. There’s good grip and decent weight to the steering to add confidence, whether cruising the suburbs or on the open road.

2023 Honda CR-V e: HEV RS (hybrid)

ALTERNATIVES

Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2WD, from about $57,000 drive-away

Effective fuel saving tech, but cabin is ageing and recent price rises have diluted its value. Plus there are queues to buy them and dealer delivery date estimates can often be wildly inaccurate.

Nissan X-Trail Ti e-Power from about $59,000 drive-away

Not as fuel efficient as some, but makes up for it with slick EV-like driving experience and spacious, modern cabin.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES, from about $62,500 drive-away

Plug-in hybrid tech allows EV-only driving and potential FBT benefits. But short electric range means lots of charging and it’s not particularly efficient when running in hybrid mode.

VERDICT

Four stars

Effective petrol-electric system works well to lower fuel bills, but to get those savings you need to spend big on the sole hybrid model.

2023 Honda CR-V e: HEV RS (hybrid)

Honda CR-V e: HEV RS

PRICE: $59,900 drive away

WARRANTY/SERVICE: 5 years, unlimited km, $995 for 5 years/50,000km

SAFETY: 11 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, speed sign recognition, driver attention monitor, rear cross traffic alert

ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder and electric motor, 135kW/335Nm

THIRST: 5.5L/100km

BOOT: 581L

Originally published as 2023 Honda CR-V short cut review