Honda has declared 2022 the “Year of the SUV” — an interesting choice, given that SUVs have dominated vehicle lineups for a while now — and, after teasing the upcoming redesigned HR-V subcompact SUV, the automaker has released images of what it’s calling an “all-new” 2023 CR-V compact SUV.
Related: 2023 Honda HR-V Grows in Size, Shrinks in Quirkiness
Honda is promising some big things for the 2023 CR-V, according to its very brief press release:
“Rugged and sophisticated design. Increased versatility. A more advanced hybrid system for a sportier driving experience and more capability.”
Just what those mean remains unclear. “Increased versatility” combined with a “rugged” design could indicate a more off-road-friendly CR-V, or perhaps a TrailSport variant that has the looks but not the added capabilities. Versatility could also refer to interior storage and cargo capacity, and it may mean that the CR-V could get a version of the HR-V or Fit’s Magic Seat, a feature we love.
The promise of sportier driving for the CR-V Hybrid is also welcome after a previous-generation model lagged behind the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in a comparison test.
As for the 2023 CR-V’s looks, there are some changes visible in the teaser images, but they’re subtle. The headlight and taillight designs are new, and the front bumper styling looks new as well, with a revised air intake design. Interestingly, the images show only a CR-V Hybrid, so it’s not yet clear if a non-hybrid version will survive to the next generation.
Honda says more information about the 2023 CR-V is coming this summer, so stay tuned.
