The Honda CR-V is not just one of the most popular SUVs out there, it’s also one of the most popular vehicles in America. But deciding to buy one isn’t quite enough—you still have to pick which trim you want. The CR-V returns this year in its sixth generation with a full redesign, proving itself still as one of the best all-wheel drive SUVs on the market.
2023 Honda CR-V Trims
Each of the CR-V’s trims adds additional features, but at what point do you cross the line from necessary accessories to luxury comforts? This detailed breakdown will help you determine which 2023 Honda CR-V should be in your garage.
EX
The 2023 Honda CR-V EX with front-wheel-drive is the least expensive 2023 Honda CR-V on the market with a starting MSRP of $31,110. Despite being the cheapest, it still comes with some pretty great features. You get daytime running lights, a multi-angle rearview camera, fold-flat 60/40 split rear seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The CR-V LX is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, hill start assist, and active noise cancellation. Because it has a smaller engine, it gets great gas mileage for an SUV. The EPA rates its fuel economy at 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Upgrading to all-wheel-drive decreases the fuel economy slightly to 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Conversely, it increases the price as well.
As is typical on Honda vehicles, there is an array of active and passive safety features. This makes the CR-V LX perfect for new and inexperienced drivers. Along with the multi-angle rearview camera, it also has a tire pressure monitoring system, automatic high beams, and electronic brake distribution. The seatbelt reminder ensures drivers and front-passengers alike don’t forget their safety strap.
But in addition to those features, the CR-V offers a ton of active safety features. Starting with this redesign, Honda has made these features – like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control – standard with the CRV.
On the inside, the CR-V LX’s entertainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay, Amazon, Alexa and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, two USB ports, a six-speaker stereo, and 7-inch touch display. There’s also a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Additionally, there’s a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control.
On top of all that, the moonroof comes standard with the base trim as well as a push-button start ignition and remote keyless entry
EX-L
The 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L is the next trim level and starts at $33,760. If the CR-V LX upped performance and safety, the CR-V EX-L focuses on luxury. One of the most prominent features is the addition of leather on the interior rather than cloth. The new leather seats are accompanied by a matching leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. This CR-V EX-L also implements a power tailgate, power-adjustable seating, and front and rear parking sensors, but that doesn’t even begin to cover the improvements.
Drivers will appreciate the upgraded 9-inch touch display infotainment system with satellite radio and HD radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless with this trim and an eight-speaker audio system replaces the six-speaker one. For an added cost, you can opt in for additional USB ports, a heated steering wheel, a garage door opener and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Sport
The Sport trim is the first of the hybrid options available. It includes many of the same standard features as the EX trim but with the addition of a leather-wrapped steering wheel and four USB ports. The same array of standard safety features are also included.
The Hybrid powertrain includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, generating a combined 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available. With the front-wheel option you’ll get fuel economy estimates of 43 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
Get it starting at $32,450.
Sport Touring
The Sport Touring trim takes luxury to the next level. It comes with many of the same features as the EX-L and much more, including navigation, rain-sensing wipers and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Get this trim starting at $38,600.
