2023 Honda CR-V revealed, Australian launch over a year away

The new-generation 2023 Honda CR-V has been unveiled today, rounding out a series of key changeovers in the Japanese brand's line-up.

The big reveal of Honda's new medium SUV follows the launch of new-gen Civic and HR-V models.

With the popular Odyssey now gone from production, along with models like the Jazz and City, we can effectively consider Honda's core 2023 line-up complete. Including the Accord sedan, this is the smallest range Honda has offered in generations.

UPDATE: Australian launch more than 12 months away

A Honda Australia spokesperson today confirmed it will be more than a year before we see the new CR-V in local showrooms.

"While the new model will initially launch this summer for the left-hand-drive domestic North American market, launch timing for Australia is yet to be confirmed as it is more than 12 months away," the spokesperson said.

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For its sixth generation, the CR-V takes on its most conventional look yet, with a hint of last-gen Mitsubishi Outlander in the profile and a flattering touch of angular Volvo lines at the rear – although the L-shaped pillar lighting is a theme Honda has used for generations.

Up front, there's a sized-up Civic look, with long slender headlights reaching away from a six-point grille patterned with a strong, oversized honeycomb effect.

Inside, the CR-V again showcases a look that first debuted with the new Civic, with the digital instrument cluster, dash-mounted 9.0-inch infotainment screen and steering wheel pulled across from its stablemate.

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This is without question the most premium-looking CR-V to date, inside and out – and pricing of the Civic and HR-V suggest the new CR-V will push into a somewhat premium pricing position.

In its current form, the CR-V range opens at $35,300 drive-away for the 2.0-litre Vi grade and tops out with the 1.5-litre turbo petrol AWD VTi-LX at $53,200 drive-away.

If Civic and HR-V are any indication, buyers shouldn't be surprised to see the CR-V offered in only one or two high-specification grades, with pricing starting somewhere around $50,000. It would be hard to imagine the CR-V starting below the $47,200 (drive-away) Civic VTi-LX.

This time, the hybrid model should also be an immediate starter for Australia.

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Powertrains

Power is again provided by two choices, the first being a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine producing 142kW and 243Nm. Maximum power comes in 400rpm higher than before at 6000rpm, and peak torque now begins lower at 1750rpm – down from 2000rpm – and runs through to 5000rpm.

A CVT automatic is again the only transmission on offer, along with front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

In its Hybrid form, the CR-V pairs a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with an electric motor for total system output of 152kW, with the electric motor contributing 335Nm of torque.

Space

No surprises, the new CR-V is bigger than its predecessor. It measures 4694mm long and rides on a 2700mm wheelbase, making it 69mm longer and with a 41mm longer footprint.

Width is up 10mm to 1864mm and height grows 2mm to 1692mm.

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Trim grades

In its North American form, the new CR-V is specified as follows. Dimensions and basic mechanical details will likely be identical for the Australian market, although trim grades will definitely differ.

2023 CR-V Key Specifications and Features – North America

When will the new CR-V come to Australia?

A Honda Australia spokesperson today confirmed it will be more than a year before we see the new CR-V in local showrooms.

"While the new model will initially launch this summer for the left-hand-drive domestic North American market, launch timing for Australia is yet to be confirmed as it is more than 12 months away," the spokesperson said.