New 2023 Honda CR-V unveiled; UK model to get plug-in hybrid power

Honda's sixth-generation CR-V family SUV has grown in size and will offer plug-in hybrid power in Europe

New 2023 Honda CR-V

Honda has unveiled the North American version of the new CR-V family SUV, providing us with our best look yet at the next-generation of this Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai rival. It’s set to go on sale in the UK and Europe sometime in 2023 and will be available here with plug-in hybrid power.

The new CR-V takes many of its styling cues from the current HR-V, especially at the front, which features a flat nose design and large Honda badge in the centre of the grille. The design is clean and simple, doing away with the fussier elements of the previous CR-V. The 2023 model has also grown in size slightly, which, combined with the more squared-off body shape, should result in more boot space than the existing car’s 497 litres. 

Inside, the new CR-V has followed in the footsteps of the latest HR-V and Civic, with a more minimalist cabin than before. There are only a few buttons for the climate control, alongside a ‘floating’ seven or nine-inch infotainment touchscreen. That’s paired with a seven-inch screen behind the wheel in the car you see here.

Under its reprofiled exterior, the CR-V uses the same platform as the latest Civic, with the full-hybrid version of the family SUV also featuring the same powertrain as the hybrid-only hatchback. In North America, this combination of two electric motors paired with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces a combined 201bhp and 335Nm of torque. However, those figures could change for the European version.

In Europe, unlike the US, the CR-V will be offered with plug-in hybrid power. We still don’t know much about this powertrain option, beyond the fact that it’ll be the Japanese brand’s first plug-in hybrid for European markets. The brand did briefly sell a plug-in hybrid version of its Clarity saloon in the US, but that’s as far as it has gone to date.

Key rivals for the plug-in CR-V, such as the Kia Sportage PHEV, Hyundai Tucson Plug-In, Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, Vauxhall Grandland Hybrid-e and Mazda CX-60 PHEV, can cover around 40 miles on electric power and claim fuel economy of up to 250mpg, so the Honda will have to match or beat these numbers to be competitive.

Honda now has a completely electrified European line-up, following the eighth-generation Civic going on sale alongside the Jazz and HR-V hybrids, plus the Honda e electric city car. As well as the new CR-V’s arrival, 2023 will see Honda launch both a Civic-sized hybrid SUV called the ZR-V and a compact fully electric SUV.

Additionally, Honda is partnering with technology giant Sony to develop and sell electric cars. The pair have established a joint-venture company with the aim of launching their first co-developed EV by 2025.

Recommended

Volvo V60 Recharge hybrid review
Volvo V60 Recharge - front dynamic
In-depth reviews

Volvo V60 Recharge hybrid review

31 May 2023
Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2023
Best PHEVs 2023
Best cars

Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2023

30 May 2023
Mercedes EQS SUV review
Mercedes EQS SUV - front 1
In-depth reviews

Mercedes EQS SUV review

26 May 2023
Peugeot e-2008 review
Peugeot e-2008
In-depth reviews

Peugeot e-2008 review

26 May 2023

Most Popular

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword
Tesla badge
News

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword

Tesla’s updated EV will have an improved interior, greater range and a more affordable price – as well as one unfortunate drawback
1 Jun 2023
Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV
Ford Puma EV
News

Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV

The Ford Puma EV is set to arrive in 2024 with a range of over 200 miles and a tweaked exterior design
22 May 2023
Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video
Vauxhall Astra Electric
News

Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video

The new Astra Electric shares its parts with the Peugeot e-308, with first deliveries due soon
31 May 2023