The 2023 CR-V takes on a design inspired by Honda’s larger line of SUVs and pickup trucks such as the Ridgeline and Passport. The predominantly horizontal lines and re-positioned windshield pillars both contribute to its sleeker and larger presence. It features a large, upright grille and standard LED headlights; while at the back, a new all-LED interpretation of the signature vertical taillight design.

Size-wise, it’s about 69 mm longer and 10 mm wider than before. Its wheelbase has also been stretched to 2,700 mm—an increase of 41 mm versus the current model. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, going up to 19-inch on higher trim models.

Inside, the all-new CR-V takes on a cabin clearly inspired by the all-new Civic. The same clean surfacing with minimal cutlines and the dash-stretching honeycomb mesh continues here. The driver benefits from a 7-inch digital instrument panel, while infotainment duties are handled by either a 7-inch or 9-inch floating style touchscreen. Either way, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a wireless device charger. For audiophiles, the 12-speaker Bose sound system is also made available for the first time.

The CR-V boasts of a larger front-to-rear couple distance and even more legroom than before (+15 mm). The front seats now have a Body Stabilizing Seat design that reduces fatigue during long drives, a sedan-like steering angle, and a 9-liter center console bin—the largest among compact SUVs. Meanwhile, at the back, the rear seats now feature eight angles of recline for increased comfort.

The 2023 CR-V engine range starts with an improved turbocharged 1.5-liter. Although peak power remains the same (190 horsepower), enhancements to its turbocharger and a 4-2 exhaust port means peak torque (243 Nm) arrives 300 rpm from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm. Engine noise has also been reduced significantly. Meanwhile, the new hybrid model packs a 2.0-liter electrified motor which offers a combined 204 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque output.

The turbocharged 1.5-liter is paired with a CVT gearbox with new Step-Shift programming that simulates gear changes at full throttle, while the hybrid has a unique single-gear transmission.

For safety, the all-new CR-V adopts the latest Honda Sensing system. Unlike in the HR-V and Civic though, this one continues to combine a wide-angle camera with a millimeter-wave radar. Not only can it detect both vehicles and pedestrians, but also road boundaries such as curbs and road signs. On top of that, blind spot information is now standard as well as a driver attention monitor.

The first market to get the all-new Honda CR-V will be the U.S., where it will go on sale by August. The hybrid models will come later in the year. The rest of the world, including ASEAN (where the CR-V is currently being tested as a camouflaged model) will surely follow in a couple of months’ time.