Japanese automaker Honda may upset the small SUV rankings in 2023. The Honda CR-V consistently challenges the RAV4 for the best-selling small SUV title, but has come up short year after year. The redesigned 2023 CR-V is arguably the most competitive version of the small SUV Honda has produced so far. Its hybrid version offers even more power and better fuel economy. The CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring has many great standard features that make every penny worth it.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring includes many driver-assist features
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring includes Honda’s most advanced safety and driver-assist features. The small SUV starts at $38,600, which isn’t bad considering its complex hybrid powertrain system and plenty of great standard features.
One of the best driver-assist features that’s standard on the CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring is adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. Advanced forms of cruise control have been controversial, to say the least. Many consumers are skeptical when it comes to relinquishing any degree of control while driving.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow uses sensors to detect vehicles in front of the CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring. Honda claims that the system was not designed to detect all objects and that its effectiveness may vary based on weather conditions and speed.
Under ideal conditions, this feature allows the driver to let the CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring accelerate to keep up with light traffic. Not recommended for heavy traffic. ACC with Low Speed Follow is best for relatively open roads and long drives on highways. Various auto manufacturers offer forms of advanced cruise control to provide the simplest of driving experiences. Vehicles are getting smarter, but drivers remain fully responsible for operating the vehicle when systems like this are activated.
The CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring comes with great amenities
The CR-V Hybrid is not a luxury vehicle. Honda leaves the glitz and glamor of luxury vehicles to its Acura division. Still, higher trim level CR-Vs can get pretty fancy. The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring comes with a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Few things say luxury like a warm leather steering wheel, especially in cold conditions. Splurging for convenience doesn’t have to break the bank.
The small hybrid SUV’s heated leather-wrapped steering wheel is one of many standard amenities. The CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring also includes leather-trimmed seats with orange stitching, heated front seats, and a wireless phone charger. Kelley’s Blue Book praises the standard equipment of the CR-V Hybrid.
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring Puts Safety First
The Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring comes standard with Honda Sensing. Honda Sensing is a suite of driver assistance and safety features. Includes a blind spot information system. The Blind Spot Information System lets drivers know when vehicles are in the small SUV’s blind spot when the turn signal is on.
The Blind Spot Information System is standard on all 2023 CR-V models. It makes driving safer and lane changing easier. Honda’s redesigned CR-V will compete with the best small SUVs on the market, including the 2023 Toyota RAV4, 2023 Hyundai Tucson and 2023 Mazda CX-5.