Just around the corner: 2023 Honda CR-V launches in Thailand with new hybrid system, 5 variants

The 2023 Honda CR-V  has launched in Thailand, revealing new styling, a host of new features, plus a hybrid system that could change the game for the crossover.

The Honda CR-V is now in its sixth generation and is available with two drivetrain options to choose from in the land of smiles. Aside from this, the all-new crossover also has five variants, two being hybrids. 

New sporty exterior

On the outside, the 2023 Honda CR-V receives a sportier look with the brand’s latest design language. It resembles the Honda HR-V (Specs | News) with a wide front fascia, sleek LED headlights, and a large grill. It also gets new bumpers, wheels, LED tail lights, and alloy wheels.  

There are six body colors to choose from, including the new Canyon River Blue (Metallic) for e: HEV RS 4WD and e:HEV ES Ignite Red (Metallic) for the e:HEV RS 4WD with Platinum White (Pearl), Meteroid Gray (Metallic), Lunar Silver (Metallic), and Crystal Black (Pearl).

The 2023 Honda CR-V also comes with a new RS variant. The new model gives the crossover an  RS logo on the front grille, black piano door mirrors with turn signals, and body-colored front and rear bumpers. The new bumpers are also color-keyed to the car body.

Aside from this, the crossover also gets Gloss Black side door moldings, LED rear fog lights, body-colored and piano black rear spoiler, piano black shark fin antenna, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

A panoramic sunroof is also available with the vehicle but for its higher variants. 

Minimalist interior

On the inside, the 2023 Honda CR-V receives the same dashboard design as its brother, the Honda Civic (Specs | News). The RS model receives a brushed aluminum, Piano Black interior trim, and black leather upholstery with red stitching. The black steering wheel is decorated with red accent stitching. 

Aside from this, the RS variant also gets a new set of pedals, an intelligent door control system with a Honda Smart Key Card, and an automatic dual-zone air conditioning system. It also receives a heads-up display, a 12-speaker BOSE sound system, and a navigation system. 

Lower variants of the 2023 Honda CR-V get a memory function for the front seats and air vents for the back rows. 

New technology

In terms of technology, the 2023 Honda CR-V receives a 9-inch Advanced Touch touchscreen audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto support, and support for Siri and Android Auto voice commands.

It also gets a 10.2-inch TFT driving information display, wireless charger, and 4 USB ports. Lower variants of the crossover receive a 7-inch infotainment system instead. 

Two powertrain options

Now it's time for the biggest change with the 2023 Honda CR-V, as it receives two powertrain options. The first is a 1.5-liter Direct Injection DOHC VTEC TURBO 4-cylinder, 16-valve gasoline engine that produces 190 PS and is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and has a similar output to that of the Honda Accord (Specs | News). 

The second powertrain option is a 2.0-liter direct injection Atkinson-Cycle DOHC 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine with an electric continuously variable ratio (E-CVT) automatic transmission. Horsepower figures aren’t available as of press time, but the new hybrid system does have a total system output of 335 Nm of torque.

It also has three operating modes: EV Drive Mode, Hybrid Drive Mode, and Drive Mode. Aside from these operating modes, the vehicle has drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco. 

Honda Sensing

All variants of the 2023 Honda CR-V are equipped with the brand’s Honda SENSING advanced safety technology. This gives the crossover the following list of features:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Lane Keep Assist
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Lane Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise control with low-speed follow
• Automatic High beam
• Adaptive Driving Beam (for e:HEV RS 4WD mode)
• Lead Car departure notification system
• Multi-view Camera System
• Hill Descent Control
• Active Cornering Light 
• Honda LaneWatch
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Paddle shifters

The following are the new variants for the 2023 Honda CR-V:

The full hybrid variants

• e:HEV RS 4WD 5-seater
• e:HEV ES 5-seater

1.5-liter turbo variants:

• EL 4WD 7-seater
• ES 4WD 5-seater
• E 5-seater

Do you think the all-new Honda CR-V still has what it takes to compete with other feature-rich crossovers in the market today?