Whether you use the term “getting the most bang for your buck” or “making a dollar go farther,” you’re talking about value. Most of us work toward the goal of getting the most out of our budget. Thankfully, the 2023 Honda CR-V EX is an SUV that can help add value to your driving experience with an affordable price and a full package of desirable features.

What is the 2023 Honda CR-V EX?

The EX trim is now the base model for this Honda SUV. The LX trim is gone as the CR-V enters a new generation for the 2023 model year. The blend of the former LX and EX trims brings us a new and more complete package with the familiar EX name.

This base version of the 2023 Honda CR-V includes:

• 18-inch wheels
• Push-button starting
• Proximity key fob
• Remote engine starting
• LED headlights and taillights
• LED side mirror turn signals
• Power sunroof
• Smart Clear wiper system
• Ambient lighting
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Reclining 60/40 split-folding rear seat
• Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six-speaker sound system
• Dual-zone climate controls
• Honda Sensing Safety Suite
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning and mitigation
  • Blind-spot warning
  • Rear cross-traffic warning
  • Forward collision mitigation
  • Lane-keeping assistance
  • Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Multi-angle rearview monitor
  • Low-speed brake control
  • Automatic brake hold
  • Hill descent control
  • Hill start assist
  • Rear seat reminder

What is the Smart Clear Wiper System of this Honda SUV?

The Smart Clear Wiper System utilizes washer nozzles mounted on the sides of the wiper blades to spray in the direction of the moving blade. This is a more efficient use of the washer fluid, using less fluid to clear the windshield during your drive.

What powertrain does the 2023 Honda CR-V EX utilize?

The CR-V comes with both a conventional and a hybrid powertrain. The EX model uses the conventional 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission. This powertrain is good for 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. If you select an FWD model, the fuel economy rating is 28 city/34 hwy mpg while AWD versions offer 27 city/32 hwy mpg.

What are some of the pros and cons of this Honda SUV?

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX offers clean styling, a large interior with ample cargo room, an efficient powertrain, a useful infotainment system, and a long list of standard features.

On the flip side, this Honda SUV does not have a trim below the EX any longer, lacks variety with no plug-in hybrid offered, and doesn’t have the TrailSport off-road trim found in other new Honda SUV models.

How much is the EX trim of the CR-V?

The base model CR-V costs $31,110. Because the EX model is now the base trim, this starting price is higher than other compact crossovers, including the Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4.

Does the new 2023 Honda CR-V EX offer enough value?

If you put this base model CR-V up against the rest of the compact SUV class, you’ll find that it has more standard features to be a much more complete crossover. That said, the starting price could put this SUV out of the price range for some consumers searching for the base trim without so many bells and whistles.