The 2023 Honda CR-V defines versatility. With agile handling and a turbo engine, the compact SUV makes every drive more fun. Add in available AWD and an optional hybrid powertrain, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s hardy and efficient. And with the company’s legendary engineering, you know the CR-V’s built to last.

As 2023 finishes out, the CR-V’s been on a roll sales-wise. And that makes sense. After all, the popular SUV just works for a variety of drivers and applications. Let’s review the Honda SUV’s specs and how it could finish the year strong.

Why is the Honda CR-V so popular in 2023?

When it comes to buying a new vehicle, consumers have plenty of choices. Manufacturers make a little bit of everything, from sports sedans to full-size trucks. While that makes for some sweet rides, not many cars can do it all. But the CR-V can.

Because of that, the compact SUV’s enjoyed robust sales in 2023. According to GoodCarBadCar, Honda’s sold 293,748 CR-Vs so far in 2023. That’s a 47.46% increase YTD.

For 2023, Honda offers the CR-V in the following trims (prices including destination):

• LX: $29,705

• EX: $32,355

• Sport Hybrid: $33,695

• EX-L: $35,505

• Sport Touring Hybrid: $40,395

Key to the CR-V’s performance is its balanced design. Comprised of a unibody platform, advanced powertrains, and a modern interior, the Honda SUV has excellent dynamics and long-distance comfort. And with sheet metal that’s both rugged and sleek, it looks cool driving down the street.

Car-based unibody platforms help SUVs handle more like sports sedans than ponderous trucks. That’s because the chassis is one unit, unlike a body-on-frame design where the passenger compartment rides on top of a frame. The result is increased rigidity, making for accurate cornering, and composure over imperfections. It’s a difference you can feel.

Honda has a reputation for building watch-like engines that stand the test of time. That tradition continues in the CR-V, where buyers can choose from a turbo four or a hybrid setup.

Digging deeper into the specs

The 2023 Honda CR-V’s standard turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder produces a healthy 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. That’s routed through a CVT and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional. Fuel economy’s an excellent 28/34/30 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD). AWD versions obtain 27/32/39 mpg city/highway/combined. It’s a powertrain that’s fun and frugal.

But it’s the CR-V’s available hybrid setup that steals the show. Available on the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims, the system has strength and efficiency. Combining a 2.0-liter four with dual electric motors, the system makes 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. That translates to a superb 43/36/40 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD versions). All-wheel drive lowers those figures slightly to 40/34/37 mpg city/highway/combined.

Inside, the CR-V is modern and upscale, with high-quality materials and a sleek design. A thick steering wheel looks out of a sports car, while a cool honeycomb-like vent stretches across the dash. A central touchscreen enhances convenience, and metal highlights provide a nice contrast. It’s a well-organized driving environment.

And that’s not all. The CR-V also includes seating for five and up to 39 cu-ft of storage (rear seats folded on gas-only models). And the Honda Sensing suite of driver’s assistance tech provides reassurance on the road.

With a feature set like that—and reasonable pricing— it’s easy to see why the CR-V is such a strong seller.

2023 Honda CR-V: comparing sales year over year

With the new year on the horizon, we expect CR-V sales to finish strong. As of October, the SUV keeps setting sales records and could eclipse 350,000 units in 2023. Here’s how.

Last month, Honda moved 31,397 CR-Vs, compared to 20,517 a year ago. That’s an increase of 53% YTD—a dramatic uptick, to be sure.

YTD CR-V sales stand at 293,748. So with two months to go, more than 60,000 units should fly off dealer lots, putting 2023 sales figures beyond 350,000. That’s a lot of SUVs.

The 2023 CR-V keeps setting records in the showroom. And it’s no wonder. With a design that combines sport, utility, and efficiency, the compact SUV ticks all the boxes. While the gas-powered model is a solid pick, the hybrid version is even better, with remarkable fuel efficiency on any trip. The CR-V is a superb ride for any driver.