The Honda CR-V has long been a fan favorite in the highly competitive compact SUV market. With its versatile design, spacious interior, and reliable performance, it has consistently been one of the top choices for consumers. However, the 2023 Honda CR-V is facing some tough criticism from industry experts.

According to JD Powers, the renowned market research firm, the latest model fails to stand out in the crowd. This assessment is surprising given Honda’s reputation for producing high-quality vehicles. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s not quite living up to expectations.

The 2023 Honda CR-V falls short of expectations in a crowded segment

In the J.D. Powers expert review section, the author expresses their disappointment with the 2023 CR-V for failing to distinguish itself as the top choice in its segment.

What the author means by this is that while the 2023 CR-V is a solid compact SUV with good fuel economy, a spacious interior, and advanced safety features, it doesn’t stand out enough from its competitors.

The author notes that the CR-V faces tough competition from other popular compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-50, and Hyundai Tucson, all of which offer similar features and capabilities. While the CR-V may have a few advantages over these competitors, such as its fuel economy or its practical interior design, it doesn’t do enough to truly set itself apart.

As a result, the author feels that the 2023 CR-V will likely be just one of many choices for consumers in the compact SUV segment, rather than the clear choice. While this may not be a deal-breaker for some potential owners, it could make it harder for the CR-V to stand out in a crowded market and win over new customers.

The 2023 Honda CR-V lacks some standout features

In the author’s opinion, the 2023 CR-V lacks the distinctive features that would set it apart from its rivals in terms of design.

The exterior design is described as “safe” and “unremarkable,” with no defining characteristics to set it apart from other SUVs in its class. The interior is similarly criticized for its blandness and lack of personality. The author notes that while the materials are of high quality, the overall design and layout are uninteresting and uninspired.

Furthermore, the author suggests that Honda missed an opportunity to update the CR-V’s design in a more significant way. The latest model looks very similar to its predecessor, which may not be enough to entice potential owners who are looking for something fresh and exciting.

Taking a closer look at other issues

The 2023 Honda CR-V boasts impressive features and technology, but there are some areas where it falls short of expectations. The native voice-recognition technology, while user-friendly, lacks the conversational abilities that modern consumers have come to expect. The need to follow onscreen prompts can be distracting, and it may take some time to figure out how to use the system effectively.

The CR-V boasts impressive features and technology, but there are some areas where it falls short of expectations. The native voice-recognition technology, while user-friendly, lacks the conversational abilities that modern consumers have come to expect. The need to follow onscreen prompts can be distracting, and it may take some time to figure out how to use the system effectively.

One of the most significant areas where the CR-V falls short is in its Honda Sensing technology. This system can be slow to recognize when other vehicles enter or depart the gap ahead, and it can take too long to accelerate back up to the pre-set speed. While it only issued one false alert during testing, there were instances where it seemed to be a step behind in recognizing potential obstacles on the road.

Despite these minor issues, the Honda CR-V remains a popular and reliable choice for drivers looking for a comfortable and practical crossover SUV.