2023 HONDA CR-V HYBRID SPORT TOURING FIRST DRIVE

EV Channels Review

The 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring hybrid impresses with its refined and quiet interior, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The reviewer highlights the smooth engagement of the hybrid powertrain, the surprisingly quiet cabin thanks to double-pane glass, and the improved visibility due to repositioned mirrors. Positives include physical climate controls, ample storage, and a low, flat load floor in the cargo area. However, minor drawbacks are noted, such as a lack of elbow support on the left side, a non-flat load surface when seats are folded, and an infotainment screen that's slightly out of reach for taller drivers. A significant annoyance is the inability to use cruise control in 'B' mode for regenerative braking. Despite these points, the reviewer finds the handling satisfying, the steering well-weighted, and the overall package compelling, particularly the hybrid's efficiency and power delivery over the non-hybrid model, making it a strong contender in the segment.