2023 Honda CR-V

Welcoming the dawn of its next generation, the 2023 Honda CR-V arrives with a comprehensive array of updates that are poised to uphold its distinguished position within the compact SUV segment. An enduring best-seller for nearly three decades, the CR-V has adhered to a philosophy of incremental enhancements rather than radical overhauls every few years. While it has consistently maintained its finesse and capability, the CR-V faced some setbacks in the realm of infotainment technology and active safety features, given the fierce competition within this popular category.

The forthcoming CR-V aims to redefine its trajectory, spearheaded by a thoroughly revitalized chassis that boasts a longer and slightly broader profile. This dimensional transformation not only fosters additional interior space but also holds the promise of enhanced handling (verification pending upon actual test drives). Evidently influenced by the rugged aesthetics of the Honda Ridgeline pickup and the larger Honda Passport SUV, the redesigned model exhibits a more robust and adventure-inspired appearance. The technological landscape is poised for a substantial upgrade, featuring enlarged touchscreens, advanced software integration, and innovative attributes like wireless smartphone control. The hybrid variants experience a power surge, empowering them to tow loads of up to 1,000 pounds. While not equivalent to the capabilities of a diesel pickup, this achievement remains noteworthy for a hybrid-driven CR-V.

These updates are strategically positioned to elevate the CR-V’s standing within its class, aligning its fuel efficiency with the Toyota RAV4 and augmenting its technological and infotainment capabilities to rival the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento. Although it might not match the athletic prowess of the Mazda CX-5 or venture as deeply into off-road territory as the Subaru Forester, the new-generation Honda CR-V undoubtedly presents an attractive proposition, ticking numerous boxes for a wide array of prospective buyers.

 

2023 Honda Civic

Renowned as one of the most sought-after vehicles in the United States, the Honda Civic boasts an array of virtues, including economical efficiency, unwavering reliability, comfortable interiors, and a commitment to safety. Yet, what truly sets it apart from the rest of the compact car lineup is the distinctive “secret sauce” that infuses a dose of driving enjoyment beyond mere affordable transportation. This year’s introduction of the new Type R variant stands as a testament to this, showcasing the vehicle’s inherent thrill. However, the great news is that experiencing a high level of entertainment doesn’t necessitate purchasing the Type R model.

The Civic’s driving pleasure stems partly from its compact dimensions. Both the sedan and hatchback iterations sport modest footprints while providing ample interior space. In fact, the current-generation Civic sedan maintains the same height and is less than 2 inches longer than its previous iteration. This successful formula has influenced competitors in the market. Notable rivals for the Civic include the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra. While Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors have exited this category, the European-designed Volkswagen Jetta remains as one of the limited alternatives. Much like its contenders, the Civic accommodates up to five adults, with optimal comfort for two individuals in the rear seat. This versatile vehicle is offered in both a four-door sedan and a four-door hatchback configuration.

 

2023 Honda Accord

While SUVs have become a go-to choice for families, the enduring relevance of traditional midsize family sedans should not be underestimated. Despite lacking the heightened ride and cargo space of SUVs, sedans often compensate with a more budget-friendly price point, superior fuel efficiency, and enhanced maneuverability. Honda’s iconic Accord has consistently reigned supreme in this category for decades, and now, a new generation has emerged in 2023.

The 2023 Honda Accord has undergone a comprehensive redesign, boasting refreshed aesthetics both inside and out, introducing novel features, and presenting the option between a conventional gasoline engine or a hybrid powertrain. Both powertrains hold their own against competitors in terms of power and efficiency. What’s more, Honda now provides a pre-paid maintenance package for the initial two years. Beyond this, the Accord retains its reputation for delivering a sufficiently spacious interior and an enjoyable driving experience.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that the Accord isn’t the sole sedan deserving of consideration. The Kia K5 stands as a robust contender, boasting sporty aesthetics and a generous array of features relative to its cost. It also offers all-wheel drive, catering to those in regions susceptible to challenging weather conditions. The Hyundai Sonata, closely related to the K5, exclusively offers front-wheel drive but compensates with a high-performance N model and a comparable extended warranty to Kia’s. Meanwhile, the Toyota Camry remains a favored option for its renowned reliability. Yet, its aging design is becoming evident, leading to subpar driving dynamics and interior compared to its sedan counterparts.

It would be unsurprising if the all-new Accord maintains its lead within its category. Stay tuned for further details, including driving experiences, as we keep you updated on the latest developments.