2023 Honda CR-V — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 Honda CR-V

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $30,176–$40,698
Fuel Economy 29 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,810/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Honda CR-V

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$30,176–$40,698

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Honda CR-V

With an overall Carivo score of 8.1/10, the 2023 Honda CR-V earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Honda CR-V's reliability at 8.8/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 9.0/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.5/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $30,176–$40,698, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Honda CR-V sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.3/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Honda CR-V as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2023 Honda CR-V ranks #84 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,176 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 16%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which CR-V Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Honda CR-V scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 8.1 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.2/10$32,043 Read review →
2025 8.2/10$32,043 Read review →
2024 8.1/10$31,110 Read review →
2023 (this review) 8.1/10$30,176
2022 8.2/10$29,243 Read review →
2021 8.0/10$28,310 Read review →
2020 8.0/10$27,376 Read review →
2019 7.8/10$26,443 Read review →
2018 7.9/10$25,510 Read review →
2017 7.8/10$24,576 Read review →
2016 7.7/10$23,643 Read review →
2015 7.7/10$22,710 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Honda CR-V

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2023 Honda CR-V (3 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Seats / Front assembly / Recliner
16/02/2023 · 23V092000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 CR-V vehicles. The front passenger seat back frame may not have been welded properly, which can cause the seat back position to fail in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to…
Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump
18/12/2023 · 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…
Steering
03/10/2024 · 24V744000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

More Honda Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.