Should You Buy a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid? Thorough Review by A Mechanic

Summary

The 2023 Honda CRV review highlights its refined and well-built interior, smooth driving experience, and high reliability. The hybrid model features a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, an eCVT transmission, and a high-capacity battery that somewhat limits storage space. Despite minor dislikes such as the small infotainment system and rear storage limitations, the CRV offers a comfortable and spacious ride with a sophisticated design, making it a strong contender in its segment.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The 2023 Honda CRV features a 2.0L four-cylinder direct injected engine for the hybrid model, differing from the 1.5L turbo engine used in the non-hybrid version.
• 🌟 Honda has incorporated a simple yet effective mechanical design with electronic intake variable valve timing and oil-controlled exhaust variable valve timing.
• 🔧 The hybrid model's engine is paired with a unique multi-stage direct injection system aimed at minimizing carbon buildup.
• 📈 The exhaust manifold is integrated into the cylinder head, a design Honda has used for a long time, providing more room and improved functionality.
• 🚀 The cooling system of the hybrid model is notably straightforward compared to other hybrids, with no complex valves and simplified servicing.
• 🛠️ Honda has designed the PCU (Power Control Unit) to be compact and efficient, with its own cooling circuit separate from the engine coolant.
• 🔋 The hybrid system features an electric AC compressor and a DC to DC converter, eliminating the need for traditional belt-driven components.
• 🏎️ The 2023 Honda CRV has a refined and spacious interior, with a focus on user-friendly physical controls and a minimalist design approach.
• 🛋️ The rear seat of the CRV offers ample space and comfort, with a smaller driveshaft hump than expected in AWD vehicles.
• 📱 The infotainment system, while functional, is on the smaller side and lacks a physical back button for easy navigation.
• 🚫 The hybrid battery takes up a significant amount of storage space in the rear, limiting the practicality of the cargo area.

Q & A

What engine does the 2023 Honda CRV hybrid model have?

The 2023 Honda CRV hybrid model features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct injected engine, which is not turbocharged.

How does the variable valve timing system work on the intake side of the engine?

On the intake side, the variable valve timing system is electronic, controlled by a small motor connected to the timing gear. This motor speeds up or slows down the timing relative to the camshaft, advancing or retarding it as needed, without involving oil for control.

What is unique about the exhaust side variable valve timing in the 2023 Honda CRV engine?

The exhaust side variable valve timing in the 2023 Honda CRV engine is unique because it uses an oil-controlled system, with the control valve located on the side of the cylinder head, allowing oil to travel through the cam into the cylinder head to control the timing.

How does the 2023 Honda CRV's cooling system differ from other hybrid vehicles?

Unlike many other hybrid vehicles that have complex cooling systems, the 2023 Honda CRV has a simple cooling system with a thermostat, an electric water pump, and no additional valves or complicated mechanisms.

What are the two main clutches in the transmission of the 2023 Honda CRV hybrid model?

The transmission of the 2023 Honda CRV hybrid model features two main clutches: the low clutch and the high clutch. Both are multi-plate clutches similar to those found in regular automatic transmissions.

How does the 2023 Honda CRV's hybrid system allow for a unique driving mode compared to Toyota's system?

The hybrid system of the 2023 Honda CRV allows for a unique driving mode where the electric motor can drive the car while the engine runs solely to charge the battery. This mode is not possible with Toyota's hybrid system due to its limitations.

What material is commonly used for the lower control arms in the rear suspension of the 2023 Honda CRV?

The rear suspension of the 2023 Honda CRV uses aluminum for the lower control arms, which is unusual in the automotive industry and contributes to a lightweight design.

What is the purpose of the auto shutoff feature in the 2023 Honda CRV?

The auto shutoff feature in the 2023 Honda CRV automatically turns off the car after 20 minutes if all doors are closed and the driver's seatbelt is not buckled. This is a safety feature to prevent the car from running in potentially dangerous situations, such as when parked in a garage.

What is the main disadvantage of the hybrid battery placement in the 2023 Honda CRV?

The main disadvantage of the hybrid battery placement in the 2023 Honda CRV is that it takes up almost the entire storage space in the back of the vehicle, resulting in no spare tire and limited storage options.

How does the 2023 Honda CRV's infotainment system differ from other systems in terms of size and controls?

The infotainment system in the 2023 Honda CRV is on the smaller side and lacks a physical back button. Instead, it requires the user to press the back function on the side of the screen, which some may find less convenient than a dedicated back button or on-screen arrow.

What are some of the exterior design elements that make the 2023 Honda CRV unique compared to other vehicles in its class?

The 2023 Honda CRV features a unique exterior design with a large front grille, aggressive lines, and a taillight that extends from the top to the bottom of the rear. It also has a distinctive body line that intersects with the mirror and the taillight, giving it a unique and modern appearance compared to other vehicles in its class.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Introduction and Overview of 2023 Honda CRV

The video begins with a warm welcome to the Car Care reviews channel, highlighting the 2023 Honda CRV, one of Honda's most popular models. The host intends to provide a comprehensive review, discussing technical specifications and examining the car's interior and exterior in detail, deviating from typical car review formats. The focus is on the hybrid model, with a brief mention of the non-hybrid model's engine. The review kicks off with an exploration under the hood, delving into the engine's specifications and design.

05:02

🌐 Engine Specifications and Mechanical Details

The host discusses the 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct injected engine of the hybrid model, emphasizing its non-turbocharged nature. A comparison is made with the non-hybrid model's 1.5-liter turbo engine. The engine's design is described as classic Honda, with a dual overhead engine, single-piece cylinder head, and electronic variable valve timing on the intake side. The exhaust side features oil-controlled variable valve timing. The engine is noted for its multi-stage direct injection system aimed at minimizing carbon buildup. The integrated exhaust manifold and the engine's simplicity are praised, as well as the ease of servicing the engine and cooling system components.

10:02

🔄 Unique Transmission and Hybrid System Design

The video continues with an in-depth look at the transmission, which is an eCVT, contrasting it with Toyota's system. Honda's design involves two motors, one for starting the engine and charging the battery, and the other for driving the car and generating electricity. The transmission features multi-plate clutches and a unique operation principle that differs from conventional CVTs. The host also discusses the PCU (Power Control Unit), comparing its size and cooling system to Toyota's design. The AC compressor is noted as electric, and the DC to DC converter's function is explained. The lack of belts and a starter in the car is highlighted as a positive aspect in terms of maintenance.

15:03

🔧 Under the Hood: A Closer Look at the CRV's Components

The host examines the CRV's underside, discussing the cooling openings, aluminum oil pan, and exhaust components. The focus then shifts to the power steering electric motor, engine mount, and front brakes. The use of aluminum and steel in the car's construction is noted, with a critique on the aluminum tie rods. The driveshaft and transfer case are discussed, with a comparison to Toyota's hybrid designs. The host comments on the car's structural braces and the fuel tank's design, emphasizing Honda's attention to detail in safety features.

20:03

🚗 Exterior Design and Features of the 2023 Honda CRV

The host provides a detailed overview of the CRV's exterior design, noting its size and the new Honda design language. The aggressive yet elegant front fascia is highlighted, with a focus on the headlights and piano black accents. The unique grille design is mentioned, along with its practical challenges. The side profile of the car is analyzed, with attention to the hood's lines, cladding, and compliance flap. The rear design is praised for its modern take on the iconic CRV look, with a focus on the taillights and all-wheel-drive badge. The dual exhaust tips are discussed, with a note on their appearance in hybrid models.

25:04

🛋️ Interior Comfort and Quality of the 2023 Honda CRV

The host discusses the CRV's interior, emphasizing its solid construction and ease of use. The dashboard design is noted for its simplicity and integration of AC vents. The physical controls, including the shifter and drive mode selector, are highlighted for their satisfying operation. The quality of materials is discussed, with a focus on the fit and finish rather than the use of exotic materials. The infotainment system's size and button layout are critiqued, with a note on the heated seat button's unconventional placement. The gauge cluster's design, combining a screen with physical gauges, is praised for its sophistication and clarity.

30:06

💺 Rear Seat Comfort and Unique Features of the CRV

The host explores the rear seat of the CRV, noting the spaciousness and comfort it offers. The small hump in the middle of the car is praised for not intruding on the seating area. The rear AC vents are highlighted as a welcome feature. The host then discusses three unique aspects of the CRV: the insulated wheels for reduced tire noise, the ability to start the car without pressing the brake pedal, and the auto shutoff feature that turns off the car after 20 minutes of inactivity, enhancing safety and battery life.

35:07

🚫 Critiques and Final Thoughts on the 2023 Honda CRV

The host shares minor critiques of the CRV, focusing on the infotainment system's small size and lack of a back button on the screen. The large hybrid battery taking up storage space in the rear is noted as a drawback, and the parking brake's automatic engagement feature is critiqued for not activating unless the car is turned off and parked. Despite these minor issues, the host concludes that the CRV is a well-built, refined, and comfortable SUV with high reliability. The video ends with a recommendation for potential buyers, emphasizing the CRV's overall quality and Honda's reputation for reliability.

Keywords

💡2023 Honda CRV

The 2023 Honda CRV is the main subject of the video. It is a popular model from Honda, a well-known automobile manufacturer. The video provides a comprehensive review of the vehicle, discussing its technical specifications, design, and features. It is portrayed as a refined, smooth, and well-made SUV with a focus on reliability and comfort.

💡Hybrid Model

The hybrid model refers to the version of the 2023 Honda CRV that uses a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion. This model is emphasized for its fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. The video specifically focuses on this model and discusses its unique features, such as the battery placement and the operation of the electric motor.

💡Engine Specifications

Engine specifications refer to the technical details of the 2023 Honda CRV's engine, including its size, type, and features. The video delves into the specifics of the engine, such as its non-turbocharged nature, direct injection system, and variable valve timing, which contribute to the vehicle's performance and efficiency.

💡Transmission

The transmission in the context of the 2023 Honda CRV refers to the Ecvt (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission) system that manages the power delivery from the engine to the wheels. The video explains how this system operates differently from traditional CVTs and provides a smooth driving experience with simulated shifts.

💡Interior

The interior of the 2023 Honda CRV refers to the design, materials, and features found inside the vehicle. The video praises the interior for its solid construction, ease of use, and comfortable layout. It highlights the quality of the materials, the simplicity of the controls, and the spaciousness of the seating area.

💡Reliability

Reliability in the context of the 2023 Honda CRV indicates the vehicle's expected performance and longevity. The video suggests that Honda has a reputation for building reliable cars, and this model is no exception. It discusses the build quality and design choices that contribute to the vehicle's anticipated high reliability.

💡Design

Design in the context of the 2023 Honda CRV refers to the visual and functional aspects of the vehicle's exterior and interior. The video discusses the car's aggressive yet elegant look, the integration of vents and controls in the dashboard, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the SUV.

💡Infotainment System

The infotainment system in the 2023 Honda CRV is the integrated technology that provides entertainment and information to the driver and passengers. The video mentions the size of the system and its simplicity, but also points out the lack of a physical back button for navigation, which could improve the user experience.

💡Storage Space

Storage space in the 2023 Honda CRV refers to the available areas within the vehicle for storing items. The video discusses the ample storage space in the rear cargo area but criticizes the placement of the hybrid battery, which takes up space that could have been used for additional storage or accommodating a spare tire.

💡Auto Shutoff Feature

The auto shutoff feature in the 2023 Honda CRV is a safety and convenience function that automatically turns off the engine after a certain period of inactivity. This is designed to save fuel and prevent potential carbon monoxide buildup if the vehicle is left running in an enclosed space.

💡Parking Brake

The parking brake in the 2023 Honda CRV is a feature that secures the vehicle when it is parked or not in motion. The video discusses the electronic parking brake and its operation, noting that it does not engage automatically when the vehicle is put into park, which is a point of criticism.

Highlights

The 2023 Honda CRV features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct injected engine for the hybrid model, which is a departure from the turbocharged engines commonly used in its class.

The non-hybrid model will have Honda's 1.5-liter turbo engine, offering a different powertrain option for consumers.

The hybrid model's engine is designed with a dual overhead configuration and a single-piece cylinder head, reflecting Honda's commitment to reliability and simplicity.

The intake side of the engine features electronic variable valve timing, while the exhaust side uses oil-controlled variable valve timing, showcasing a blend of modern and traditional technologies.

The 2023 Honda CRV's engine is equipped with multi-stage direct injection aimed at minimizing carbon buildup, although it does not have dual injection like some competitors.

An integrated exhaust manifold design, which Honda has been using for a long time, saves space and improves efficiency.

The engine's EGR valve design is accessible and easy to service, a feature that will appeal to owners and mechanics alike.

The cooling system of the hybrid model is refreshingly simple compared to other hybrids, with no complex valves or mechanisms, making service easier.

The transmission in the 2023 Honda CRV is an eCVT that operates differently from Toyota's system, utilizing two sets of clutches for power flow direction, providing a unique driving experience.

The hybrid system allows for a mode where the electric motor drives the car while the engine charges the battery, a feature not possible with Toyota's hybrid system.

The PCU in the Honda CRV is compact and efficient, with its own cooling circuit and electric water pump, reflecting Honda's focus on engineering excellence.

The 2023 Honda CRV's exterior design is bold and modern, with a large grille and distinctive lines that set it apart from other SUVs in its class.

The interior of the CRV is refined and sophisticated, with a focus on ease of use and a quiet, comfortable cabin.

The rear seat of the CRV offers ample space and comfort, with a smaller than usual drive hump improving the middle passenger's experience.

The hybrid model's battery placement significantly reduces storage space in the rear, a trade-off for the advanced powertrain technology.

The 2023 Honda CRV features an auto shutoff mode after 20 minutes of inactivity, enhancing safety and battery life.

The CRV's infotainment system, while functional, is on the smaller side and lacks a physical back button, which could improve the user experience.

The parking brake in the CRV does not engage automatically when the car is put in park, which could be a potential area for improvement.

Despite minor drawbacks, the 2023 Honda CRV is a well-built, reliable, and comfortable SUV that offers a refined driving experience.

Transcripts

hello and welcome to the Car Care on the

reviews Channel and welcome to the 2023

Honda CRV one of Honda's most popular

models and in today's video we're going

to look at this new generation of 2023

we're going to talk about some technical

specifications look at the inside

outside in a fashion you normally do not

see normal car reviews so without

further Ado let's get right into it

[Music]

thank you

[Music]

let's take a look under the hood

starting with the engine this is a 2.0

four-cylinder direct injected engine not

a turbo one and that is the cool thing

this is the one for the hybrid model the

non-hybrid model will have Honda's 1.5

turbo that is another engine we'll talk

about it if we ever get a chance to get

one to test it out but we're going to

mainly focus on the hybrid model in this

review so this engine is actually very

Honda like let me explain

there is some daring things that usually

Honda likes to do under the hood but

there are some things that are very old

school and just Classic Honda let's

start with the Mechanicals so this is a

dual overhead engine very simple the

cylinder head is a single piece Honda

hasn't been really very fond of the

two-piece cylinder head that would be

other manufacturers the variable valve

timing is very interesting and this is

something we're starting to see more and

more of in the Auto industry the intake

side is electronic so you don't have oil

controlling the valve variable valve

timing so it's a little motor but it's

connected to the timing gear it speeds

up the timing advances it slows down

relative to the camshaft it retards the

timing if it spins at the same speed

it's base timing very simple concept

sounds very complicated unreliable

actually it is very reliable because

there is no oil involved it's just the

motor sits right on the outside takes a

five minutes to replace and that's about

it this design has been widely used in

the Auto industry Toyota uses it Mazda

uses it Hyundai uses it and Honda uses

it I think it's a good system now on the

exhaust side we still have an oil

controlled variable valve timing and in

this case the tech because this is a

Honda but something very very

interesting Honda went the old school

way on this so most manufacturers will

have a little actuator that sits in the

front and then the oil control valve

inside the variable valve timing gear

that's a very simple design that doesn't

have oil traveling through the cylinder

head it's very very simple but Hannah

went to old school route they actually

have an oil control valve right on the

side of the cylinder head so oil will

travel through the cam into the cylinder

head and that's how it controls it very

interesting design I haven't really seen

that design a lot more on this engine

this engine is like specific to the

Hybrid models which is pretty cool

because it is not turbocharged it is

direct injection only however it's a

multi-stage direct injection and the

idea of that is they're trying in a way

to minimize carbon buildup however it's

inevitable Unfortunately they don't have

like four Dodge or Hyundai does or

Toyota's with the Dual injection they

only have direct injection here more on

the mechanical stuff of the cylinder

head the exhaust manifold is an

integrated one so you don't have an

exhaust manifold just integrated into

the cylinder head the exhaust pipe just

hooks onto it that is something Honda

has been doing for a very long time they

were actually one of the ones that

pioneered this design brilliant design

makes so much more room in the front it

works really well now this engine does

have a few ghosts from the past for

those who have owned or early 2000s or

even late 90s Hondas you will remember

this EGR valve shape porch used to clog

up on these and it was not fun but we

have a very similar design here this

engine does have EGR but what I like

about it is it's right in the front it's

not buried somewhere behind everything

it's right in the front super easy to

access cooler underneath it pipes very

visible everything is super easy to

service on this and it's always been

that way with Honda almost then we move

more into to the cooling system of this

engine and this is where things get a

little interesting see most hybrids they

will have a mega complicated cooling

system with valves and you look at the

second generation Prius for example with

its storage tank I mean hybrids always

had a super complicated cooling system

just because this one has very simple

cooling system I mean it has a

thermostat has a water pump water pump

is electric it is not belt driven which

makes sense and then that's about it

cooling goes to the heater core cooling

goes to the EGR cooler and that's about

it there's no valve there's nothing

which makes the servicing the system

very simple now this engine does have a

plastic valve cover most people dislike

the plastic valve cover but folks this

is as good as we're going to get with

plastic valve coverage just looking at

them touching everything it's just super

well made and I don't anticipate this

one to be a problem however there is one

thing that is really brilliant from

Honda and it's not exclusive to this

engine this is something they've been

doing on a few engines here most cars

with direct injection they'll have a

high pressure fuel pump sits on top of

the valve cover spun by the camshaft and

every time you want to remove the valve

cover you got to disconnect the fuel

lines pull that pump and all the mess

Honda actually figured out a way they

made kind of a secondary housing where

the fuel pump sits on so if you want to

remove the valve cover on this business

as usual you don't have to deal with

fuel lines or none of that that is

pretty cool now let's talk about the

transmission in this because that's when

the hybrid system really starts the

transmission is an ecvt most people will

hear that they will think two things oh

this is just like Toyota's ecvt or run

away it's a CVT well it's actually

neither because Honda is a brilliant

company they don't just copy Toyota like

some companies so here's how what they

did here it is the basic operating

principle of a CVT meaning it can vary a

ratio continuously but it's nothing like

a CVT here's what they did to not copy

Toyota because after all Toyota and

Honda are the biggest two Japanese

manufacturers out of Japan they still

have the same operating principle two

Motors one of them is the big muscle man

and one of them is the little guy that

works behind the scenes so the first

motor is connected to the engine

starts the engine charges the battery

very simple the second motor drives the

car and also can generate to charge the

battery but the way they all work

together is completely different than

Toyota's system and this is important to

know

so instead of having a planetary gear

set which is what Toyota's use forever

works very well but it's very mechanical

they actually put two sets of clutches

that change the direction of the flow of

power through multiple gears and and

shafts inside the transmission and

that's how they achieve their ecvt

operation so you have the low clutch and

you have the high clutch they're

multi-plate you know regular automatic

transmission clutches that have solar

noise that operate a little valve body

not as many as a regular automatic

transmission but they still have them

and that's how they achieve that

operation it's brilliant how it works

and there is one thing that is very very

interesting about this system that does

not exist in the mechanical Toyota

system

you can in this system

drive the car with the electric motor

and then have the engine running just to

charge the battery that mode is not

possible with Toyota it's just because

the limitation of everything you just

can't do that

but what is not possible according at

least to the tech book I have tried very

closely to get this to actually be

verified but it has not been verified

but according to the textbook you cannot

have the engine and the electric motor

drive this car together at the same time

that is an unverified information but if

true that is one of their disadvantages

and that's you know the limitation of

this system but one thing have to be

said about this transmission it works so

well it is just seamless and that is the

best part about it however there is one

thing because we have actual clutches

that need to engage occasionally

there'll be a delay and you'll feel it

you accelerate and also there's like a

second or two of delay until the clutch

engage and you feel that engagement and

all of a sudden we're going but the one

thing that it does better than I think

than Toyota system for example is

the simulation of shifts and because we

have actual clutches two of those

simulated shifts are not simulated

they're real so driving this

transmission it will behave less like a

CVT more like a very smooth automatic

transmission yes some of the shifts will

feel fake but for the most part it is

super smooth now the downside of this

transmission because there's nothing

perfect in life the downside of this it

just simply has too much in it you have

now clutches that wear down fluid that

must be replaced on time because now you

have clutches and then you have

solenoids valve body so it's kind of

like an automatic transmission in a way

not like for example Toyota's ecbt is

just all mechanical on two Motors no

here you have hydraulic circuit the

fluid is a hydraulic fluid it's not just

used to cool things and lubricate so

that's that's kind of the catch with

this transmission now lastly let's talk

about the hybrid system or the rest of

the hybrid system

there is the brains of the operation

that sits underneath the hood it's

called the PCU similar to an inverter

with converter assembly and Toyota line

you know we keep saying Toyota we're

talking about hyper systems they are the

kings of hybrids and most they kind of

started the standard of hybrids

something about this PCU that is pretty

brilliant it's very small in size it is

cool and cooled uses the same type of

coolant as the as the engine coolant but

it is a separate circuit that's very

standard because it's doing so much it

needs its own cooling has its own

radiator has its own electric water pump

has its own reservoir on the side but

unlike Hyundai this uses the same

coolant as the engine coolant so no

special coolant there and another thing

about this car is the AC compressor is

electric

and then the PCU has a DC to DC

converter what that does is takes the

high voltage from the high voltage

battery drops it down to right around 14

volts and that's what charges the little

12 volt battery so let's count our

pulleys here

water pump is electric there's no

alternator because it's built into the

PCU and then the AC compressor is

electric it's so basically this car has

no belt and just as a added sprinkle on

top of course it has no starter because

the electric motor starts the engine so

that is what I call negative maintenance

you don't have to worry about a belt not

an alternator nor a starter and that is

pretty cool

let's take a look underneath the 2023

Honda CRV the first thing we start with

everything is covered up in the front

it's pretty standard however Honda left

you a bunch of openings and they are

very interesting why that is so this is

cooling openings for the power steering

electric motor we're going to look at

that in a second but that exposes one

thing that Honda loves to do which is

aluminum oil pans they've been doing

this for such a long time such a

horrendous idea

here's the future of this pan at some

point some mechanic will decide to over

tighten the drain plug strip the drain

plug thread and there is that if this

was steel it would be much better much

stronger but

it is Aluminum second opening exposes

the flex pipe on the exhaust which kind

of wish we would go away from flex pipes

because that's the first thing it's

going to leak when this car gets old but

they still have flex pipes then third

opening is for the engine mount at the

bottom now this subframe is pretty

interesting because it is a steel

subframe this is a lift point right here

but then when you go look in the back it

is it has like an aluminum part infused

in it this section is

aluminum not steel then we look here at

this massive motor I mean this thing is

huge this is for the power steering this

is what actually makes the power

steering work which is pretty

interesting that is this big and this

close to the exhaust they just put this

heat shield but it is a little too close

to the exhaust and I love how they

covered the metal part from the exhaust

but the plastic part is exposed that's

just how they did it then we go look at

the front brakes and the front

suspension something interesting about

this caliper is it is a dual piston

caliper you look at it right here dual

piston caliper on a hybrid car usually

Overkill

but we're not going to complain about it

that is not a bad idea now we look at

more stuff with the suspension Honda

finally got away from their plastic sway

bar links this is actually aluminum

which is nice

this control arm is

steel and then the ball joint is

detached from it this is actually a very

cool design Panda did not always have

this design but now they do which is

pretty cool the knuckle is All Steel

this is where things start to be a

little strange so you have

a steel knuckle which is pretty heavy

and then an aluminum tie rod they're

trying to save weight but it's kind of

not going well because all the

Departments are not talking to each

other that's how I feel this is because

you come look here

the base of the control arm where the

bushing is it is Aluminum but half the

subframe is aluminum and the other half

is is still

I don't know too much going on and then

in a hybrid car

there is a drive shaft and a transfer

case very little cute transfer case but

nonetheless it is a transfer case

this is one of the things that are kind

of the downsides of this because you

look at companies like Toyota they're

hybrids they will have a rear motor that

drives the rear wheels there's no drive

shaft there's no transfer case none of

that stuff

it actually is better a better design

than this this is kind of in the old

school this is kind of on the bad old

school if you would you have more

components more stuff that wears down

and you don't have rear regenerative

braking and that's unfortunate but then

we look at more of the details of the

body you notice there's coverage here

but there's nothing here and just by

looking at the sealer application here

it does look much better than the likes

of Hyundai for example but it is a lot

of exposed space this car is pretty

quiet so I suppose this doesn't affect

it a lot but it is pretty exposed here

and rust will be an issue because I see

a lot of open seams like if you look

here although this is downward one but

salt will find a way to get in these

openings I wish this was covered as well

like with the seam sealer it's not and

that's okay then we look here there's

some structural like braces that's a

pretty interesting spot for a structural

brace there's one here there's one here

and there's another one on the other

side

pretty interesting then we have this big

cover here which leads us to the fuel

tank and leads us to a Honda signature

thing you look at this bar

Honda loves to do this they put The Spar

on one side not the other side this is

meant so in case the car crashes there's

something to support the fuel tank from

getting a direct impact

it's only on one side not the other side

that's just how they do it always

the exhaust is really straightforward it

doesn't really curve because we don't

have any intrusions for the battery

because the battery takes away from your

interior space we'll talk about that

later on in the video

then we go in the back and this is the

rear differential and the coupler this

is what makes all-wheel drive happen and

if you look at it's something this is

the coupler this is massive unit and

then you look at the cute little

differential here this is a very small

differential if you look at it this is

uh that's where the ring gear is it's a

very small differential with very small

axles I suppose this somewhat makes

sense this is not an off-roading car

this is just a simple commuter with

all-wheel drive for snow and whatnot but

then there is more of that strangeness

going on you remember we talked about

the aluminum tie rods and then the steel

knuckle on the front in the back

everything is reversed we have

aluminum lower control arms which is

something I don't see a lot in the Auto

industry pretty expensive to do this and

very lightweight I guess this works and

then the

toy bar link is also aluminum the

knuckle is also aluminum and there's a

lot of aluminum in the back I guess the

team that was working in the back

decided aluminum was the way to go and

everything's aluminum very small sway

bar that's just standard with cars like

this electronic parking brake in the

back I love the style Honda was one of

the first that uses a different parking

brake mechanism with the cable and lover

and they love to seize and the screwing

caliper I'm glad that's all gone because

this is very reliable very simple then

there is some deception going on here

you look at this car from the back

it has two exhaust tips but actually now

that we're looking at it it does not

because

we only have one Muffler here and

big void here I'm assuming because this

is the hybrid it only has one maybe the

other models will have real dual exhaust

but this one does not

let's take a look at the exterior of the

Honda CRV the first thing is this

thing's gotten pretty big I mean look at

it it's huge that's there was a day

where the CRV was a tiny little SUV now

it's almost the size of a pilot of the

old pilot but that's how the times are

cars are getting bigger but then we look

at the front and this is kind of the new

Honda design I really like it it just

looks it's aggressive but it's not too

much and there's not really a lot going

on you do have the very small headlights

with a strip of LED at the top looks

very elegant very classy and there's a

lot of piano black going on and in the

typical fashion of Honda they have they

love to put their logo very large and

the radar sensor is behind that it works

pretty good they do have like these

cutouts

what looks like a fog light will go

there but there's actually not a fog

light and that is just what they decided

to do but the one thing is

the bottom of the bumper is black

they do have a different color in the

middle but this side is all black and

covered up it almost feels like the base

battle and this is the high highest

sport touring trim that's what they

decided to do at the end of the world

but of course they have this Grille that

is like multi-layered

it's very beautiful to look at but it's

if you've ever had to clean one you'll

know they're not a good idea they're

extremely difficult to clean and keep

clean and it's piano black so

that's that's how the automotive

industry is going these days but then as

we go to the side there's something

going on here that is pretty interesting

and if it's kind of far away you don't

notice it but when you start looking at

the details first let's look at this

detail on the hood so you got this line

coming in and then it kind of stops

right here and then turns back and goes

back making almost like a one plane two

three and four

it's a little touch but it gives it like

a different look it's pretty interesting

then we wrap around the side we have

this line this little divot that goes

across the length of the car it's pretty

interesting line everybody's going with

that triple curve to make the car look

wider Honda decided nah we're not going

to just copy everybody we're just going

to do our own thing and this actually

looks pretty cool but what really

becomes cool is because this line

intersects with the Mirror Mirror Has

this interesting shape to it if you look

right here it's just a strange little

shape

right here where it intersects it's

pretty interesting shape

then we look at the side we have the

cladding which is plastic and it's not

body color

some people like it some people don't I

happen to be one of those that don't

there's a pig

reflector here and this is like the side

side markers this is a us thing you

probably won't have that if you live

overseas and have a c a CRV

I feel like they designed this car not

for the US market and this was like an

addition because it completely looks out

of place it's just what they did and

then one more thing that completely

looks out of place there's a compliance

flap in the front that is a new one I

haven't seen that before if you're not

familiar what that is what is a

compliance flap in the US there is some

you Federal Regulation that the wheel

can't stick out

certain amount from the car and if it

does they put this little thing to be

compliant that's just the way the U.S

federal regulations are as we go in the

back

we have the same

black

non-body color cladding here with its

own very large and pronounced

compliance flap I like the door handles

they're kind of

they're big for a CRV but they don't

look excessive I like the feel of them I

like the noise the door makes when you

close it of course the beeping

just

just feels quality there's something

else about this the door of the fuel is

not

you know

operator with a little switch or a lever

it's just push and it locks when you

lock the door of course this is Honda's

cat Plus

filler neck they've been doing this

successfully for the most part I don't

understand what was the point of this

complicates a lot but hey it works so

we're not going to complain about it too

much then we look at the back and this

is where I kind of like what I see they

managed to keep the iconic CRV look with

the taillight that goes from the top to

the bottom

but they managed to find a way to

modernize it this looks so nice it's

just such a sophisticated back end what

I like about it is this looks like a CRV

but then this part and with this curve

it just almost makes it like Angry

looking and usually cars that look angry

look cool and this really shows and if

you notice this line This divot in the

line it actually follows the body line

of that strange line that goes across

the car it's the same thing it's a

continuation of it you see it here in

the taillight then starts again here

then it goes all the way across very

cool Honda is not really following the

fashion of the automotive industry

there's no bar light it just the tail

lights just stop here it just kind of

gives it a different look it almost

feels like cars with the bar light they

all look the same this one is just

unique and different says CRV pretty

large this is about the only hybrid

badge you will see in the outside of

this car how under badge now blue green

whatever the case may be they don't and

of course it says all-wheel drive here

this is something Honda's done before

wiper in the back I wish this was kind

of hidden away but makes it easier for

service and it's just the wiper works

pretty good

sport touring and for some reason the

sport is black and the touring is not so

that's just the way Honda did it

and what is interesting is if you look

at the tailpipes they're actually you

know they're there you're physical

usually hybrids will hide them this one

doesn't hide them because it is a sport

touring then we look at the back

of course automatic power door that is

to be expected you know this is a pretty

Ample Storage Space it is pretty good

historically CRVs were not the type of

car that would have a third row seat

this is pretty big and the best thing is

this angle is almost flat I mean this is

as flat as you're going to get any car

in 2023 so this gives you maximum

storage but there's something

interesting in the hybrid model so when

you look at this you're assuming this

opens and the first thing you're going

to do is oh let's open it wait maybe

it's just stuck so you do one of these

and

you were not supposed to do that because

that is a hybrid battery and I can

imagine that every single person that

have reviewed this car before me for me

getting it did the same that's why this

feels so loose and it's actually

broken and started to come apart

it's not a good idea because you have no

storage in this car underneath and

there's no spare tire so I don't

understand why this whole deal is sorry

Honda I guess we kind of disassembled

your car and we were not supposed to but

we had to do this because that's

literally the first thing I did when I

got this car is open this I'm like oh

there's stories here I open them it's

like that's not storage that's not good

so I can imagine everybody that got this

car did the same that's why I feel so

loose I'm hoping normally it's not the

only thing that is strange about this

and strange in a good way if you notice

here you have the Giant Wheel humps

and usually most car manufacturers will

try to hide this stuff make this as flat

as possible Honda decided to make a

storage thing here just to make it so

the strut Tower won't intrude and this

becomes a little bit more usable space

but then you also have this space right

here they didn't you could have made

this

flat so you won't tell and this whole

thing is covered but they did make the

cutout so you have a little bit more

storage space now lastly here is our

shock here so this is a design that

everybody's using these days the motors

live here that lift the door

unfortunately if these go out this door

becomes super hard to close and you have

to replace them they can get expensive

but then the last little detail so they

decided to put the washer nozzle for the

wipers at the top this is pretty

standard but what is not standard is

having this little thing that just sits

here the hose and then interestingly you

have not one wire two wires going on two

separate locations just feels too busy I

felt like they could have made this one

and bigger and then the hose runs inside

of this and it goes here internally and

we won't have this I suppose the

engineer that designed this just got

bothered by the unsymmetricalists of one

of them you could have done it right

here where you can't see it but that's

what they did I feel like this is too

much

let's talk about the interior of the

2023 Honda CRV there's something to be

said about this Honda and all modern

Hondas they're really doing their

Interiors well lately I mean everything

here from the moment you step in it just

feels solid and that is a very nice

feeling lately in the automotive

industry if you look at the dash overall

this is such a nice place to be in and

the other thing is it's so easy to

operate my some of my favorite things

here they have the smesh almost looks

like a mesh Grille that runs across the

dash and they have the AC vents

integrated in them with these little

knobs it just looks so nice it looks

like there's no interruption to the line

but yet they found a way to integrate

the vents into them and then we move

into more the traditional stuff look

this is not a car that's trying to be a

spaceship this is a car that's trying to

be nice to you so you can use it every

single day to commute without having to

think about it things like the physical

HVAC controls they're right here there's

super easy to operate and you don't

really need to think about it very

simple laid out but the best part is

this is where the quality of this

interior starts to show you turn the

knobs they make this very satisfying

sound let's hear it

it just feels very nice and this is the

little stuff that make a difference and

then you look right in the center stack

here physical shifter cable operator

physical shifter and this is the good

way right next to it you have your drive

mode with a very satisfying noise that

it makes when you operate it parking

brake is electronic it's buttoned right

here brake hold and this is something I

wish every single manufacturer has the

brake hold on this one when you turn it

on every time you start the car it

remains on until you've physically shut

it off that is a cool thing but then we

move past the kind of the functionality

of things look there is not really high

end materials here I mean this is fake

leather and everything else is pretty

much hard plastic of one way shape or

form but it just feels super nice I mean

the material the way everything is

fitting together it's just perfection

that's the only word we can say here the

minute you step into this interior a

nice place to be and on top of that it

just feels solid and it's quiet it is

very refined very sophisticated that's

what Honda is really doing well in

lately but then there are a few things

that are very interesting here first

thing is the infotainment system it can

be on the smaller side but again I'm not

against that we don't need a giant iPad

in the middle of the desk but then there

is the choice of things there's a volume

button which also makes a very

satisfying noise when you turn it but

then the skip track there's one on the

steering wheel and then the other one is

towards the driver I wish it was towards

the passenger so the passenger won't

have to lean in to get it but small

thing I suppose but then the other

interesting thing they decided to put

the heated seat button in the middle of

the steering wheel I mean it's literally

right in the middle of the steering

wheel interesting place could have put

it aside would have worked okay as well

but I decided to put it on the steering

wheel another thing about this one is

the gauges so they didn't go all

spaceship screen on us it's actually

half screen half physical gauge and it's

an optimtronic gauge that looks very

sophisticated it looks very nice folks

this interior is probably what is going

to win many people over because less is

more in this interior and that's exactly

what they're going for it's a very

sophisticated design but it's not too

much if you look at it it's a flat Dash

there's nothing really design wise about

it but that's the whole point the

operation of of the various controls

here so simple it's the breath of fresh

air when you sit in a car like this and

two minutes into a foreign car that you

just sat in it you already know how to

use everything and it's very simple

it'll not intrude on your life to figure

out how something works that is very

nice let's talk about the back seat of

the CRV and there is something of a

giant highlight here

this thing has grown in size as we

talked about and you can really feel

that on the interior I mean this is my

sitting position in the passenger seat

there is this huge space here and there

is huge space on top of my head as well

I am five seven just for reference for

you to know then there is one more thing

that's very interesting usually in cars

that are all-wheel drive or rear-wheel

drive you'll have a giant hump in the

middle this hump is so small it is

really nice I wish every manufacturer

would figure out a way to make the hump

this slow because this is really cool I

mean even sitting here in the back you

have your own AC vents here

it's a very nice place to be and this is

definitely a place for tall adults to

sit in very comfortably for a very long

time

let's talk about three unique things

that you might have not known about the

2023 Honda CRV so the first thing is on

the sport touring model like this one I

actually did something with the wheels

the wheels have an insulator inside of

them and those are meant to reduce sound

from the tires that is pretty cool and

actually I think that contributes to why

this car is so quiet now there's nothing

special required for service you can

just switch the tires normally like like

everything but if those insulators break

unfortunately they're not serviceable

you have to replace the wheel the second

thing is

you can start this car without pressing

the brake pedal now there's very few

situations where you're actually going

to need to do that but in case if you

press the start button or hold it for 15

seconds without pressing the brake pedal

the car will actually start as long as

it can detect the key and the third

thing is this car has an auto shutoff

mode most hybrids do and most hybrids

actually go to an hour and display a

message this one doesn't so it basically

shuts off after 20 minutes if all doors

are closed and there's the driver's seat

is not seat belt is not buckled in the

idea is if you stopped at a place and

you thought you showed off the car

because the engine was off because it's

a hybrid and you walked away close the

door 20 minutes after that it's just

going to shut itself off to in case you

parked it in a garage and also the

engine needs to come on charge the

battery that's not a good situation so

this car does have an auto shutoff

feature after 20 minutes

let's talk about some things I do not

like about the 2023 Honda CRV full

disclaimer I love this car so the things

that I don't like about it are pretty

minor first thing is the infotainment

system it's a little bit on the small

size for a car of this price but again I

was never big on big infotainment system

but what I don't like about it is there

is a physical back button so every time

you're scrolling through the menus you

want to go back you have to put your

finger to the side press back and then

go back to the screen I think they could

have just put a little back arrow on the

screen like every other infotainment

system in the planet but that's what

they did the other thing is the hyper

battery takes up pretty much the entire

storage space in the back no spare tire

and that's kind of the casualty of that

but I don't understand why they could

have just put the hyper battery in a

better place I mean it literally kills

all your storage space in the back

usually cars like this will have like a

door that opens you have storage

underneath not this one and lastly the

parking brake now we talked about the

brake hole being one of the greatest

things that it saves your setting where

you shut off the car start it's still a

break hold but the parking brake it

won't engage automatically until you

stop the car put it in park shut it off

then it engages I wish every time you

put it in park it engages well it

doesn't and that kind of defeats his

purpose

so should you buy a 2023 Honda CRV folks

This SUV is very refined very smooth

very well made I mean the moment you

open the door and you go inside there's

just that feel of well-built and that is

something Honda is known for but in here

you get inside of it I mean you don't

have really exotic materials snap a

leather and suede this and very cool

materials but just Everything feels well

that's the best part car manufacturers

these days are trying to impress you

with all the high-tech materials and the

Exotic and they're trying basically to

bring the luxury car features into their

normal cars but in here you don't really

need that this car drives very smooth

super comfortable it's actually very

large for its segment and everything

feels solid Everything feels easy to use

it's a car that makes you comfortable

smile perhaps it's not the most exciting

car in the the world but it is very well

done and you can tell that the minute

you step in it but then there's more the

reliability for this model is expected

to be very high among the highest

because of the way Honda did things and

there are certain things in this there's

no turbo yes there is direct injection

but overall every as a mechanic looking

under the hood everything is well made I

mean you could just tell by looking at

things touching things everything is

super well made under the hood super

well made underneath it and that's why

you buy a Honda in the end the only

thing about the hybrid model Perhaps it

is not the most reliable model in the

planet there is Toyota after all their

system is a little bit better on

long-term reliability but still we're

talking about the first and second on

the list here in my opinion having said

that don't mistake this for an

unreliable car I mean things are really

well made here I really like the CRV

there is very little you notice on we

talk about things we don't like there's

very little stuff I don't like about it

this is really well done folks I hope

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video folks may the Lord bless you and

keep you and you have yourself a

wonderful day