2023 Honda CR-V 1.5T EX-L

Redesigned inside and out for 2023, the compact CR-V crossover is Honda's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and a veteran member of the Top-20 list of most vehicles sold here. The CR-V's updated exterior design gives off a bold, sporty vibe, with noticeably more creases and angles in its sheet metal. The cabin is spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The interior décor is attractive as well, with thoughtfully chosen, tasteful materials and good fit and finish. And although the infotainment's graphics are dated, the system itself is easy to use. The CR-V rides well and is easy to control over most surfaces, though our testers noticed some harshness on rough roads. Unfortunately, the drivetrain is anemic and noisy, the CVT is whiny and doesn’t shift smoothly, and too much road and tire noise get into the cabin. Nonetheless, the CR-V stands out as a good value. Fuel economy, at 29 mpg in combined driving, is decent, and a full suite of advanced safety features (with adjustable alerts) is standard. Our top-trim nonhybrid model had lots of standard amenities—including a neat safety feature, headlights that turn on when the windshield wipers are activated, and a spare tire, a rarity these days—for just under $37,000, considerably below the cost of the average new car.