2023 Honda CR-V 2.0L e:PHEV Atkinson CVT AWD

Vehicle Overview

Honda unveiled the sixth generation of the European CR-V version in the spring of 2023 and it was different than its American sibling.

The Japanese automaker was one of the few to create specific versions of the same car on both sides of the Pond. Thus, even though at first sight it looked identical to the one sold on the North American continent, it was different in many aspects, especially on the exterior and on its mechanical underpinnings.

With the sixth generation of the CR-V, Honda completed the cycle of a unitary design language. The SUV’s headlights were slim and angled upwards on their outer sides, resembling those installed on the Civic. The main grille sported a 3D hexagonal pattern that tried to conceal the diminished cooling area the car needed. On the lower side of the bumper, the European version featured a broad trapezoidal air intake flanked by air intakes meant to divert the airflow on the car’s sides. While the profile showed a similar look, with an ascending line at the bottom of the third row of windows, the taillights were specific for the EU market, with red LEDs and red lenses. The American version, on the other hand, featured clear lenses.

Inside, the main difference could be noticed in the center console. The EU version boasted buttons for the gear selector, while the U.S. model received an actual shifter. Maybe it was more comfortable for Honda’s customers or just a matter of taste. Still, both versions were fitted with a standard infotainment unit placed atop the center stack.

But the most crucial difference was for the drivetrains. The U.S. model was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. On the other hand, the European version boasted a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter running in the Atkinson cycle. There were two versions available: a mild-hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.