#PRODUCTWATCH: 2023 HONDA TOURING HYBRID CR-V TOURING

Was an honour getting to test drive the 2023 Honda Touring Hybrid CR-V, being a huge fan of the popular compact crossover SUV. We experienced some some major life events over the course of our test drive and were so appreciative to have it there for us the whole time.

My test drive began with Pride celebrations, leading to Canada Day. And in the end, I said goodbye to my father. Life of late has been about going back and forth to see my father at the hospital. Yet also like you, I have been balancing that hectic work-life balance, trying to make time for myself and having moments of lightness with my family and friends. This is how I cope with having to navigate several extreme emotions, whether it be the stress of work, the high excitement of the red carpet and ultimately, the grief of losing the man I looked-up to my whole life. So grateful for Honda Canada, their support and amazing famiy of vehicles in the many seasons of my life. Having the CR-V as a companion made all the difference, ensuring me and my Mom got to be with him, finding comfort in his final days. This is the type of ride that is meant to be a companion for any obstacles life throws our way.

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2023 HONDA TOURING HYBRID CR-V

Let’s highlight the Touring Hybrid CR-V‘s power. It is enhanced by its 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC 4-cylinder Engine, putting it ahead of other options in the family. It operates at181 @ 5000-8000 horsepower, packed with a four-mode driving system: Sport, Normal, ECON and now Snow! This is made truly for Canadians. And I love that it comes with Eco Assist. The moment you turn on the ignition with its push-button start and hear that gorgeous electronic whirring, you know this is going to be an experience.

Operating on Regular fuel, the Touring Hybrd CR-V boasts a Fuel Ecoomy of 6.0/6.9/6.4 l/100 km which is impressive. It’s beyond spacious seating five very comfortably and it hits all the marks in terms of cargo volume with a split of 1028/2030L.

Not to focus on looks only, the Touring Hybrid CR-V is divinely eye-catching. I got to drive one in a gorgeous Canyon River Blue Metallic, an elegant and timeless tinge. It’s got body-coloured door handles and spoiler, as well to boot, plus front and rear splash guards and a front wiper de-icer too.. Because it is a bit on the wider side, its dolding door mirrors comine in handy in tight parking situations – especially in underground lots downtown. And we have never been one to complain about having the luxury of intermittent rear window wipers/washer as well! We are a huge fan of rear privacy-tinted glass for our passengers, including our precious beanie. And get this the rear-camera even comes with a washer! How many times have we driven in the slush and snow, dreading to get out of the car just to have to wipe that camera. Visibility is everything and this is just one less thing to worry about so we can focus on driving.

We are a huge fan of intuitive little things that make our daily drives better. Beverage holder options and position are perfect, front and rear. We love traffic sign recognition, ensuring we stay within speed limits, plus also being able to see the external temperature. Our passengers love having their own ability to control their own climate with the Touring Hybrid CRV‘s built-in air flitration system and oh my God, those honeycomb grills are so gorgeous. We’re here for that aesthetic and hope it’s here to stay. The Driver gets eight-way power adjustment including two-way power lumbar support and everyone gets seat warming. Having a cooler however would’ve taken this to the next level if the standard can get any higher! Did you know it also has a Driver Attention Monitor, detecting steering wheel corrections. Focus, or stop for a coffee. We never need an excuse to get one! Also, scenic moonroof alert!

The Touring Hybrid CR-V is blessed with a bounty of active safety features including: 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System, Auto high beam, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning system, Lane Departure Warning system, Hill Start Assist, Road Departure Mitigation system and Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control. If you know Canadian winters, you’ll understand why some of these are a necessity. I am a little obsessed with rear-seat reminder feature but wish that the super-cool overhead camera Cabin Watch feature that is in the 2023 Honda Odyssey, will find its way too to other options in the Honda family!

Passive Safety features also are a focus with blind spot information system, rear cross traffic monitor system, lane keeping assist system, low-speed braking control, front and rear parking sensors. Traffic Jam Assist is super-mindful, helping you go to a complete stop in lower speeds. Have you ever driven in Toronto? It feels like endless traffic no matter where you are in the City.

While I find childproof rear door locks a bit frustrating, it being a chore to ‘un-trap’ grown adults in the back row, I totally get their purpose for the greater good. The Touring Hybrid CR-V is fully armed with lower anchors and tethers for children, next-generation advanced compatibility engineering body structure. Let’s not forget a litany of cushioning: an i-SRS airbag system (front), SmartVent side airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system too.

So grateful for the Hybrid Touring CR-V being there every step of the way. With all its power, versatility and utility, it is ready for anything that life throws yoru way.

A reel of highlights from our Test Drive:

The 2023 Honda Touring Hybrid CR-V starts at $51,023.50 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)