Perfection Personified: Meet the 2023 Honda CR-V

There’s something about competition that brings out the best in us all. The determination to finish in first place and triumph over adversity brings out a superhuman effort, and nowhere is competition more fierce than in the automotive industry. With the continued rise in popularity that the SUV has been experiencing over the past few decades, manufacturers are continually putting forth their best efforts to outdo one another and prove that their offering is the best for consumers.

And while this is usually a subjective matter, we here at Ryan Honda of Williston are firm believers that this title solely belongs to the 2023 Honda CR-V. In a world where we expect the vehicles we drive to be nothing short of perfect, the CR-V breaks the mold completely. For North Dakota drivers looking for a Honda dealer near New Town, look no further than us, conveniently located in Williston. We offer an extensive selection of brand-new Honda vehicles, including the thrilling 2023 Honda CR-V, and we’d love to show you everything this fantastic SUV has to offer you and your daily travels around New Town.

Humble Beginnings

While there’s no doubt that the rise of the SUV’s popularity began in the early 1990s, thanks in part to the Ford Explorer, it wasn’t until 1997 that the game was significantly changed for all time. And although the SUV is commonly associated with domestic brands such as Ford and Chevy, it was Honda who implemented a major change when they debuted the CR-V. In an age where the prevailing wisdom with SUV design could be summed up as “bigger is better,” Honda broke away from this entirely and proved that the SUV could be smaller in size but still offer drivers all the benefits that the larger models had to offer.

The result was the birth of the crossover and compact SUV, which has gone on to become the most popular model of vehicle in the marketplace. In an age of gas-hungry powertrains, the CR-V gave consumers a vehicle that provided 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway, and this commitment to the average consumer has continued into 2023 as well.

The Ideal SUV for 2023

2023 is a pivotal year for the Honda CR-V, as it kicks off a new generation for the vehicle highlighted by a fresh redesign. Always a brand that evolves with the times, the CR-V’s exterior is no longer the straight-laced boxy vehicle it was in previous years. A stylish and aerodynamic design creates a pleasing aesthetic for the senses. This redesign extends far beyond its outer appearances, as the interior has been enlarged, and two capable powertrain setups have been brought to the table.

The standard engine takes the form of a 1.5L four-cylinder engine, as the CR-V has always relied on four cylinders to match ideal performance and fuel economy together. FWD is standard, but AWD is available. Thanks to the turbocharged engine, the standard offering propels the CR-V forward with 190 hp. Honda once again pairs its engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for optimum performance, getting up to 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, showcasing Honda’s commitment to providing fuel-efficient vehicles to consumers.

This dedication is certainly on display with the available hybrid powertrain. A 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors ups the horsepower to 204 hp and maximizes fuel economy with 43 MPG in the city and 36 when it takes to the highway. If that weren’t advantageous enough, the EPA estimates that this powertrain will generate savings of $2,750 over a five-year period. Just as they did during the worldwide energy crisis, Honda once again gives consumers the fuel-efficient vehicles they need.

An Interior to Be Excited About

Of course, the new design of the CR-V also graces the interior of the vehicle. If you have a keen eye for comfort and style, you’ll be impressed with what Honda brought to the table in 2023. A standard seven-inch infotainment screen sits atop the dashboard, and a nine-inch version is available on the upper trim levels. This screen placement has been a popular trend for many manufacturers, and Honda makes it work to bolster the appearance of the brand-new interior. The screen offers compatibility with both Apple and Android products and has two USB-C ports for any devices you bring on the road.

For those looking to maximize their entertainment options, a high-end Bose sound system with 12 speakers is available. Of course, the interior also has the advantages of the SUV that many consumers are naturally drawn to. Spacious seating provides a comfortable ride for anyone, and over 76 cu.ft. of available storage space means having more room for groceries and thrift store finds.

Safety and Driving Assistance Technology

Many drivers enjoy the safety that an SUV provides, and here in 2023, many manufacturers are continuously developing new and exciting safety and driving assistance technology to benefit consumers. At the start of this article, we mentioned that competition brings out the best, which is certainly true when advancing the technology that enhances the driving experience. While many features are similar among the different brands, Honda takes the initiative to make more of them standard than the competition, courtesy of the Honda Sensing suite. Because, after all, safety should not be hindered by a large price tag. Some notable features include:

Adaptive Cruise Control

One of the biggest developments to emerge in recent years, this standard feature brings cruise control into the future. By monitoring traffic patterns, your vehicle’s speeds are adjusted to help maintain a safe distance and preserve reaction time.

Traffic Jam Assist

Like adaptive cruise control, this feature utilizes camera technology to assist in maintaining position in heavy traffic patterns. While the CVT is formulated to preserve fuel in the hectic stop-and-go traffic accompanying city driving, this technology is meant to keep you safe by assisting in steering and keeping your spot in the lane you’re traveling in.

Driver Attention Monitor

A fatigued driver is one who’s at risk. Thanks to the implementation of this technology, your driving habits are monitored closely to help provide oversight regarding your attention. By making more of these innovative assistance tools standard, Honda again shows how it continues to place the needs of its customers at the forefront.

The CR-V Is Waiting for You at Ryan Honda of Williston

The fact that Honda saw the writing on the wall in 1997 and realized that a compact version of the SUV could be just as capable and beneficial for the masses as the larger ones certainly speaks to the level of ingenuity of the brand. And the fact that the CR-V is not only still in production but continuously evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers is nothing short of miraculous. The CR-V checks all of the boxes when it comes to taking care of the needs of the many, and when it comes to following these principles of placing the customers first, look no further than Ryan Honda of Williston. In a world that’s increasingly unpredictable, we believe in being a foundation of trust that you can always rely upon.