2023 Honda CRV First Review: Is It the Best Pickup SUV in Mexico?

The new line of the CR-V changes completely compared to its predecessor

As the cost and size of cars continue to rise, compact vans are no longer dominating the top sales spots for SUVs in the Mexican market.

One of the reasons that compact trucks, which average at 4.7 meters in length, have ceased to be the top sellers is due to the mismatch between the increase in prices and the purchasing power in Mexico.

As a result, with incomes staying the same and prices on the rise, it has become challenging for compact trucks to retain their popularity. On the other hand, small SUV models, which average at 4.3 meters in length, are experiencing the highest demand.

Just seven years ago, compact trucks cost and measured similarly to what a small truck does today. It’s evident that apart from the issue of rising car prices, which is a global phenomenon, the evolution in size and technology are reflected in their value.

This is certainly one of the reasons why vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan have taken over the top sales spots in their segment. However, this disparity is largely due to the state of the country’s economy. In the United States, the demand for compact SUVs remains unchanged and is still greater than that for smaller models.

This implies that the majority of truck buyers in Mexico are now primarily driven by cost, rather than what they actually want, which are compact models that offer greater power and improved performance when hitting the road.

What is the best compact SUV?

If you’re in the market for a compact truck, with cutting-edge design, then one of the best options may be the former queen of SUVs and current top seller in the compact segment: the Honda CR-V.

While there may be models with better fuel efficiency like the hybrid versions of the Toyota RAV4 or Tucson Hybrid, more power like the Mazda CX-5, or four-wheel drive like the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Honda CR-V remains the reigning queen of SUVs in terms of the balance between design, interior space, quality of materials, equipment, and driving dynamics.

How good is it?

With the release of its new model line, this Honda truck has undergone a complete refinement, with an interior that boasts materials of luxury car quality. In addition, it boasts the best interior space in its class, particularly in terms of trunk and rear passenger space. And, as a bonus, there is increased comfort with the ability to recline the second-row backrest.

Not only does it look and feel better, the dashboard is also less bulky, improving visibility, and more technologically advanced than before. This is thanks to the larger, higher-resolution, and more user-friendly multimedia screen, as well as the digital instrument panel, the only criticism of which is its split into three sections.

How is the driving experience?

Despite retaining the same engine, the 2023 Honda CR-V now boasts improved handling compared to its previous iteration. The refinements made to the automatic gearbox, the stiffer chassis, the better-absorbing suspension, and the improved soundproofing all contribute to a more comfortable riding experience than its previous generation.

The 2023 Honda CR-V delivers a floating-like ride, even when driving at speeds above 100 km/h, providing a smooth experience regardless of the road condition.

On top of this smooth ride, the steering is consistent with the sensation of motion and the acceleration capacity is immediate. Despite being a turbocharged engine, the response time is slower than other trucks that use supercharging to get more power in a compact size.

What about reliability and resale value?

Undoubtedly, the new 2023 Honda CR-V is a top-performing and reliable truck. It has one of the best reliability levels in the market and is unlikely to have faults or defects. The owners of this truck have given positive feedback on its performance, comfort, functionality, and safety. Additionally, the Honda CR-V has a lower rate of depreciation compared to most of its competitors, making it a great investment with a high resale value.