Honda CR-V vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, elongated hood, and extended wheelbase, marking a departure from the more expressive design of its predecessor. While the styling was more conservative, it was expected to age gracefully. Both the CR-V EX and EX-L models shared exterior features like 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, but the EX-L offered interior upgrades such as leather-wrapped seats and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The interior was noted for its quality and simplicity, with a digital instrumentation display standard across trims. The CR-V EX-L also included additional features like a power-adjustable front passenger seat and parking sensors.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained its previous design with minimal changes, introducing a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and oversized controls, but the mismatched textures and reflections detracted from the overall quality. Despite these design critiques, the Highlander Hybrid was praised for its quiet cabin, especially on rough roads, thanks to acoustic front window glass in the Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, was noted for its droning noise during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a refined driving experience with well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. The CR-V achieved an impressive fuel economy of 29.1 mpg on a mountainous evaluation route, slightly exceeding the EPA's combined driving estimate of 29 mpg.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, delivering a total of 243 horsepower. The hybrid system allowed for electric-only driving at low speeds and contributed to the SUV's fuel efficiency. However, the gas engine's limited torque of 175 pound-feet resulted in sluggish high-speed passing power. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for AWD models. Despite its focus on fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid returned only 28.7 mpg on the evaluation loop, falling short of the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a droning CVT detracting from engagement.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest version yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered ample space and comfort, with a high seating position and generous legroom. Storage options were plentiful, with a large center armrest bin and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The CR-V's cargo area provided 39.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration, but the third-row seat was best suited for occasional use. The interior featured three-zone automatic climate control and heated and ventilated front seats in higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs offered comfort and flexibility, while the third row was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. Storage solutions included a dashboard shelf and a center console with a complex design. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, with a larger 9-inch display in the EX-L. The EX-L added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was improved over the previous generation, it was not groundbreaking compared to competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display in upper trims and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system offered over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services included Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, with additional features available through the Drive Connect service plan. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured an improved suite of driver assist systems under the Honda Sensing umbrella, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a Traffic Jam Assist system and updated camera and radar units for more accurate operation. The CR-V was built with Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure for enhanced crash protection, though it awaited crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking in higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, and Safety Connect provided emergency assistance and collision notification.