The new generation of Honda’s popular compact crossover is here, with all kinds of improvements, and many wonder if we are about to see some special version, just like we did in the previous generation. One of the most anticipated versions would be the 2023 Honda CR-V Black Edition, which was offered in various markets with the previous generation. Allegedly, this special version could be offered sometime in 2023.
At this point, the officials are still quiet. Still, we may presume that, if the company is willing to offer such a version, most upgrades would be in terms of aesthetics. This model would come with lots of blacked details, while the overall layout would be similar to some of the mid-range options. When it comes to the powertrain, we presume it would be offered in both gasoline and hybrid variants.
2023 Honda CR-V Black Edition Design
When it comes to base design characteristics, the 2023 Honda CR-V Black Edition wouldn’t be much different compared to standard models. The overall layout would be the same, with all the upgrades that were introduced with the recent redesign. The new generation looks bolder and more aggressive, while it also benefits from additional mechanical upgrades, particularly in terms of the chassis and suspension setup. The new CR-V is easy to drive, smooth and comfortable.
Therefore, the main thing about the Black Edition would be a visual upgrade. As the name suggests, the focus would be on blacked details. We would expect to see a similar design approach we saw in the previous generation. Namely, the previous version featured lots of blacked parts, including bumpers, grille, headlights, exterior trim, wheels etc. So, we may expect something similar from the new model, though there is always a chance for a couple of additional upgrades.
Interior
Of course, we would expect to see some exclusive interior details, just like in the previous generation. The previous Black Edition model features exclusive details like dark wood inlays, a black color scheme, blacked steering wheels, black headlining etc. We presume that similar details would be implemented into the new cabin, which now looks even better than before. There is a new dashboard design, with a more elegant look and nicer materials, just like the rest of the cabin. Also, there are new tech and convenience features that make the cabin look even nicer.
The new cabin isn’t just more luxurious, but also more spacious and more practical. Thanks to the longer wheelbase, there is even more legroom than before and five adults can accommodate with ease. Furthermore, the cargo area is also very generous, as it offers around 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 76.5 cubic feet of the total cargo volume, which is great for a compact SUV.
Features
We presume that the Black Edition would be positioned somewhere between mid-range and range-topping trim levels, with a list of features that’s similar to, let’s say, EX-L trim. Therefore, we presume that the list of standard equipment would include goodies like a 9-inch infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, an eight-speaker audio system etc.
Also, we count on a very long list of standard safety and driver-assistance features, which would include things like parking sensors, a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams etc.
2023 Honda CR-V Black Edition Engines
We presume that the 2023 Honda CR-V Black Edition would be offered in both gasoline and hybrid versions. Therefore, standard models would use a familiar 1.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 190 horsepower and comes with a CVT. Besides decent driving dynamics, this engine also provides great fuel economy, which goes around 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Honda recently introduced a new hybrid powertrain system, based on a familiar 2.0-liter inline-four engine but with a little bit different setup than before. The combined output goes around 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty enough for solid driving dynamics. Also, the fuel economy is more than decent, with 43 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
2023 Honda CR-V Black Edition Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Honda CR-V Black Edition will arrive sometime this year, though a more precise date is yet to be announced. We estimate that the starting price would go around 40.000 dollars. Key competitors would be similarly priced versions of models like the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue etc.