Sixth-Gen 2023 Honda CR-V Announced for Australia With Encompassing Model Range

The first time we saw the sixth iteration was in July 2022, and swiftly enough, the model went on sale for the 2023MY in the United States. Over there, it has already reached the 2024 model year and gained a new Sport-L trim level, sold exclusively with the hybrid powertrain from $37,645 or $39,145 in either front- or all-wheel drive configuration, respectively.

But other regions are slower to adopt the new generation – Honda launched the all-new CR-V on the Old Continent in May with a very nice bundle of electrified powertrains. The CR-V e:HEV is a full hybrid with "a power-dense lithium-ion battery and two compact, lightweight electric motors combining," while the CR-V e:PHEV is the flagship and an absolute novelty for Europe, as it comes with a full EV range of up to 82 km (51 miles).

Anyway, now it's time to check out the preview of the Honda CR-V for the Australian market. "The sixth generation CR-V encompasses 'Spacious Sophistication' to support family comfort," says Honda's division in the Land Down Under, and it will come "soon" (September 1) with the e:HEV as an option, plus the Honda Sensing suite of active safety features, and Honda Connect technology as standard features across the vast and encompassing range.

For starters, customers will choose six exterior colors, including Platinum White, Lunar Silver, Meteoroid Grey, Ignite Red, Crystal Black, and a new Canyon River Blue. Still, as it turns out, the trim family is even more significant. At launch, no less than seven variants will become available: VTi X, VTi X7, VTi L, VTi L7, VTi L AWD, VTi LX AWD, and e:HEV RS.

Naturally, the latter has a sporty demeanor with an exclusive color treatment for the front and rear bumpers, an RS black front grille, plus black leather upholstery with red stitching inside. But that's only part of it, as buyers can also select between five and 7-seat models, plus 2WD or 4WD across the model range.

"For the first time in Australia, we will be launching the all-new CR-V with an e:HEV Hybrid powertrain. Honda's e:HEV hybrid powertrain has become increasingly popular across the Accord, Civic, Honda ZR-V, and HR-V ranges, delivering a dynamic combination of performance and efficiency," explained Carolyn McMahon, Honda Australia Director.

The powertrain range consists of the well-known 1.5-liter direct injection VTEC turbocharged engine plus a two-motor hybrid system for the e:HEV RS. Honda Australia didn't provide exact technical specifications for any of them, but we know the pricing strategy. So, the cheapest Honda CR-V is the five-seat 2WD VTi X model with the 1.5L turbo, starting at AUD 44,500, which is $29,605 – just $105 more than the base CR-V for America!