Honda CR-V 2023: two special editions announced ahead of new-generation reveal

---

Honda has announced that it has released a new ‘Black Edition’ based on the current CR-V midsize SUV, along with a Luxe edition based on the mid-spec VTI 7 variant. 

Priced at $44,600 driveaway, the CR-V Black Edition lives up to its name by adding darkened components inside and outside to make it stand out from the crowd, while a luxury ‘Luxe’ variant will join the lineup for $43,700 driveaway. 

Car manufacturers have developed a taste for blacked-out special editions in recent years, with Haval most recently offering the H6 Vanta Black and Volkswagen ushering in the Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition last year.

It’s currently unclear when the new-generation CR-V will come to Australia but with a full reveal due in July 2022, it’s likely this is the last new variant we will see from the current generation.

What does the Black Edition add over a standard CR-V?

On the exterior of the CR-V Black Edition, the SUV includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED ‘cornering’ headlights, front LED fog lights, roof rails and rear privacy glass. Inside, the Black Edition CR-V also features leather appointed seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and heating for the front seats. 

Aesthetic exterior features for the Black Edition include gloss black alloy wheels, wheel nuts, door mirrors, roof rails, front and rear bumper garnishes. A dark-coloured front grille, front and rear bumper inlays, lower door inlays, smoked headlights and a Black Edition badge are also included. 

Inside, the Black Edition incorporates leather seats with the Black Edition logo, piano black steering wheel garnishes, display screen surround, gear shift surround, heating and ventilation control surrounds and inner door handle and surrounds. Also included are dark wood centre console trim, dashboard inlays, door trim inlays, a black instrument cluster surround and black roof lining. 

The Black Edition won’t add any power or torque to the existing 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces outputs of 140kW/240Nm. This engine is paired to a CVT automatic transmission. 

What about the other special edition?

The Honda CR-V VTi 7 +Luxe is the other special model being revealed alongside the Black Edition and will be priced at $43,700 driveaway. It’s a seven seat offering from Honda that “creates an affordable luxury offering for family SUV buyers”.

Standard equipment on this grade includes leather appointed seat trim, heated front seats, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat.

Honda CR-V 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are driveaway.

• Vi: $35,600
• VTi: $38,800
• VTi 7: $40,700
• Vti X: $41,700
• VTi 7 +luxe: $43,700 (new)
• Black Edition: $44,600 (new)
• VTi L AWD: $46,000
• VTi L7: $49,200
• VTi LX AWD: $53,600