Talking Cars 388: Driving the 2023 Honda CR-V

Plus, we discuss what car owners and vehicle manufacturers can do to deter the ongoing theft of catalytic converters

By Mike Quincy

December 5, 2022

Main theme: We give our first impressions of the redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V. (See our Honda CR-V review.) This compact SUV has been an important part of Honda’s lineup since the 1990s and is one of the most popular vehicles on ConsumerReport.org. The CR-V has a well-deserved reputation for delivering excellent reliability, surprising cargo space for its size, and a relatively stress-free driving experience. We discuss the pros and cons of Honda’s redesign, citing the SUV’s good access, easy controls, and overall day-to-day livability. But we wonder if Honda did enough to quell engine noise and smooth out the ride. Will the new model continue to be a favorite among budget- and practical-minded compact SUV buyers?

Audience question: Catalytic converter theft is a huge problem. I know from personal experience; mine was stolen from my Class C motorhome on a Ford E-450 chassis. Could owners or vehicle manufacturers do more to deter theft by providing better protection for catalytic converters?

Talking Cars 388 panel — "Talking Cars" panelists Alex Knizek, Mike Quincy, and Mike Crossen.

As with other "Talking Cars" episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify (log-in required) and video on YouTube.

Best Tires for Winter Driving, episode 387
Analyzing the Used-Car Market, episode 386
American Interest and Challenges With Electric Cars, bonus episode
Driving the 2023 Lexus RX, episode 385
Driving the Kia Niro Hybrid, episode 384

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Mike Quincy

Mike Quincy is a writer, editor, podcaster, and tester with the Consumer Reports autos team. He has been with CR since 1993, purchasing more than 160 cars for the test program. Previously, Mike wrote for Automobile Magazine. When he’s not working, Mike can be found training for a long-distance bicycle ride, honing a wide variety of baked goods, or studying the world of mixology in search of the perfect martini.