2023 Honda CR-V vs 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, grille, and elongated hood. This sixth-generation model adopted a cleaner design compared to its predecessor, though it lacked the distinct personality of the fifth-gen CR-V. The conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, while the interior boasted leather-wrapped seats, a steering wheel, and a shift knob, elevating the quality over lower trims. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim that seamlessly integrated the air vents, creating a clear division between the upper and lower sections.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a testament to Cadillac's flair for exterior styling, exuding a commanding street presence. Although classified as an SUV, its long hood and low ground clearance gave it the appearance of a sleek sedan, reminiscent of the classic Seville. The LYRIQ's design featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille, adorned with lighting effects, complemented the vehicle's unique style. The Sport trim, with its dark triangular motif and 22-inch wheels, added to its allure. Inside, the LYRIQ showcased meticulous attention to detail, with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display that blended seamlessly into the interior.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), powered either the front or all four wheels. While the CVT was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a refined driving experience. The suspension, steering, and brakes were finely tuned, providing a smooth ride over various terrains. The CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, prioritized highway comfort over sportiness. With over 800 kilometres tested, the LYRIQ's dual-motor powertrain delivered 500 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, offering continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup featured a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The LYRIQ's 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack provided a range of 505 kilometres with rear-wheel drive and 494 km with AWD. However, real-world testing showed a range closer to 420 kilometres. The LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, affecting agility and steering feel. Regenerative braking was available, but the overall chassis needed improvement.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. Visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats offered comfort. The second row provided ample space, resembling a midsize model, with good thigh support and legroom. Storage options were plentiful, with a large bin under the centre armrest and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The cargo area offered 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, while spacious in terms of headroom and legroom, sacrificed cargo space for a roomy back seat. The cargo hold measured 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded. However, the LYRIQ faced functionality issues, with misaligned rear fenders and a problematic charging port. The floating console and small centre cubby were less practical, and the glovebox was difficult to access while driving. Despite these issues, the LYRIQ's interior featured a rotary selector for the touchscreen and integrated metal door handles.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, and an upgraded sound system. While the technology was an improvement over previous models, it didn't surpass competitors in terms of features.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Super Cruise system provided hands-free driving, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo offered variable surround sound modes.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards and received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The LYRIQ received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and an acceptable mark for its front pedestrian collision avoidance system.