2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler boasted a rugged, take-no-prisoners design. This fourth generation JL Wrangler was synonymous with driving a brick, emphasizing straight lines over curves. It was available as a two-door Wrangler or a four-door Wrangler Unlimited, with the flexibility to remove its doors. An optional Dual-Door Group added half doors, enhancing visibility without compromising on safety. The windshield could fold down for a truly open-air experience, complemented by various top options. The iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and old-school exterior hood latches emphasized Jeep’s legacy. Wide fenders, with front ones bearing the American flag, added to the distinctive look. The tailgate swung out, and rear glass lifted for easy access to the cargo area. The limited-edition Reign purple color and the new Earl shade further added razzle-dazzle to its aesthetics. Inside, practicality ruled with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, a body-colored dash, chunky HVAC controls, and a manual transfer case shifter.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid represented a significant styling departure with its sixth generation. This CR-V leaned forward assertively and adopted a tougher, more truck-like appearance. It was 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider than its predecessor, and the longer wheelbase and wider tracks gave it a more muscular stance. Classic D-pillar taillights evolved into a modern design with three L shapes each. Blockier rear end mimicked the bolder front fascia, and all headlights and taillights were now LED. The Sport Touring trim featured deep Canyon River Blue paint, black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black wheels. Inside, a premium feel prevailed with high-quality materials, contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel, and the honeycomb grille surrounding the climate control vents.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was renowned for its off-road performance, thanks to its solid axles and optional differential lockers. Buyers had a plethora of engine options: a standard V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, and the high-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392 with a 6.4-liter V8, pushing 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a blend of traditional and electric power with a 17.3 kWh battery pack and 21 miles of electric range. Our test vehicle, the Rubicon 392, exhibited impressive off-road capabilities with its robust 35-inch tires, Selec-Trac transfer case, and a 4.5-second 0-60 mph acceleration. However, on-road, it faced issues with brakes and steering, which felt vague and unresponsive.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid simplified its powertrain offerings, focusing on either a turbocharged or hybrid setup. The hybrid combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful CR-V to date. It retained a maximum speed of up to 115 mph and a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The 2023 model introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, alongside Sport, Normal, and Econ. The Snow mode benefited from the updated Real Time AWD system, which could now allocate up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels. The "B" shifter position increased regenerative braking, offering an almost one-pedal driving experience. Additionally, front-wheel drive CR-V Hybrid, available in the Sport trim, achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, highlighting its superior fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler front seats offered comfort, with heated options available via the cold-weather package or in the 392 model. Rear-seat space was limited, particularly in the two-door model, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was minimal, with a tiny glove box and center console. Though the 72.4 cubic feet cargo space with the rear seats folded was practical, it fell short compared to competitors like the Bronco. The Wrangler provided multiple top options, from a removable hard top to a quick-access Sunrider soft top and the Sky One-Touch power soft top. Charging points included USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin, and a 115-volt outlet in the center console.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to greater interior space. Cargo capacity was up by 3 cubic feet from the prior model, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This was competitive, surpassing the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's 74.1 cubic feet. The Sport Touring trim featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs came with wide-opening rear doors for easy rear seat access. Rear seat legroom increased by 0.6 inches to 41 inches, and reclining rear seats offered eight positions. The front cubby was designed to hold two smartphones, with eight cupholders throughout the cabin and best-in-class console storage.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard 7-inch touchscreen, running Uconnect, could be upgraded to an 8.4-inch unit. Navigation through the Uconnect system’s off-road pages provided comprehensive data on vehicle status. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Additional tech included a forward-facing camera for off-road navigation and four auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. However, Jeep lacked advanced features like a digital key or vehicle performance-related over-the-air updates.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, keeping physical buttons for critical functions, offered a standard 7-inch screen with volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring’s 9-inch screen retained the volume knob but replaced tuning buttons with hard Seek controls. Base models were no longer offered, effectively equipping every trim well. Standard features included two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda’s smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the terrain ahead.

Jeep didn’t shine in standard safety features for the 2023 Wrangler, offering only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were reserved for the top model or as part of an option package. Lane-keeping assistance was absent. The IIHS gave a mixed rating, with some poor scores for headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler four stars in frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover, though side crash tests were pending.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, included standard collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and improved adaptive cruise control. New features like traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, and a parking sensor system were standard on all trims. The IIHS and NHTSA awarded the CR-V Hybrid top safety ratings, bolstered by new airbags, dashboard patches, and a stiffer structure for better crash protection.