If you're hunting for a used 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L, you've probably already realized that these things hold their value incredibly well. Usually, when someone looks for a used car, they're hoping for a massive price drop compared to the new models. With the CR-V, especially this specific trim, the "used" discount isn't always as deep as you'd expect. But there's a really good reason for that. 2023 was a massive year for Honda because it marked the beginning of the sixth generation. They basically took everything people liked about the old CR-V and made it look less like a "mom car" and more like a rugged, mini-Passport.
Buying a used 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L puts you right in that sweet spot of luxury and practicality without having to jump all the way up to the hybrid trims if you aren't ready for that yet. It's got that "just right" feeling that's made it a staple in driveways for decades. Let's break down why this specific year and trim might be the one you should actually put your money toward.
Why the EX-L is the sweet spot
When you look at the 2023 lineup, you've got the base LX, the mid-range EX, and then the EX-L. Honestly, the EX-L is where the CR-V starts to feel like a premium vehicle rather than just a basic commuter. If you're buying used, you're already saving a bit on the initial depreciation, so it makes sense to aim for the trim that actually has the "good stuff."
The "L" in EX-L stands for leather, and that's the first thing you'll notice. It's not just about looking fancy; it's about life being easier. If you have kids or a dog, or you're just prone to spilling your morning coffee, leather seats are a godsend compared to the cloth ones in the lower trims. You can just wipe them down and move on with your day.
But it's more than just the seats. A used 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L also upgrades the tech in a way that feels modern. You get the larger 9-inch touchscreen instead of the puny 7-inch one found in the EX. Plus, it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Not having to fumble with a lightning cable or a USB-C cord every time you jump in the car is one of those small luxuries that you won't want to live without once you've had it.
What changed in the 2023 redesign?
If you're comparing a 2023 model to a 2022, the difference is night and day. Honda went for a much more squared-off, aggressive look. It's longer and wider, which translates directly to more room inside. They also pushed the windshield pillars back a bit, which sounds like a nerd-level technical detail, but what it actually does is give you way better visibility. You feel like you can see everything around you, which makes parking and lane changes a lot less stressful.
Inside, the 2023 model adopted the "honeycomb" vent design that started with the Civic. It's a really clean, minimalist look that hides the air vents and makes the dashboard feel less cluttered. The knobs and buttons have a nice, tactile click to them too. It doesn't feel like cheap plastic; it feels like something that was built to last for 200,000 miles.
How it feels behind the wheel
Let's talk about the engine. Under the hood of a used 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L, you're going to find a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It puts out 190 horsepower, which isn't going to win you any drag races, but that's not really the point of a CR-V. It's smooth, predictable, and has enough pep to get you onto the highway without any white-knuckle moments.
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is actually one of the better ones on the market. Honda has been refining these for years, and in the 2023 model, it doesn't have that annoying "rubber band" feel where the engine revs like crazy while the car barely moves. It feels natural.
One thing you'll notice immediately is how quiet it is. Honda put a lot of work into the sound insulation for this generation. Even at highway speeds, you aren't shouting to talk to the person in the passenger seat. The ride quality is also tuned for comfort. It soaks up potholes and bumps with ease, making it a great choice if your daily commute involves some less-than-perfect roads.
Space for everything (and everyone)
The CR-V has always been the king of packaging, and the 2023 model is no exception. The rear seat legroom is actually pretty insane—it's better than some full-size SUVs. You can fit three adults in the back without them hating you by the end of the trip.
One of my favorite "hidden" features is how far the rear doors open. They swing out to almost 90 degrees. This might not seem like a big deal until you're trying to load a bulky car seat or a huge box from a big-box store. It makes life so much easier.
As for the cargo area, you get a ton of space. With the seats up, you've got plenty of room for groceries or sports gear. If you fold the seats down, it's practically a small van. The EX-L trim also includes a power tailgate, which you can program to open to a specific height. This is a life-saver if you have a low garage ceiling and don't want your trunk lid slamming into the garage door every time you open it.
Safety and peace of mind
When you're looking at a used 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L, safety is usually high on the priority list. Honda Sensing comes standard, and it's a pretty robust suite of tech. You get adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic jam assist.
The traffic jam assist is particularly cool because it helps with steering and braking at low speeds when you're stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It takes a lot of the fatigue out of a bad commute. Because this was a fresh redesign in 2023, the sensors and cameras are much better than the ones in the older generations. They're less "twitchy" and don't give you as many false alarms.
What to look for when buying used
Since the 2023 model is still relatively new, most of the used 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L units you'll find on the lot are going to be in pretty good shape. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind:
- Maintenance Records: These engines are built to last, but they love fresh oil. Make sure the previous owner kept up with the maintenance schedule.
- Tire Wear: Since it's a heavier vehicle, if it was driven aggressively, the tires might already be showing some wear. Check the tread depth before you sign anything.
- The Infotainment: Hop in and pair your phone during the test drive. Make sure the wireless CarPlay or Android Auto connects quickly. Occasionally, these systems need a software update to stay snappy.
- Check the Price vs. New: Sometimes, a used 2023 model is priced so close to a brand-new one that it might make sense to just buy new. But if you can find a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) one with a solid warranty, that's usually the "pro move."
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, a used 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L is about as safe a bet as you can make in the car world. It's not the flashiest car on the road, and it's certainly not the fastest, but it does everything well. It's comfortable, it's loaded with the right tech, and it has enough space to handle pretty much anything life throws at you.
If you want a vehicle that's going to start every single morning without drama and still look good in your driveway five years from now, this is it. It's the kind of car that lets you stop worrying about your car and just get on with your life. And honestly, isn't that what most of us are really looking for?