Does the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Have a Spare Tire?
The redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is one of the best-selling EVs on the market, offering good fuel efficiency and a smooth ride. Drivers enjoy the increased cabin space and improved performance, rarely thinking about a standard feature found in most vehicles – the spare tire.
It’s one of those things that most people don’t worry about until they are stuck on the side of the road and have to change a flat in a hurry. While most cars come with a spare, electric vehicles often don’t offer this important feature, leaving motorists stranded in need of a tow truck.
So, before you jump into your new CR-V, check the trunk to see if the car is equipped with a spare tire.
Why some new hybrids and EVS don’t include spare tires
Many new hybrids and EVs do not include a spare tire to decrease the vehicle’s gross weight and make room for electric battery packs and motors for enhanced performance. Tesla is notorious for not having a spare tire in any of its models. According to Torque News, the following electric vehicles do not come with a spare tire:
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV6
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Lucid Air
On the bright side, many automakers won’t leave you completely stranded on the side of the road. Consumer Reports explains that many brands include emergency tire repair kits with an air compressor to re-inflate a flat and tire sealant.
Honda advises drivers to carry a full-size spare tire
The 2021 and 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid models did not have spare tires, leaving owners frustrated and needing a tow truck when experiencing a roadside flat. Honda has rectified the problem and will now include a spare tire in all 2023 CR-V models, both regular and hybrid, in the EX and EX-L trims. While this is excellent news for CR-V owners, be aware it is not a full-size spare but rather a compact steel wheel commonly found in other crossover SUVs.
According to Car Connection, the front and rear tire size on the 2023 Honda CR-V is P235/60HR18, listing the spare tire size as compact. In the official Honda specifications, the compact spare tire is T155/90D17, a temporary donut tire. While the tire takes up less space in the vehicle, it cannot be driven on for long distances and is only intended to get you to the nearest repair shop. Honda advises carrying a full-size spare for drivers planning to tow a trailer behind their 2023 CR-V.
The 2023 Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims will not have a spare tire but include a tire repair kit with 24-hour assistance. The Sport Touring Hybrid trim will come equipped with all-season 235/55R19 tires and 19″ glass black alloy wheels.
Substantial price increase for the 2023 Honda CR-V
While drivers will appreciate the new spare tire, they won’t enjoy the substantial price increase for the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid over the 2022 model.
Prices start at $32,335 for the 2023 Honda CR-V, which includes the destination fee. With the 2022 model having a starting price of $28,045, this is a pretty significant price hike. According to Autoblog, the $4,000 increase is due to the standard LX Trim getting dropped, making the EX the new entry-level trim. In 2022, the EX trim had a starting price of $30,555.
The price jump is not as severe on the hybrid trim. The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid has an MSRP of $33,695, with the outgoing model starting at $33,255. The top-of-the-line Sport Touring Hybrid has an MSRP of $39,485 and comes with standard AWD.
The price increase on the 2023 Honda CR-V makes it the most expensive SUV crossover in its class, with the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4 coming in at just under $30,000.
