Yahoo Autos Editors’ Picks January 2023 | Acura Integra, the new CR-V and more
A new year means another long year of testing and evaluating new metal coming from the automotive industry — we know, tough job, right? It also means another year of new cars making it to our Editors’ Picks status, and we’re starting out January with a bang. In total, eight new vehicles were Editors’ Picks this month, including some brand-new models like the redesigned Honda CR-V, Cadillac Lyriq and the ever-controversial Acura Integra.
In case you missed our previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on what’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get an Editors’ Pick designation. Those are the ones we’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody who’s curious and asks the question. The list that you’ll find below consists of every car we rated in January that earned an Editors’ Pick.
2023 Honda CR-V
Quick take: An all-around winner, the Honda CR-V is spacious, features easily used technology and looks better than ever. We recommend the efficient hybrid model, but the standard powertrain is a solid option, too.
Score: 9.0.
What it competes with: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue, VW Tiguan, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Mitsubishi Outlander
Pros: Clean styling; massive interior; efficient engine options; solid infotainment system; many standard safety features.
Cons: No base trim levels; lack of specialty options such as plug-in hybrid and off-road models.
From the editors:
News Editor Joel Stocksdale — "The CR-V is just really good in a lot of ways that really matter. It's enormous inside. It has a clean, stylish exterior and interior. It's solidly equipped. The base engine is pretty underwhelming, but that's rectified with the more powerful, more refined and more efficient hybrid. It simply doesn't do anything badly."
Senior Editor James Riswick — "The 2023 Honda CR-V is at its best as the hybrid. While the turbo base engine carries over virtually unchanged, the hybrid is new for 2023. To put it simply, it’s just better to drive. Honda engineers managed to simulate shifts when the gas engine kicks on, providing a more natural driving experience and eliminating the blender-like droning of the outgoing car. As for the rest of the driving experience, the 2023 Honda CR-V is notably a more refined and stable car than its predecessor."
In-depth analysis: 2023 Honda CR-V Review: Same old practicality, newfound style
2023 Porsche Macan
Quick take: Nothing drives better than the Porsche Macan, and while you pay a premium for it, there's no other SUV that'll be as fun as this one. Its interior tech and utility is merely acceptable, but again, that's not the Macan's priority.
Score: 7.5.
What it competes with: Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Genesis GV70, Jaguar F-Pace, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, Lincoln Corsair, Infiniti QX50, Volvo XC60
Pros: It drives like a Porsche; highly customizable; high-quality cabin.
Cons: It’s priced like a Porsche; on the small side; below-average fuel economy.
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — "I've driven nearly every trim of the Macan at this point, and at every single performance level, it's the best-driving SUV in the segment. Hop into the T if you're on a budget. Step up to the S if you're wanting a little extra shove, and go all the way to GTS if ultimate performance is the target. Seriously, the GTS feels more like a big AWD hatchback than it does a crossover. Any enthusiast is going to love driving the new Macan."
In-depth analysis: 2023 Porsche Macan Review: The little SUV to buy when you love to drive
2023 Cadillac Lyriq
Quick take: An affordable and very luxurious electric SUV, the Lyriq checks all the boxes. We like its charging tech, range, power and handling. Plus, it's rather sharp looking.
Score: 8.5.
What it competes with: Audi Q8 E-Tron, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model Y, Genesis GV60
Pros: Huge styling winner, superb interior tech, great electric car platform with solid charging tech and powerful motors.
Cons: Limited availability at launch, too reliant on touchscreen controls.
From the editors:
Senior Editor, Green John Beltz Snyder — "The Lyriq is great to drive, with excellent on-road manners and engaging dynamics. But where it stood out to me most was the attention to detail in the interior design. This is a new era for Cadillac quality, and at a price that makes the Lyriq feel like an excellent luxury EV value."
In-depth analysis: 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Review: Electric SUV is Cadillac's future
2023 Subaru Crosstrek
Quick take: The Crosstrek is a mini SUV with charming capability and an attractive design. Its one big negative is a lack of power from the base engine.
Score: 7.0.
What it competes with: Kia Seltos, Ford Bronco Sport, Jeep Compass, Chevy Trailblazer, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Mini Countryman, Kia Soul
Pros: More capable than similarly priced SUVs; good fuel economy; standard AWD; real roof rails.
Cons: Slow base engine; roly-poly handling; some head-scratching interior controls; Hybrid’s iffy value.
From the editors:
News Editor Joel Stocksdale — "One thing to keep in mind about the Crosstrek is that it's slow. The base one is extra slow, the Sport less so. But it makes up for that with a reasonable price and a spacious interior. Factor in standard all-wheel-drive and an impressive amount of ground clearance, and the Crosstrek will get you to a lot of places that other little crossovers never could, no matter how fast."
Senior Editor James Riswick — "The Crosstrek is really just an Impreza hatchback with some body cladding, chunky roof rails and that comical lift. It’s way cooler as a result – more capable, too."
