Hello, I am also new to this forum, although not new to Honda ownership. I have owned more Hondas over the last 25 years than I can count. I too am thinking about the new 2023 CRV Hybrids and have done a lot of online research. Sadly I have not been able to find an actual vehicle in stock at any of the local dealers. I am very disappointed with how Honda is packaging these models with very little options to change colors or other accessories. Why can't there be more interior color choices than black or light grey? Also, don't really understand why white is a $395 option. Really, is it that much more to manufacture white paint? I am mostly interested in the Hybrid Sport Touring model, but I absolutely hate Black wheels on a vehicle. I realize that many younger buyers like the look of black wheels, but is the target audience for this model the under 30 crowd? I doubt it. Honda offers no option to change to a silver/chrome style wheel! Also, why is the only choice for wheel size 19" on the Touring? Makes no sense to me. I can not think of any reason why I need a 19" wheel as opposed to an 18" wheel, except to force me to pay more to replace the tires or wheels when needed. Really, wanted a Honda, but am so disgusted with the choices available that I might end up with a Toyota, who appears to believe that customers deserve some choices. Just wonder if I am the only one that is upset with this issue?
Welcome to the CRVOC forum. Many fine folks from around the globe here.
A suggestion if you will for the next time you post. In your post above, you have different problems with how Honda sells its product. You present them in a "Wall of Words", the visual equilivent of the "Stream of Consciousness" that the American author Faulkner used. The one major difference being that at least you use punctuation, creating complete sentences. To many folks, posts done in this manner are difficult to process.
While you are not the first on this site to complain about how Honda sells its products, you are one of the minuscule few who are. The vast majority of the members here are eminently satisfied with their vehicle. Most of the modifications which members make are the same type of modifications that owners of similar vehicles in this class make on theirs. I myself have upgraded the audio systems & sound deadening on 4 different Hondas, which I also did on previous vehicles from other manufacturers.
You indeed have many options when making any type of purchase. Manufacturers actually do research on their vehicle product so as to appeal to the greatest demographic. This is how they maximize sales & stay in business. This is what makes a Honda different from a Toyota. If they didn't do this, they would not stay in business for long. You know this, otherwise you would not have lived with the Honda brand for so many years. If you think $395 is expensive for white paint, try ordering any of the metallic finishes, which I'm sure you've already researched.
An answer to color pricing can be found when researching other vehicle manufacturers. Does Chevy / For / Kia / Dodge / Volkswagen, for example, charge for basic colors? If your research discovers that all manufacturers make similar charges, then that is the business model in play now everywhere, not just by Honda.
Global supply chain issues have changed the dynamics of many businesses. Unfortunately, these issues won't be solved any time soon. Other manufacturers face the same problems as does Honda. There are reports of some vehicles being on 9 months back-order due to these issues. Are you willing to travel? Have your searches been limited to a certain distance? Expanding the distance of your search may find the vehicle that you are seeking.
You the consumer always have the option as to how you spend your money. Only you know your financial situation. There are several manufacturers out there that will gladly create a vehicle with your specifications. Whether you are willing to pay the $$$ that those manufacturers want for doing so is entirely up to you.