For the second gen CR-V Hybrid Honda has big plans. How big? They say that 50% of all CR-Vs will be hybrids going forward. With up to 40 MPG in FWD models, the CR-V can’t quite match the efficiency of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, but it’s roomier and more refined.
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48 Comments
Sooo, Outlander PHEV gen1? Same power and principal
I saw a post someone did online where they took that center vent out… filled that with clear Lacquer ( on a civic ). looked nicer in the pic after they did it.
The value will be ruined by insane mark-ups, Honda and Kia suffer from the highest mark-ups.
3:02 why didn't they make a compartment out of that empty space, it would have cost literally $1 to put in a plastic divider piece.
The top trim at $38k is pretty much exactly the same as the Tucson Hybrid, so that's good. Granted you'll get a lot more content on the Hyundai, but simpler and cleaner styling / ergonomics on the Honda (and just being a Honda) are an advantage. So, yeah, credit to Honda for keeping the price equal to or below the competition. I'm surprised Nissan isn't offering a Rogue hybrid.
Great review as always Alex! I like the top trim level but wish it was available in front wheel drive only. Do you know if the front center armrest over the storage compartment slides forward like it did in the 5th generation model?
Alex, when does it go on sale?
Alex, thank you for pointing out the shortage of batteries and why hybrids still make sense. I’m all for the shift to BEVs but hauling around heavy batteries in very expensive cars with lots of range at the expense of more hybrid cars driving average commutes and thus saving more fuel being burned doesn’t do us as much good.I know it’s a paradox that won’t be resolved until battery supplies and prices come down and the transition to more BEVs can be affordable to more people.
Fake exhaust in the front bumper😂 only at Honda
Looks bland as a VW
It looks way better and inline with the current Honda line up, which looks sharp. Great video. Glad it has the mechanical awd as its can get that power from both systems to the ground.
Thanks for pointing out the tire well issue!
they gave it a civic interior. such laziness
The Rdx exits so honda can cheap out on features is just a lame excuse, Nissan, kia/hyundai, vw, and toyota all have luxury versions of their compact suv's but still give you those features on their mainstream suv's, heck even a camry has more features than this crv
Honda makes one of the worst Hybrid systems in the industry. I would only get their ICE versions until they get rid of the current hybrid setup.
Excellent review again from Alex on Autos.
Things I like on this CR-V:
1. New look is good, except for the Sport Touring chrome-ish lower front rectangles
2. Better fuel economy than last model
3. I think the trim levels are actually a smart idea, simplified the way to choose drivetrain
4. 2 speed clutch to enhance drivetrain flexibility and MPG
5. real AWD
Negatives would be the want of optional 360 degree camera, middle seatbelt or if ceiling, and no cooled seats. I understand the cost saving idea however.
I would take a CR-V Sport Touring over the Toyota RAV-4, despite higher fuel economy in the Toyota. Why? AWD and the CR-V looks better and is larger. A toss up though when it comes to this vs a Sportage hybrid.
A lot of car channels came out with a video review of the CRV this morning. There was a time when I clicked on the AOA reviews first, without question. These days, I watch the other channels first and don't even feel like clicking on this video anymore.
Alex, repeatedly you appear to have a rear end fetish . I can dig it but mine is with women.
No Alex the RAV-4 Hybrid is NOT "significantly" more efficient @ HWY, when you're going 80+ mph. It will also drop down to <30 mpg like the CR-V Hybrid.
Hate the front end ovals where fog lights should be. The non-hybrid front end looks way better.
Great review. As an HRV owner I'm looking at this but the overall design seems a bit dull.
For my driving habits, the higher speed highway mpg's are the goal… CR V out!
Expensive Trash
Here, Honda Canada has priced the new CRV Hybrid, only available on the top Touring trim, at ~CA$49,000. Compared that to the Rav4 Hybrid starting at ~CA$33,500 to the top trim at ~CA$45,000. You see that with The gas model as well. CRV starts ~CA$35,000 to ~CA$43,500. Rav4 gas starts ~CA$29,000 to ~CA$43,000. The pricing Honda Canada chosen is just crazy compared to the competitors. We saw it with the Civic, HRV, and now CRV. I'm a bit concerned with where Honda Canada is going as you see competitors, particularly the Koreans, being very competitive with pricing and standard features.
Honda America, is a different story, there is still a price premium over competitors but usually about US$1,000. A more reasonable gap.
Whats up with the "Whiny"comments? 😼
No spare tire?? So your on a road trip getting excellent gas mileage and then what?
Maybe Honda will include one of those useless tire repair cans…
The small 1kwh battery will likely only drive the vehicle 1 mile on electric only, and one quarter mile full acceleration run will likely drain the battery.
Good job Alex 👏👏👏 HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY EVERYONE ✌️
I have an expiring lease on the previous CR-V Hybrid and am on the waiting list for a Sport. Got a call from the dealer yesterday saying they'd have some of these coming in soon. Looking forward to driving it.
Still waiting for Honda to release their CRV as a PHEV to compete with the RAV4 Prime
… drivetrain much like a Koenigsegg Regera again 😊👍
This junk costs way too much
That ceiling seat belt is a crazy design decision. Why would someone ok this??
Vented seats offered in Canada, not offered in US. At least on the Ridgeline
I leased a 2020 CR-V EX (gas engine) because it had the 4-way lumbar support. I can't believe the 2023 touring doesn't have it! That's a deal breaker for me. Also, the hybrid doesn't seem worth it. I get 30 MPG mixed now. I may be better off buying my 2020 CR-V. Interested to learn more about the Prologue though!
Well done and thorough analysis.
I will simply not consider the CR-V because no PHEV is offered.
Mechanical AWD, compared to the RAV4's eAWD, which has a relatively weak rear motor pushing the vehicle, is a plus, but I'd be willing to settle for the RAV4, as 99% of my driving is on paved roads. Should Toyota put a stronger motor in the back (their Hybrid drive requires a strong motor in the front), than it would be the RAV4 which has the advantage.
Not sold on the design of the front. It does not look good.
Amazed they didn't make it a PHEV, looks like there's room under the trunk for more battery to make it happen
I'd have to think this new crv might cannibalize some sales from the passport.
Excellent review Alex!
I definitely prefer handling and the more functional awd in the Honda vs the Toyota.
now that's a curvaceous back end. great review as always.
You were 50% right. One the exhaust ends is fake.
The middle seat belt needs to go!
This is the highest trim of CRV? Looks really cheap to me. Dont like the dash design and the interior looks like a subcompact. If the pilot doesn't go WAY upscale vs this, it's getting crossed off the list.
Excellent! Way to raise the consumer's purchasing game
A little better than before, but aside for mileage, I think the Outbank is better value IMHO.
I am between the Tucson and CR-V Hybrid. But, after hearing this video. I can honestly say the Tucson hybrid is the better choice for me. And I've had over 10 Honda cars.
Wait so there’s no hybrid in EX-L trim? That’s the one I’m waiting for, also disappointed at that hybrid mpg, I guess that’s the limit of 2 motor system…
Also I can’t stand that RAV4 interior, I love their implementation of hybrid though, may have to look Hyundai/ Kia or just move up to Lexus …