In 2023, we had the pleasure of reviewing the all-new Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid. Initially, we were pleasantly surprised by its hybrid capabilities, yet we didn’t fully grasp just how impressive it truly was. Our first test only covered 100 miles, so when the opportunity arose for a more in-depth evaluation, we eagerly seized the chance to explore the CR-V Hybrid’s full potential.  

No Facelift Here

Notably, it’s been just a couple of years since its launch, and the CR-V has yet to receive any significant updates. Its contemporary design, reminiscent of the Civic, continues to exude a handsome charm that promises to age gracefully over the coming decades. The interior also impresses, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The cabin showcases an aesthetically pleasing array of finishes and a striking honeycomb trim that elegantly spans the dashboard.  

Overall, the technology in the CR-V is commendable, offering user-friendly interfaces that cater to all generational demographics. The displays are easy to read, and the menus are straightforward to navigate. Once you acclimate to the controls on the steering wheel, maneuvering through the digital instrument cluster becomes as effortless as a Sunday drive. 

Complexity Under the Skin 

As we discovered, the CR-V’s hybrid system is refreshingly unconventional, utilizing three motors: a propulsion motor, an electric generator motor, and a gasoline engine. This setup reverses the typical hierarchy found in conventional hybrids, placing the electric motor in the lead role while the gasoline engine plays a supporting part.  

DISLIKES: Highest trim gets pricey and packs less valued features 

To energize the electric motor, a secondary electric generator works in concert, supplying power to a small battery and doubling as a starter. This clever arrangement serves as an effective backup system, ensuring reliable performance. Despite the impressive individual horsepower ratings of the motors, the combined output is a respectable 204 horsepower. Unlike earlier hybrids that relied on a single-speed transmission, the CR-V employs a direct-drive system. This innovative design creates a more engaging driving experience by simulating gear shifts, even if the mechanics under the hood are a bit more sophisticated than your average gearhead might imagine.

Additionally, Honda has strategically positioned the electric motor adjacent to the engine’s crankshaft, enhancing overall efficiency and performance. This design modification leads to improved fuel economy, superior handling, and a towing capacity of up to 1,000 pounds—perfect for those who wish to transport small campers or recreational vehicles, or perhaps just a particularly ambitious load of groceries.  

While the CR-V does take over 8 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph, this statistic belies its overall responsiveness; at lower city speeds, it adeptly delivers power as needed in a hasty manner. During our initial evaluation of the CR-V Hybrid in 2023, we struggled to meet the EPA’s combined fuel economy rating. However, after spending more time behind the wheel, we eventually managed to achieve the targeted EPA rating of 37 mpg combined—proof that persistence pays off. 

In terms of driving dynamics, the complexity of the hybrid system necessitated a comprehensive reengineering of the vehicle’s architecture. The result? A fortified body shell, an increased number of spot welds, and more robust front and rear subframes. These enhancements imbue the CR-V with a solid, well-planted demeanor that distinguishes it from its competitors. The structural integrity contributes to a driving experience that exudes premium quality, ensuring that drivers enjoy a level of stability and confidence that is both impressive and reassuring, like finding a parking spot right in front of a busy Starbucks. 

LIKES: impressive hybrid system, well-tuned chassis control, easy-to-use technology 

On a separate yet significant note, Honda has finally undertaken a comprehensive recalibration of its Honda Sensing System and adaptive cruise control. Previously, this system was often a source of frustration, aggressively enforcing vehicle follow distances and abruptly engaging the brakes in low-speed traffic situations. However, the latest iteration in the CR-V has been meticulously refined to provide a more nuanced and comfortable driving experience. The adaptive cruise control now applies braking with a greater degree of finesse, ensuring smoother deceleration and enhancing overall driver comfort. 

Value in Other Forms

The trim we tested is identical to what we reviewed in 2023; a top-tier Sport Touring Hybrid. And from a purely financial perspective, the CR-V Hybrid presents a compelling value proposition. However, the Sport Touring model, priced at $42,605, raises some eyebrows. When a Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited is available at a similar price but offers a more extensive array of premium features, the overall allure of the CR-V Hybrid may begin to wane in light of the Tucson’s enticing gadgets and enhancements.  

Conversely, the Sport and Sport-L Hybrid trims stand out as the most prudent choices within the lineup, commencing at a competitive $36,045. For those who do not specifically require all-wheel drive, there’s an enticing opportunity to save $1,500 for the front-wheel drive version while simultaneously enjoying an additional three miles per gallon—a win-win for the economically minded driver. Regardless of the trim selected, Honda has adeptly integrated the hybrid system into the CR-V, ensuring that it remains an enjoyable and engaging crossover to own and drive.