Wandering around your local Honda dealer, you’ll find all kinds of models, from the sleek Civic sedan to the hardworking Ridgeline pickup truck. On top of that, there’s often a wide variety of options within a single model. With the Accord and the CR-V, that variety goes beyond the usual suite of tech features and interior upgrades you usually see in different trim levels. Each of these nameplates offers both a traditional turbocharged gasoline engine and an electrified hybrid powertrain.
The Accord is a midsize sedan with a sleek exterior and excellent driving dynamics, while the CR-V is a compact SUV with a spacious cabin and sporty styling. However, the two models share their powertrain options. Is upgrading to a hybrid version of either of these models worth it? Who should consider upgrading, and who might be better off sticking to the gasoline powertrain? Let’s dive in and see what the hybrid Hondas bring to the table, from what’s under the hood to benefits you might not expect.
Fuel Economy
We’ll get this settled right out of the gate: the hybrid versions are more fuel-efficient. That’s almost always going to be true when comparing a hybrid version of any model with its non-hybrid counterpart. Though with these particular models, it’s especially impressive because the Accord and CR-V are both highly fuel efficient to begin with.
According to the EPA, the non-hybrid 2024 Accord is rated for 32 MPG combined, while the larger 2024 CR-V comes in just behind that with a rating of 30 MPG combined. Since the EPA states that the average 2024 vehicle gets 28 MPG, both of these models are already ahead of the curve. However, the hybrid versions blow them out of the water. The CR-V Hybrid gets 40 MPG combined, while the Accord Hybrid is rated at an impressive 48 MPG combined.
On top of being good for the planet, that fuel efficiency also increases each vehicle’s range: the CR-V goes from 420 miles to 560 miles when the hybrid option is chosen, and the Accord jumps from 474 miles to 614 miles. That means you can go further between gas station stops, which means you can travel long distances more efficiently. Whether you have a long commute or love a good road trip, that comes in handy—plus, it saves you money on fuel over time.
Extra Luxury
Because the technology is newer and more complex, hybrid vehicles often cost a bit more than equivalent non-hybrid vehicles. Honda has leaned into this fact in a clever way, arranging its trim levels so that the hybrids are top-tier trims that don’t just have a more efficient powertrain but also extra luxury features and unique exterior styling touches. That way, you really feel like you’re getting more bang for your buck as a buyer and don’t feel like you’re paying extra just to get the hybrid setup.
On the 2024 Accord, only the base-level LX and EX trims have a non-hybrid powertrain. While the EX does have some extra touches, like heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control, you have to move up the ladder to the hybrid trims to get goodies like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Alexa Built-In, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a head-up display that projects information onto the lower windshield, and more. While the 2024 CR-V has a non-hybrid EX-L trim that comes with some of these features, you have to upgrade to the hybrid-only Sport Touring trim to get the available Bose premium sound system and built-in satellite-linked navigation system.
More Thrills
Both the Accord Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid have a total combined system output of 204 hp, compared to 192 hp for the non-hybrid Accord and 190 hp for the non-hybrid CR-V. That extra punch of power means more responsive driving dynamics and more thrills on the road. It can also come in handy in more practical circumstances, like when you need to quickly catch up to highway speeds or pass on a two-lane road.
The hybrid models also feature a four-mode drive system that lets you change your settings quickly to adapt to different situations on the road. The Accord has Normal mode for everyday driving, Econ mode to conserve power, Sport mode for maximum thrills, and Individual mode for a customized experience. On the CR-V, Individual mode is replaced with Snow mode to help you get extra traction in inclement weather.
Hybrid Cons
While the hybrid models can largely be considered upgrades, there are a few downsides to keep in mind. For one thing, they are more expensive across the board. While that’s not a big deal for drivers who usually upgrade to higher trim levels in order to enjoy luxury features, it’s a definite drawback for shoppers on a budget. Of course, you’ll have to factor in how much you’ll save on fuel when making this decision, but unless you rack up a lot of miles every year, the math might not work out in favor of the hybrid.
There’s also one other con if you’re looking at a CR-V. The non-hybrid model can tow up to 1,500 lbs, while the hybrid powertrain can only haul up to 1,000 lbs. If you need to bring a trailer along for the ride, that lower capacity might end up being a dealbreaker. Of course, if you don’t plan on doing any towing, then this difference likely won’t affect your decision at all.
Who Should Opt for the Hybrid?
Let’s get to the point: is a hybrid Honda the right option for you? Well, if you were already looking at an Accord or a CR-V, it’s definitely worth considering. But every driver is different, and some will get more benefits out of the hybrid powertrain than others. If you have a long daily commute, then the extra fuel efficiency will come in handy every day, saving you money and allowing you to drive past the gas station more often so you can come straight home and relax after a hard day’s work. Parents will also get a lot out of avoiding extra gas station stops since filling up can be tricky in a busy schedule with lots of little ones who have places to go.
While hybrids haven’t traditionally been thought of as performance cars, the times are changing, and recent hybrid powertrains have been designed to deliver extra horsepower and torque. If you think of driving as a pastime in and of itself and are looking for a sporty model, you should also give some thought to upgrading to a hybrid. In addition to the extra power, all hybrid CR-V trims and most hybrid Accord trims (all trims with “Sport” in the name) have extra styling touches that make them look more athletic. Depending on the trim, these features range from gloss black accents to a rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and dual chrome exhaust finishers.
Making Changes for the Future
As more focus is put on reducing emissions, automakers are acknowledging that we need to make some big changes in order to give our children and their children the bright future they deserve. Honda is doing a lot to incentivize customers to choose a hybrid option, from making its hybrid models more powerful to giving them more luxury features and exclusive styling. Whether you’re concerned about the environment or just want to take advantage of these features, the hybrid Hondas are a great choice. We wouldn’t be surprised to see more models offer hybrid versions in the future, and we look forward to seeing what new benefits they bring to the table.
