SUVs are being cranked out faster than chocolate from Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, which is unsurprising since SUVs have gained popularity over the years. Once people realized that SUVs were a perfect combination of utility and comfort, they became the new it-factor, and manufacturers noticed. With a sea of SUVs to choose from and each one claiming to be the best of the best, how do you figure out which one really is the best? Well, if you have been looking for a Honda CR-V Hybrid for sale, you may have noticed it tends to be a chart-topper.
For starters, it has Honda in the name. Honda began from the seeds of inspiration, with the founder feeling inspired to improve everyday life for those around him. It was about seventy-five years ago that Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda, challenged the norm by equipping bikes with engines. Of course, we would know those as motorcycles today, but nearly seven decades earlier, this was inspiring.
From that, one seed of inspiration sprouted: the company Honda and the many vehicles they have produced. The CR-V Hybrid is a prime example of the ingenuity that started it all. The CR-V Hybrid manages to stand out in a sea of SUVs, proudly sporting the Honda badge. Despite competition around every corner, the Honda CR-V Hybrid excels, taking the gold at every turn.
Cabin Space As Far As You Can See
One appeal of the SUV is that it combines sedan comforts and van-like spaciousness to create a perfect and harmonious balance. The CR-V pulls this off well, offering ample cargo and comfortable passenger space. New or used, the CR-V provides plenty of room in the back, with several model years claiming the best-in-class title for their cargo holds.
The 2023 model takes this claim even further by providing the most cargo room in the history of the model’s run. From rear to trunk, you can enjoy 36.3 cubic feet of space on the hybrid models and even more on the non-hybrid options, but since this is really about the hybrid, let’s not get distracted. Extra legroom has also been worked into the latest model, furthering its appeal.
Ingenious Hybrid Powertrain
The CR-V became a hybrid in 2020 with the introduction of the Atkins-cycle hybrid, a two-motor setup. The Atkins-cycle design has some unique perks that are ideal to be paired with a hybrid system, resulting in improved performance and mileage. This version did great, providing stellar fuel efficiency and performance, but Honda still needs to strive for bigger and better things.
The latest CR-V Hybrid, which is the Sport and Sport Touring, introduces the all-new fourth-gen hybrid two-motor setup. This latest generation is more powerful than before, which means the ability to tow up to 1,000 pounds is now part of the CR-V’s bragging rights. This hybrid setup is also designed using the Atkinson-cycle engine, and it is paired with a larger propulsion motor to really get the most out of the power produced.
Refresh For A Fresh Take
In 2023, the CR-V received some work inside and out, which seems like an unfair advantage since it was already rocking its style. The revamp was partially due to the resizing of the CR-V, with its new stretched-out proportions, which add even more grandeur. Outside, the CR-V is more fun-looking, with a sporty edge. The new design definitely makes it stand out more than before and is a nice change.
A longer and broader wheelbase is meant to make the CR-V appear more aggressive, reinforcing the sporty tone. The Sport and Sport Touring, which are the hybrid models, feature unique front and rear fascias, grille finish, and uniquely shaped exhaust finishers. Inside, you will find a similar sleek and sporty look throughout the cabin. New finishes do a great job of showing off the new dimensions.
Trim Options?
Typically, when considering purchasing a vehicle, deciding on which trim you want would be a top priority. A trim can completely change your experience in a car. However, with the CR-V, the hybrid is, in essence, a trim. The latest model offers the hybrid drivetrain on two trims only. The Sport or the Sport Touring trims come standard as a hybrid, leaving three other trims as traditional drivetrains. Previous model years offer assorted hybrid trim options, with several conventional options being available.
What does this mean? It means you can still choose a trim, but pay attention to which ones are actually hybrids—previous years offered the hybrid in the EX, EX-L, and Touring, with 2023 introducing the Sport and Sport Touring as replacements. The Touring and Sport Touring trims are the higher-end options, providing the most standard features out of the line-up.
Past EX-Hybrid models started around the low $30K mark, which was a mind-boggling price considering the number of standards it came with. Heated front seats, which are typically reserved for higher trims, are just one example. Newer models are reasonable as well, still coming in around the same price.
Efficiency
The CR-V has plenty to offer, but its fuel efficiency is one of the best things about it. The 2023 Sport Hybrid is said to get up to 43 MPG city driving and 36 MPG highway, while the Sport Touring is said to get up to 40 MPG city and 34 highway. The discrepancy between the two comes from the Sport Touring offered as an all-wheel drive model. The mileage is a manageable loss, especially if you can benefit from the Real Time AWD with an Intelligent Control System.
Anyway, you cut it; the CR-V hybrid is a great ride that will be manageable for your wallet. As many manufacturers are beginning to make the leap to green machines, the CR-V is an excellent example of how to do it. New or old, the CR-V Hybrid is a fuel-efficient option that beats out most.
To Sum It Up
The CR-V is available in an assortment of trims, but it is the hybrid trims that truly shine. From their stellar fuel efficiency to their fun and energetic driving, the CR-V Hybrids take the win in their segment. This is high praise, considering how many hybrid options there are out there today, but the CR-V deserves it.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is one seriously good-looking vehicle from the outside. The CR-V is a show-stopper, from perfectly placed curves to the right amount of contrasting trim. It has that fun and flirty look that those special CUVs and SUVs have, yet it still manages to do it in its own way. This is especially true with the latest model and its facelift that gave it just enough freshness to make it new and exciting again.
But, as our mothers used to always tell us, it is not what is on the outside that matters; it is what is on the inside that counts. Inside, the CR-V is fitted with a clever hybrid system, plenty of driver assistance features, gobs of infotainment tech, and, of course, lots of safety gizmos, all equating to a CR-V that you will want to drive off into the sunset in. Whether you choose a pre-owned model or opt for the new and snazzy model, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is a great move.
