Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A blue 2020 Honda CR-V is shown from the rear at an angle.

New or Used, Honda Hybrids Have Much to Offer

The Honda CR-V has a rich history of being a great SUV for almost three decades. Hondas are known for innovation and reliability. People have loved this SUV for decades, and it is easy to see why. The convenient size is a great balance of interior space and maneuverability, all in an attractive package.

The CR-V Hybrid was first introduced in 2019 with the 2020 model year, during the sixth generation of the CR-V. While a newer addition to the CR-V family, the Hybrid does a great job of continuing the Honda tradition of excellence. With significantly improved fuel economy and even better horsepower and torque than the standard gas engine, the Hybrid is just as fun to drive or maybe even a bit more fun. It handles responsively, and you’ll be able to go much further between fill ups. From the efficient engine to the gorgeous exterior, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is truly a remarkable buy for anyone on the market for a used Honda CR-V for sale.

Sport, Sport-L, or Sport Touring?

There are three main options for a Honda CR-V Hybrid: the Sport, the Sport-L, and the Sport Touring. They all substitute the CR-V’s standard 1.5L Turbo I-4 engine, which makes 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, with a powerful hybrid engine making 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. While offering a significant boost in performance, the Hybrid is also far more fuel efficient. The front-wheel drive model gets an amazing 43 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway. The all-wheel drive version takes a minor hit, getting 40 in the city and 34 on the highway, but is quite impressive nonetheless.

All three trims offer a power moonroof which can let in light, air, or just be a great way to see the stars when you’re parked. All of these SUVs come with Real-Time AWD, enabling precise and controlled handling on many different types of terrain. It offers four drive modes, and whether in Normal, Snow, Sport, or Econ, you’ll be able to navigate many different driving situations. Each Hybrid comes with extensive safety features designed to keep occupants as well as other cars and pedestrians safe. From simplifying your driving experience to emergency braking to avoid disaster, the Honda CR-V Hybrid offers peace of mind to both driver and passengers.

A grey 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid is shown from the front at an angle after leaving a dealer that has a used Honda CR-V for sale.

The Sport is the entry level hybrid model, which offers the powerful hybrid engine as well as some sporty interior seating coverings. The orange stitching really makes the cloth seats pop on the Sport. The two higher trim packages, the Sport-L and Sport Touring, are definitely on the luxury end of design features. Each comes with leather trimmed seats inside the luxurious interior. The front seats are heated to keep you warm when the outside is cold. The advanced infotainment system offers a nine-inch color touchscreen with easy connection options for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging comes with both trims, as well as dual chrome exhaust finishes, which look quite good with the several available exterior colors.

While the Sport-L and Sport Touring trims have a lot in common, there are a few differences. While the Sport-L is more luxurious than the Sport, the Touring is a step farther above that. The Touring features a Bose Premium Sound System, a hands-free access power tailgate, and some stunning 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels. While both trims have leather seats, the Touring adds a heated leather steering wheel. Finally, the Touring’s driver’s seat comes with positional memory to make adjusting the seat back to your preferred settings a simple push of a button.

Overall, any of the three Hybrid trim packages have a lot to offer. Only you will be able to tell which one is the best fit for you, since everyone’s needs and desires are unique.

Why Buying Used Could Be the Best Choice

Honda are well known to be reliable vehicles. Many car reliability tests have Honda in or close to the top spot. These vehicles last for many years, sometimes decades, making them a great candidate for buying used. On top of that, there are three options for buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) Honda. Every manufacturer has some form of a CPO program to help customers know that the car they are buying is going to be reliable. Buying used can be a bit of a shot in the dark, since the history of the vehicle can be unknown or hidden from a potential buyer. Yet CPO cars have undergone a rigorous inspection by certified mechanics to give a buyer all the information they need, as well as some attractive warranty options.

Honda has three levels of CPO vehicles: Certified+, Certified, and Used. Each category requires certain parameters to be met in order for them to qualify, which are discovered during a rigorous 182-point inspection. If they meet or exceed the requirements, these vehicles can be certified, which will enable certain warranties to come with the vehicle. Certified+ requires all models be two years old or newer with less than 12,000 miles. Once certified, these vehicles are eligible for a seven-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and a five-year, 86,000-mile non-powertrain warranty with a $0 deductible is also available.

The Certified category requires that the vehicle be six years old or newer with less than 80,000 miles. Once it passes inspection, it is eligible for seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage and four-year, 48,000-mile non-powertrain coverage if purchased within the new vehicle warranty period. If the new vehicle limited warranty has expired, a one-year or 12,000 mile non-powertrain warranty is available.. The Used category of CPO Hondas is good for vehicles ten years old or newer, with no mileage limit. It comes with 100-day 5,000-mile powertrain and non-powertrain coverage. With all these good CPO options, the buying used is almost as good as buying new, and buying a used Hybrid could be downright affordable.

A blue 2023 Honda CR-V is shown rom the front at an angle.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid Is an Excellent Choice

The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular SUVs across the world, and provides a ton of value to anyone in the market to buy a new or used vehicle. SUVs have dramatically increased in popularity over the last couple decades, and anyone can see why. They offer great versatility and value to anyone who owns one. The CR-V is arguably one of the finest designed SUVs available today. Honda took a great design, which they had already proven over 28 years, and made it hybrid. Now you can own an SUV and not worry that the gas prices will make it impossible to drive. With three different trim options available in the Hybrid, you can find just the right 2023 model for you, or explore previous years models to buy used.

Honda’s competitive CPO options give buyers confidence that their used CR-V hybrid will be in great shape and function at a high level for years to come. Since the Hybrid is a relatively new addition to the Honda CR-V lineup, only the Certified+ and Certified categories are going to be applied to the used Hybrid selection. That means there will be some great warranty options available, making them an even more tempting buy. Whether new or used, the CR-V hybrid lineup has so much to offer potential owners.