Honda Is All In On Hybrids With The New 2023 CR-V | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review

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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[davidzavala]

No spare tire is a deal breaker for me. When I take my long trips, I venture into areas where there's no signal or you just don't want to be stranded. Sorry, a spare tire is a must that all vehicles should have and not depend on getting someone to tow you or take you one.

[thomasnoel]

I purchased a 2021 CRV Hybrid Touring model. I liked almost everything about it except the push button shifting and excessively loud Road noise into the cabin. Glad to see Honda went back to a traditional shift knob.

[donpaulweatherpluspaul]

Alex..yours is the most complete and mechanically detailed review I've seen yet. I've now had my identical CRV Sport Touring model about 5 weeks, and have been averaging 37-38 mpg in mixed driving. After 7 straight high-end Accords (leased), this is the most refined Honda I've had so far. It should be noted the Sport Touring is quieter than the Sport Hybrid because of extra sound deadening and acoustically lined front and front side glass. I switched from my long term relationship with the Accord (last one was a 2020 Touring edition) because the extra 2.7" in length made the 2023 model too long for my garage. I know the new Accord Touring gets better mileage than the CRV and, I presume, it's just as quiet. The road noise improvement between my previous Touring Accord and the new ST CRV is quite noticeable...not Mercedes E class quality, but much quieter. Great torque off the line and in all my drives so far, so I don't miss the 0-60/5.4 sec in the previous Accord Touring w/the 2 L/10 spd (Car & Driver) the way I thought I might. Really surprised at how little body roll there is in this nice handling vehicle. However, I DO think Honda should have included the HUD and ventilated seats in the ST hybrid, at this price point. I think Honda needs to up their game in interior colors, but I guess Honda feels they're doing just fine as is. All in all, I've been finding my new CRV to be a delight to drive...seats are at perfect height for old, stiff knees--as opposed to the low seats in the Accord--and today the CRV enabled me to get my bike to a repair shop, as would any SUV I suppose, but I have had zero remorse in switching to the CRV from the excellent Accord. Thanks for the great review!

[mcasuzu]

I test drove an EX-L 1.5 liter turbo version and I love it. Very roomy and comfortable. I don't care for the heads up display and pMarkanoramic roof. Currently, I have a 2011 CR-V EX-L with 186K miles and zero issues. I ended up making a deposit of $2, 500 for a 2023 CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring. My local Honda dealer, Faulkner Honda, Doylestown, PA, has NO "Market Adjustment" . Just the MSRP of $39, 845. Finally, you did not mention the premium audio system in the Touring trim level. That's the reason I wanted the TRG trim level.

[radiofan]

We have the current/last generation 2021 AWD version of the CR-V hybrid and really like it. When shopping for the CR-V we drove both the turbo and hybrid, and as Alex says in his video, the hybrid performance off the line is much better than the turbo. We also found the hybrid to be much quieter than the turbo.

I also have a 2022 Honda Insight that has essentially the same design as the 2021 CR-V hybrid. Compared to the 2021 CR-V Hybrid the Insight gets MUCH better gas mileage, but that's due to less weight and smaller engine and drive motor. So far, my Insight lifetime average is 50.3 MPG.

We live in the snow belt, and the Honda AWD system works very well. When coupled with the good ground clearance the AWD doesn't have many issues with snow. On the other hand, the low-setting Insight doesn't get driven in the snow :)

[guylr]

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.

[biztwobiz]

Honda just being Honda. They are so practical and logical in the approach. It's so wonderful and appreciated!! The other's like Hyundai and Kia go wild with options and price themselves right out of the competition. Honda prefers sales. Again, just Honda being Honda. LOVE it!! Nice video and format, as always. Merci

[larryaugsburger]

I don’t know why Alex only gets 34MPG on these. We get 40 routinely in the previous gen, but we do keep it in economy mode.

[GHinWI]

Alex is the only YouTube reviewer we can count on to show us the spare tire situation, and I’m all about it.

[pcthayer]

Another great review. Thanks for mentioning its pros and cons compared to CRV's hybrid competition. Since I live in a snowy climate I really appreciate the info about CRVs superiority in the snow compared to the RAV4. (Just wish the CRV had a spare tire like the Toyota has.)

[Imaginary]

What's the difference between this video and a "full review"? I love Alex's videos, but one annoying thing is that some of them don't have scores for things like acceleration, with a note saying to "come back for the full review". Which never arrive.

[bha]

The reason why there's no fog lights, and I've seen this done many times with other brands, they will introduce the fog lights the following year model as an "upgrade". Sad but true.

[ryanw]

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!

[TimZ]

One thing about handling I have noticed as I get older is even softly sprung and smooth riding vehicles still can break the speed limit by a lot with room to spare. I just don't use the 9/10th driving handling anymore. Just not worth the risk of tickets or worse on public roads. I don't even like the ride of the low profile tires anymore. It just beats of the rims and struts. Likely wears out the ball joints and wheel bearings faster as well.

[tonelocrian]

CRV excels in cargo space & handling compared to Toyota & the hybrid system may have more longevity than the turbo models I suspect. Fuel economy is still very good for it size. Looking forward to test driving.

PS : I wish ALL car review channels would incorporate a 'hill ascent test' into the performance analysis.

In real world driving, that's where you can see an engine's real power with two adults' weight in the car.

I drive a Toyota 3.0 liter V6 & hill ascent is never a struggle, even at higher speeds, plenty of power.

[ucukaoma]

Alex, your attention to details and information ease of delivery are appreciated!

[grizzybear]

That cheese grate is easy to clean, just use a soft horsehair bristle attachment with your vacuum. It's a cheap attachment.

[ronn]

Ultimately I care more about handling, functionality, and comfort than I do about getting the best mgp. My Jetta gets about 23 mpg so this would be a great upgrade for me.

[noreenryan]

I think it's nuts not to provide a spare tire! I won't purchase it on that missing item, alone. Up to that point, I thought it sounded pretty good.

[YouAreBreathing]

I don't know how people are dealing without having a spare tire in new vehicles, but I haven't seen my cars spare tire in years.