The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Is Extraordinarily Good...I Just Have One Issue!

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[billygiles]

I know you know your stuff, but it’s actually not a CVT transmission in this vehicle. It’s what they call an E-CVT which differs from a regular CVT transmission. As you probably know, a CVT transmission uses belts and pulleys where an E-CVT uses electric motors to control an infinite number of gear ratios based on its “smarts”, example; road conditions and driver input.

Anyway. Enjoyed the video nonetheless. 🙂

[CC-gvus]

Bought one today. It may not be 0-60 speedy, but I also own a CRV touring of the previous model and this new one feels much quicker putting around town because the low end torque from the electrics is notably quicker to respond, especially in sport.

[keyesnm]

I got my 2023 CRV 9 days ago and I already get 48 MPG in combined driving...In only city I get 51 MPG. so I am very happy with this car..way better than advertised mileage--- wow and great car!

[postive-vibes]

Another issue buyers should note: no spare tire in the hybrid. Not necessarily a show stopper, but it's important to be aware of that.

[rancherlee]

Honda really does a disservice to itself by calling the transmission an eCVT. Personally I had written this vehicle off as I can't stand traditional belt CVT transmissions, no matter who builds it, due longevity issues. THIS CRV, on the hand, is NOT a traditional belt CVT which I found out after looking into Honda's Hybrid drive system. The system in this is all GEAR DRIVEN with a few clutch packs, though is does drive and fell like a CVT due to the dual motor setup at city speeds. I get why they call it a "CVT" but they are loosing potential customers by doing so. After driving a demo, I ordered one, and can't wait for it to arrive. 100% agree with "buttons and knobs", one of the many reason this mid 40's guy chose this over others in the class.

[adamesd]

With that transmission, for best acceleration, you’re not supposed to slam the pedal to the metal. The transmission is not slipping, but it’s not accelerating as efficiently as when you press the pedal 1/2 way or 3/4 way.

It’s counter-intuitive and I don’t know why it is so, but that’s just the way some transmissions are, and it seems to be the case here.

[Wised]

We just picked up ours. I bought it 9mths ago completely blind since not even the nonhybrid was yet available. We have had 2 previous ones and had complete faith on what is a legendarily good, solid, reliable car.
Let's be frank, compared to an 8-year-old CRV (we missed the previous gen), the hybrid is a revelation, it's not better, it is superbly better in absolutely everything. It is orders of magnitude quieter. The ride is firm but supple and well controlled. Handling is superb for an SUV in this category. Driveability is also superb, not a race car, nor is it meant to be. It feels more than adequately powered in all conditions. On the highway at a steady 65 if feels as planted, quiet and composed as any Acura I've ever owned or driven, maybe even better! If you think of it as an Acura with a hybrid powertrain and a more utilitarian interior, you have the right idea. The exterior design is modern and elegant, without a doubt, the best looking CRV EVER. The interior design follows the same rules, perfect fit and finish with great design but more utilitarian than sumptous. The controls are PERFECT. Wonderful knobs, buttons and displays that are of positive feel and high tactile quality. The cloth seats are comfortable and spacious front and back. The CRV virtue of space for passengers and cargo with aplomb is here in spades. This a spectacularly fine car that belies its price in every dimension. I have driven a contemporary RAV 4, quite frankly, its not even worth comparing them, they seem to be in totally different categories. The RAV can barely "hang" with an HRV, here its not even a competitor.

[NoelBarlau]

Man, am I with you on the tactile feedback. I miss that so much, and Honda was always the best at switch feel.

[Dugger]

I have gotten 7.3 seconds 0 to 60 on Econ mode. It sounds like a pure EV. I think the economy mode is quicker. This is a major upgrade from 2022.

[oldshowfanatic]

TFL just doesn't get it. The hybrid does not have a CVT. It has a two-motor hybrid system, sometimes called an eCVT. Has not belts or bands like a regular CVT. They keep screwing this up!!!

[CarolGilmer-enrm]

I ordered one of these that came in yesterday. After looking at it in person I came back home in my 2020 touring. This new one doesn’t come with HomeLink to open my garage door. It also went back to having to get in to the backseat in order to drop the seats. My 2020 has convenient handles that I can just pull to drop the seat from the rear. I did enjoy my test drive, but I expect more from the top of the line. I don’t know why they would take away things that they had before. In addition my current car isn’t a hybrid and includes a spare tire. I’ve had Hondas since they were introduced in the 70s, but I might be done with them if they’re going backwards with convenience. I see they offer a mirror to upgrade to HondaLink, but with the top trim that shouldn’t be an add on.

[android-udnf]

Am I the only one who’s fine with the smaller screen? The bigger screens in economy cars always look cheesy and just slapped on. I’ll take a smaller screen and higher quality any day

[donpaulweatherpluspaul]

I have this model on order, have test-driven it, and viewed countless reviews. Yours was not only truly informative, but it was FUN to watch. I have had 7 leased high-end Accords in a row, 5 with V6s and the last 2 with the 2.0/10 speed drivetrain. I wanted to get the all new Accord, but that choice has been eliminated by the purely unnecessary 3+" Honda added to the car...which makes it 1" too long for my garage. End of story. I will miss the fantastic power in my Touring Accord (C & D sez 0-60 in 5.4) but, since the new Accord and CRV have the same engine and electric motors, the 8 fewer inches in vehicle length make this a no-brainer if I want to stick with Honda, which I do. The CRV is noticeably quieter than my 2020 Accord on coarse pavement, and cornered better than I expected...not like Accord, but very little body roll. The CRV is quite a bit slowER, but it's not truly slow. Besides, I'm getting old and should slow down! The Sport Touring CRV should have included the HUD display and ventilated seats I have in my Touring Accord. SIDEBAR: I love what I've seen about the 2023 Accord and I love C & D, but I think the new Accord doesn't deserve the 10 Best Selection this time around. Simply put, not enough performance and a big stepdown from the 2 liter turbo/10 speed. PLUS I just learned the Accord Hybrid octane recommendation is 91, not 87. Ugh.

[DD-glrk]

His contempt for a vehicle that is going to be used as commuter by most buyers is mind numbing. “It has a slow 0-60 time” it’s a box on wheels. “It has meh mpg” again, it’s a box on wheels. Its what you get when you’re afraid to get an Accord because everyone else thinks they need a vehicle larger than a WW2 tank to go to Costco.

[daved]

Im with you I like the switchs and knobs for commonly used itens.

[Deadwood]

Hybrids should have been the 'next step'. That would've increased mpg and not be susceptible to the issues currently have (bad range for towing, drastic range loss in extreme cold that much of the US sees in winter). Then the EVs could be rolled out more after the next gen batteries address the weight/range issue (and supply issues for materials)

[brettonlittle]

I have complaints with the new model, which I may be alone in thinking. I had a '18 crv ex and now have a '22 accord touring hybrid. I would love to go back to CRV however the top trim is still missing ventilated seats, heated rear seats, and they even got rid of the side levers to drop the rear seats from the hatch. I understand these are considered luxury to most but not to me. Why should I only be able to go from a hybrid sedan that gets about 50 mpg to a v6 3 row suv, Pilot, that gets 23 mpg combined in order to keep top trim features. There is no middle ground anymore. Toyota at least spreads the love throughout their models, even the new top trim prius has more features than the crv. I'm a Honda lover so I won't be going anywhere, its just frustrating. Sure I could move up to Acura but why should I? If the RDX can have these things, a CRV can

[enz]

We have had a 2012 crv since new as my wife's daily driver. We love it and the 2.4l is bullet proof provided you do regular maintenance including a valve adjustment every 100k miles. Honda can keep the augmented sport mode, ours is pretty fast (much faster than this new model) 0-60 and the gas mileage is about the same with a LARGER naturally aspirated engine. It seems Honda changed over to a smaller turbo with no significant increase in mileage, that was dumb. We would absolutely consider a new one but wouldn't expect it to last as long as our current model.

[michaelswick]

Love that they took the climate controls out of the infotainment system. My biggest complaint of the last gen.

[J.W.W.]

Your acceleration issue is as bad as Tommy’s slip test fail issue in the previous video. I really wanted to like this new CRV but those two things are a big fail. Thanks for being the channel that points the negatives out as well as the positives!