If you’re looking for a hybrid SUV, the Honda CR-V hybrid is easily one of our favorite options. It takes everything we already like about the standard CR-V, but then the hybrid powertrain gives an impressive 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway and that’s with standard all-wheel drive.

It’s pretty easy to see why the CR-V is the best selling Honda – it even outsells our other favorites, the Accord and Civic. On the outside it’s non-offensive styling appeals to compact SUV buyers, but it is looking a bit dated. The good news is that a new CR-V is just around the corner. With Honda’s new emphasis on more rugged SUVs, like the new Passport and the 2023 HR-V, we can expect the new CR-V to also get a beefed up exterior. But for now, the current-generation CR-V is still a stylish SUV, with a more upscale look than the Toyota RAV4.

Inside the CR-V’s interior is a stand out because its so spacious and comfortable. The interior styling may not be as good as the Mazda CX-5, but the CR-V easily beats the Mazda with more interior space. We actually had to help a friend move some stuff for storage, who also happened to have a CX-5. It was shocking how much more we could put in the CR-V than the CX-5.

2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review

The CR-V’s interior is covered in high quality materials with some faux-wood accents and chrome to give it a more upscale look. Where the CR-V is showing its age is with the infotainment system. There’s a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system is slow with dated graphics. We found ourselves mainly just using Apple CarPlay to provide a more modern experience. In front of the driver there’s also a digital gauge cluster, but it also is showing its age. Lastly the wireless charging pad was a bit too snug for an iPhone 13 Pro Max to be able to charge effectively.

We do wish that the top Touring trim level felt more upscale like the near-luxury Mazda CX-5, but it’s still a great place to be.

Under the hood, the CR-V hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that generate a combined 212 horsepower. If you’re trying to decide between the standard CR-V and the CR-V hybrid, we recommend the hybrid. The hybrid powertrain feels smoother and more refined than the standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder. The only thing we wish was better is the sound of the hybrid engine, which can fill the cabin with noise at wide open throttle. Floor it from a stop and you’re greeted with more noise than you’d expect, but it’s still quieter than the base 1.5-liter engine.

2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review

Around town the CR-V hybrid is the perfect companion with its responsive powertrain, great steering and smooth ride. The CR-V hybrid also feels more engaging and sporty to drive than the Toyota RAV4 hybrid.

On the safety front, the CR-V hybrid comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a lane-keeping assist system.

The 2022 Honda CR-V hybrid is offered in three trim levels: EX, EX-L and Touring. The pricing starts at $32,835, including destination. That’s only a $1,200 premium over the standard CR-V EX with all-wheel drive.

At the end of the day, the 2022 CR-V hybrid is great choice if you’re looking for a compact SUV. It’s spacious interior has more than enough room for your friends and you gear, making it the perfect vehicle for a road trip. Speaking of a road trip, the CR-V hybrid will also keep you from having to look for a gas station too often. If we had to choose between the base CR-V and the CR-V hybrid, we’d choose the hybrid. The CR-V hybrid feels more refined than the base version and a 40 mpg rating easily beats some smaller compact sedans.

The CR-V will be all-new for the 2023 model year, so we can expect an already great SUV to be even better when the new one arrives.

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Design
Performance
Infotainment System and Tech Features
Fuel Economy
Value
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Marc Carter
Marc Carter is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of The Torque Report.
2022-honda-cr-v-hybrid-review-the-smart-choiceThe 2022 Honda CR-V hybrid is the version to get if you're looking at the CR-V lineup. Its combination of a spacious interior, a refined powertrain and a smooth ride is hard to beat.