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.
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.
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.
