THE HYBRID VEHICLE THAT OUTSELLS EVERY OTHER HYBRID IN THE U.S.

Hybrid SUVs are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., because they solve the issue of high fuel consumption by merging highly efficient internal combustion engines with compact electric motors. They are also a great alternative to fully electric SUVs because they generally have lower prices and don't rely on the national charging infrastructure. They're not as versatile as PHEVs, but they are performing better in the new car market.

Hybrid SUVs are also popular because they accommodate bulky EV systems without compromising interior space too much. The U.S.'s best-selling hybrid SUV is a popular Japanese model by a brand that has an established history at developing efficient and capable gasoline-electric hybrid systems. The Honda CR-V Hybrid has consistently conquered the quarterly sales charts for a multitude of reasons, including affordability, efficiency, and impressive performance figures, making it the best-selling hybrid SUV in the U.S.

Watch Out, RAV4, The Honda CR-V Hybrid Is Outselling You

Many would think that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the best-selling option, but the Honda CR-V Hybrid just about bested it in 2023. Honda confirms that it sold a whopping 197,317 CR-V Hybrid copies throughout last year. The RAV4 Hybrid sold a respectable but lower 161,125 examples, but that's only if you exclude the PHEV Prime, which accounted for 26,073 copies. Both of these combined still don't beat the CR-V Hybrid's performance. A big reason for its market success is the impressive gasoline-electric powertrain that consists of a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two permanent-magnet motors.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Honda)

Honda offers the CR-V Hybrid with a choice of front- or all-wheel drivetrains, both of which produce a combined 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet to the wheels via a direct-drive eCVT. Honda claims an 8.0-second 0-60 MPH time for the front-wheel drive model and a 7.6-second time for the all-wheel drive variant. Independent tests suggest this is an accurate time to achieve in real-world conditions. Honda limits both drivetrains to a 111 MPH top speed.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid Offers Up To 560 Miles Of Driving Range

The hybrid system employs a supplementary 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, resulting in a pretty impressive 40/34/37 MPG EPA consumption estimate on the city/highway/combined cycle for the front-wheel drive option. The all-wheel drive model returns a slightly worse 37/34/37 MPG result. The 14-gallon gasoline tank gets you 560 miles of range in front-wheel drive guise, which the all-wheel drive system lowers to 518 miles.

(Data sourced from Honda)

Honda's hybrid system is a series-parallel variation, which means it allows the operation of the electric motor independently. The eCVT runs on a clutch-based system, allowing the motor to act as a generator for auxiliary functions, including the starter and climate control. Interestingly, Honda doesn't add a second motor to the rear axle to create an all-wheel drivetrain. It rather goes the old-fashioned route of running a driveline to the rear, which is why these models have the same power output.

Why And How The Honda CR-V Hybrid Became King

The Honda CR-V has a formidable reputation in the U.S. for consistently being a dependable, versatile, and accessible family crossover with enough interior space to comfortably move a family of five across road trims and school runs.

All trim levels feature electric windows, but only the driver's door features the auto up-and-down function. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable up to 10 different directions with two-way lumbar supports. The passenger's seat only has manual height adjustment, but both front seats are heated. Cloth is the standard upholstery material in the lower-trim models. Dual-zone climate control and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel are standard across the range.

Interior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Honda)

The base model features a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system connected to six speakers with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functions. The driver and passengers have access to one USB-A and three USB-C ports for data transfer and device charging.

The Sport-L benefits from Honda's larger 9.0-inch infotainment screen, together with a 320-Watt eight-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and a wireless smartphone charger. The Sport Touring improves on this by adding navigation, a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system, and HondaLink Subscription services with a heated steering wheel and ambient lighting.

Honda Is Making Hybrids Fun Again

A big reason for the CR-V's success is its exemplary athletic ability. It's not a hardcore off-roader, but it can easily be taken on multi-terrain excursions, especially with the mechanical all-wheel drive system. It sits on a conventional front MacPherson strut and rear multilink suspension, but Honda has applied some functional optional packages that turn this family crossover into a fairly capable car. There are no dedicated off-roading driving modes, but you do get a dedicated Snow mode with added traction.

Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Honda)

The utility package adds a set of crossbars, running boards, and a seat back protector, making it better equipped for driving on rougher surfaces. This package also includes a trailer hitch, which you can also purchase as a single accessory if you don't need the other frills. The brand claims it can haul up to 1,000 pounds on a trailer and 650 pounds in the near-class-leading 39.3 cubic-feet trunk. This expands to 76.5 cubic-feet if you require some extra space.

The CR-V Hybrid Is Honda's Meal Ticket

The CR-V Hybrid isn't Honda's cheapest car, with its $34,050 starting price, but it is very competitively positioned in its segment. Even at this price point, the base Sport trim is still well-equipped with most of the essential features as standard. The Sport Hybrid-L is $37,050, but if you want either of these trims with all-wheel drive, you'll have to pay an additional $1,500. The flagship Sport Touring costs $40,200 because it's only available with all-wheel drive. These prices exclude Honda's $1,350 destination and handling fees.

(Data sourced from Honda)

Honda includes its standard three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty with every CR-V Hybrid sale. You also get a five-year corrosion warranty over an unlimited mile range. If you have a replacement part fitted, the manufacturer covers this for one year. Accessories get a three-year or 46,000-mile warranty.

All hybrid systems are covered for a comparatively short three years or 36,000 miles, but the battery pack gets the market-standard eight years and 100,000-mile coverage. For peace of mind while on the road, you also get a 36-month or 36,000-mile roadside warranty in the package. There are also in-house extended warranty packages that vary in years and miles, if you plan on keeping the car for longer.

Don't Forget The All-New Honda CR-V e:FCEV

Honda has finally added a PHEV variation of the Honda CR-V, but not in the form as you might think. Instead of implementing an ICE unit, the brand dives into its hydrogen department, resulting in its first-ever e:FCEV. This is a California-specific model, because this is the only state where hydrogen filling stations exist. Collectively, the EV and hydrogen systems generate 174 horsepower and 229 pound-feet to the front wheels only.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Honda)

The battery is substantially larger than the Hybrid model's, with its 17.7 kWh capacity. The EPA estimates this model returns a 61/52/57 MPGe energy consumption figure, making it much more efficient than the hybrid, but its lower power output and hydrogen-specific drivetrain translate to limited usability across the country. Using electricity only, the model covers 29 miles on a single charge, but the fuel cells increase the total range to 270 miles, making it an ideal option for urban and extra urban driving.

2024-04-15T08:09:50Z dg43tfdfdgfd