In-Depth Automotive Reviews
2023 Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid
Starting from CAD $48,406
The newly redesigned CR-V improves upon the old model and gives you more bang for your buck. The Hybrid variant is a good choice for buyers who are thinking about getting an electric SUV but aren’t quite there yet. Although the CR-V hybrid is quite impressive, given that the Hybrid version comes with a price tag that’s a few thousand dollars higher, you’ll need to determine if the fuel savings make it a beneficial choice for you as a buyer.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re looking to buy the fully loaded Touring trim with all the bells and whistles, it’s exclusively available in the hybrid version. Ultimately whether you choose the hybrid or the regular gas version, the CR-V has a lot of room inside, plenty of storage space, and a comfy ride.
Performance & Handling
We tested the Hybrid model, which had a 2 L 4-cylinder engine with 145 horsepower and an Electric-Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). The CR-V isn’t fast by any means, but it does the job and responds well when you push the gas pedal. It’s not really meant for performance; it’s more focused on saving gas and giving you a smooth ride, which it does quite well. One important thing to note is that the Hybrid version can be a bit noisy at times, especially under certain driving conditions like going uphill.
The brakes are responsive and efficient, and being a hybrid, it charges the battery when coming to a stop. There’s a cool feature on the digital speedometer that shows you the battery charging when you are coming to a stop. The steering is responsive, similar to what you’d find in other vehicles within this segment, although it doesn’t stand out significantly.
Technology & Connectivity
Our test vehicle came with a 9-inch touchscreen display, which is a part of the Touring trim. The lower trims come with a 7-inch infotainment screen that functions similarly but has a smaller display area. The 9-inch infotainment screen not only looks sleek but also responds quickly to inputs. Additionally, it offers wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, meaning you can use it without plugging in any cords. The only drawback of using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto wirelessly is the noticeable lag, other than that it works great and we never encountered any issues.
When it comes to safety and driver assistance features, the CR-V is impressive, with most of them being included as standard on all models. This is something we particularly admire about Honda as they do this across their lineup. The key ones, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, work really well. It’s worth mentioning that the lane keep assist works well to keep the car in the middle of the lane. However, when the road gets curvy, it struggles to keep the car perfectly centred and drifts towards the edge of the road. That’s why it’s crucial to always keep your hands on the steering wheel, and if you don’t the car does a good job of reminding you. These features can significantly decrease driver fatigue and can be likened to a form of semi-autonomous driving.
Interior & Comfort
The CR-V offers a roomy and practical cabin. It’s designed with the driver’s convenience in mind, making controls easy to use and within easy reach for safety. The materials used throughout the cabin add to the overall luxury and comfort, making the cabin a pleasant space to spend time in. The CR-V has a spacious cabin, offering plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and back seats. This makes it a great choice for individuals and families alike. It also provides excellent visibility, giving you a clear view of the road, especially when compared to other cars in this segment.
Honda has done an excellent job in ensuring that the CR-V provides a comfortable ride. It drives smoothly, thanks to its soft suspension, which effectively evens out any bumps or rough spots on the road. The cabin is designed to minimize outside noise, resulting in a quiet ride. Even at higher speeds, road and wind noise are never too much, allowing for a comfortable driving experience.
It’s important to know that the Hybrid engine can get a bit loud sometimes, especially under conditions that require more power. This might be an annoyance for some people thinking about buying the Hybrid.
Cargo Space & Storage
In terms of cargo capacity, the CR-V truly excels. It offers a remarkable 1028 L of cargo space with the rear seats in their upright position, and when those rear seats are folded down, the capacity expands significantly to a generous 2030 L. This ample cargo space not only provides versatility for various hauling needs but also enhances the overall practicality of the vehicle, making it suitable for transporting a wide range of items, from groceries to sports equipment and more.
Fuel Economy
The CR-V Hybrid’s fuel efficiency ratings are quite impressive, with 6.0/6.9 L/100km in the city and on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 6.4 L/100km. During our own tests, we achieved an average of 6.8 L/100km, which included both city and highway driving. When compared to the standard gas versions, which have ratings of 9.1/7.6/8.4 L/100km (city/highway/combined), the Hybrid clearly offers significant long-term savings.
However, the decision ultimately hinges on your driving habits and how much you can realistically save on fuel, given that you’d need to invest a bit more upfront to purchase the Hybrid model.
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