Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport w/BSI SUV is a hybrid SUV that seamlessly combines performance, efficiency, and modern features. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Together, this setup delivers a robust 212 horsepower and is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth, responsive driving. This makes the Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport an excellent choice for those looking for an eco-friendly, family-friendly SUV.
Powertrain and Performance
The heart of the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport lies in its hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works harmoniously with two electric motors. The combined output of 212 horsepower ensures a smooth and efficient driving experience.
This engine setup is also known for its fuel efficiency, making the CR-V Hybrid Sport an eco-conscious option for daily commuters and road-trip enthusiasts alike. Honda also offers all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, enhancing the vehicle’s stability and traction across different terrains and weather conditions.
The CVT transmission enhances the hybrid system’s efficiency by providing seamless acceleration and deceleration. The inclusion of a sport mode adds to the driving experience, offering sharper throttle response and more engaging handling.
Exterior Design
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport is designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind. The SUV comes standard with LED headlights and taillights, giving it a sleek, modern look while also improving nighttime visibility. Well, this car is equipped with an electric trunk door to add comfort, to make loading and unloading cargo easier. Honda has also made a point of incorporating aerodynamic features that not only enhance the SUV’s style but also contribute to improved fuel efficiency.
Interior Features
Inside, the CR-V Hybrid Sport offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. The heated front seats and leather-trimmed upholstery add a touch of luxury to the ride. A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the centerpiece of the dashboard, providing access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other connectivity options. These features make it easy to stay connected and entertained, whether you’re navigating a busy commute or embarking on a long road trip.
Safety Features
Honda has equipped the CR-V Hybrid Sport with a suite of advanced safety features. These features also include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and an automatic emergency braking system. These technologies are designed to make driving safer by assisting the driver in maintaining speed, staying in the lane, and avoiding collisions.
The rearview camera provides additional visibility when reversing, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Honda’s safety systems, known as Honda Sensing, are standard across the CR-V Hybrid lineup and make it a top choice for families who prioritize safety.
Is the Honda CR-V Hybrid a Good Car?
In a word, yes. The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is widely considered an excellent vehicle, offering a combination of efficiency, spaciousness, and advanced features. Its hybrid powertrain not only reduces emissions but also provides better fuel efficiency than traditional gasoline-powered SUVs, making it an eco-friendly option without sacrificing performance.
Interior Comfort and Space:
The Honda CR-V Hybrid offers a spacious and comfortable interior with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The cabin is designed to maximize comfort, with supportive seating and high-quality materials used throughout. With up to 68.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, the CR-V Hybrid is ideal for families, road trips, or anyone needing ample storage.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance:
The hybrid powertrain excels in delivering a good balance of power and fuel economy. The 212-horsepower output ensures the CR-V Hybrid feels responsive in various driving conditions, while its hybrid system helps reduce trips to the gas station. The all-wheel drive system further enhances the vehicle’s traction, making it suitable for both city driving and off-road adventures.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport vs. Other Hybrid SUVs
Hybrid SUVs in 2019
The hybrid SUV market has grown steadily, and in 2019, several notable options were available, each offering a blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and advanced features.
Some standout models from 2019 include:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid set the standard in the compact hybrid SUV category.
- Lexus UX Hybrid: A luxury option, the UX Hybrid offers a premium interior and a smooth hybrid powertrain.
- Kia Niro Hybrid: A subcompact hybrid SUV that provides a spacious cabin and excellent fuel economy.
- Ford Escape Hybrid: Combining a hybrid powertrain with a comfortable ride, the Ford Escape Hybrid was another popular choice in 2019.
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: Though newer to the market, the CR-V Hybrid quickly gained traction with its combination of space, performance, and efficiency.
CR-V Hybrid vs. Kia Sportage Hybrid
When comparing the Honda CR-V Hybrid with the Kia Sportage Hybrid, both vehicles have strong points, but they cater to slightly different preferences.
Power and Performance:
The CR-V Hybrid produces 212 horsepower with a hybrid system that prioritizes fuel efficiency. It offers a smooth, composed driving experience, especially with its AWD setup. The Kia Sportage Hybrid, on the other hand, delivers 226 horsepower, which gives it a bit more punch in terms of acceleration. However, the CR-V Hybrid tends to have better fuel economy ratings, making it a better choice for those who prioritize efficiency.
Interior Space and Comfort:
The CR-V Hybrid offers a more spacious interior, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers and ample cargo space. The Sportage Hybrid, while slightly smaller inside, still offers a comfortable cabin but lacks the expansive feel of the CR-V.
Driving Experience: CR-V Hybrid Sport Mode
The Honda CR-V Hybrid includes a Sport Mode, which enhances the driving experience by adjusting the power delivery for quicker throttle response and more dynamic handling. This mode is perfect for those moments when you want a more engaging driving experience, such as on winding roads or when overtaking other vehicles.
When activated, Sport Mode modifies the vehicle’s throttle response, the electric power steering is adjusted for a sportier feel, and the transmission operates at higher engine speeds. This feature adds versatility to the CR-V Hybrid, allowing drivers to switch between eco-friendly driving and a more exhilarating performance at the touch of a button.
Hybrid SUV Weight Comparison
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is slightly heavier than its gasoline-only counterpart due to the added weight of its electric motors and lithium-ion battery pack. The curb weight for the CR-V Hybrid ranges from 3,712 to 3,820 pounds, depending on the trim level. This is comparable to other hybrid SUVs in its class, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid.
Front-Wheel Drive Hybrid SUVs
While the Honda CR-V Hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), many hybrid SUVs on the market offer front-wheel drive (FWD) configurations for improved fuel efficiency. Some examples of FWD hybrid SUVs include:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Kia Niro Hybrid
These FWD hybrids tend to offer slightly better fuel economy than their AWD counterparts but may not provide the same level of traction and handling in adverse weather conditions.
Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is another popular compact SUV, and while it doesn’t offer a hybrid variant, it is frequently compared to the Honda CR-V Hybrid.
Powertrain and Efficiency:
The CR-V Hybrid offers the fuel efficiency of a hybrid powertrain, while the Subaru Forester relies on a traditional 2.5-liter gasoline engine. The Forester produces 182 horsepower, significantly less than the 212 horsepower of the CR-V Hybrid. However, the Forester is well-known for its off-road capabilities, thanks to Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Cargo and Passenger Space:
The Subaru Forester offers slightly more cargo space, with up to 76.1 cubic feet available, compared to the CR-V Hybrid’s 68.7 cubic feet. Both SUVs offer spacious cabins with comfortable seating for five passengers, but the Forester has a slight edge in terms of overall cargo capacity.
Conclusion
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport is a standout in the hybrid SUV segment, offering an ideal combination of power, efficiency, and modern features. Its hybrid powertrain provides ample performance while reducing fuel consumption, and its spacious interior makes it a practical choice for families. With a strong suite of safety features, excellent all-wheel-drive capability, and the added benefit of a Sport Mode for more dynamic driving, the CR-V Hybrid Sport remains one of the top choices in its category.
