The 2023 Honda CR-V Checks The Boxes, But Doesn't Ace The Test 

I, for one, do not understand the fascination with big screens in automobiles. There are probably times when that is useful, but I've got to believe the majority of the time the car is just being used to do a standard commute and the screen is probably only used to display what's playing on the sound system. I've been driving for over 40 years and the only time I care at all about a screen is when I'm using navigation on a trip, and that's not very often. What's way more important to me is how comfortable the passengers are in the car - ride quality, good seats, leg room, head room, climate control, etc.

I love the smaller screen and REAL buttons. It’s so difficult to safely use screens to adjust A/C or music while driving. Also love how consistent the interior controls are across Honda models - makes it easy for my husband and I to swap cars depending on who is on kid duty.

I just bought the 23 sport touring. I find the screen more than big enough. I actually like the location of the screen, because as a driver, it is very easy to manipulate. I've been driving power split planetary gear CVT hybrids now for 10 years. In my experience, the i-MMD hybrid architecture provides for a superior hybrid driving experience and more than adequate acceleration. I'm getting stated MPG in mixed driving and once the weather gets warmer I'm sure I'll exceed it. Also, the number of options for drive modes provides a lot of flexibility. It lacks a few bells and whistles the competitors have, but overall I appreciate the conservative Honda quality and safety. I see that Honda has a PHEV CR-V now in Japan and it appears to be adding some of the missing features other brands have been providing.

We bought a 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport L 2wd. We were looking at the Rav4 Hybrid but they are in short supply out here.. We actually did not consider the Honda at first. But after seeing one in the Costco parking lot we decided to go have a look see. I texted my local Honda dealer and asked if they had one on the lot. They said yes so off we went. We looked at the Sport L which has leather and some other goodies. My wife test drove the car that's all it took. We bought it. She loves her car. Comfortable seats , gets good MPG, good ride, plenty of room in the back and she like the blue color. The screen size is perfect. Software is miles ahead of my Subaru's, everything works as it should. No freeze up, connecting issues or anything, We're really happy with the car.

My story: time to replace my 2012 Nissan Rogue and I wanted to consider a hybrid this time around. Went to the Chicago Auto Show in February and came back with a list of 6 cars, 3 of which are available in hybrid versions, so call it a list of 9 cars. Spent the past 30 days driving them as much as I could and preferred the CR-V for handling, ride and NVH, my most important attributes. And, the CR-V's lack of a pano roof is actually a plus for me. But the CR-V hybrid doesn't make sense for me with too many highway miles in my daily driving: A higher purchase price that that can't be recovered by fuel savings. I will be picking up my CR-V EX-L tomorrow.

Just bought a '24 Sport L (FWD). Have had several trips of mixed freeway and city 20+ miles and each has been ~42-43MPG. That aced my test.

Just got my Canyon River Blue Sport Touring on Saturday. It's an absolute treat to drive. Its not perfect and there are certainly fair criticism of it. However; I think it's a treat to drive, absolutely beautiful and will serve me well over the next few years.

I hate big screens since I find them too distracting. You are supposed to be driving not watching TV. The fonts are large on the CRV which makes up for the smaller screen.

Big screens are a big distraction and a passing fad. Tesla made it cool. Cool doesn’t mean it’s a good thing, just means it will have to run its course as it evolves to primarily voice commands in the future.. For now, at this moment in time, Honda chose the right balance. In the dark, reaching for a knob is easier and safer than groping for the right touch of an icon, removing your eyes from the road even momentarily.This model is a winner! The infotainment system looks much simpler than my ‘22 Forester touring…you can use when you’re NOT moving!

I bought my first CR-V Sport Touring in January. I average 35 to 43mpg in and around town. On a long distance trip, 800miles, I drove 80mph and the mpg was a disappointing 28mpg. I like how the little drives and it feels very solid and provides a silent and comfortable ride. It is not a good long distance vehicle in terms of fuel mileage.

Not so for me on mpgs - 23 Sport Touring Hybrid. I drive 65-80mph on the highways but I'm getting 45.5mpg. Drive in Sport mode with the left regen paddle at least 5 times. I can't explain it, saw it on a CRV fb page, and it works. I was not getting nearly this good gas mileage before using this method.

CRV is a much nicer ride and I would 100% choose it over the RAV4. HOWEVER the CRV looses things like BSM on lower trims and the loss of a spare in the hybrid is crippling for any weekend adventurer. Canceled my allocation as soon as I found out it didnt have a spare. Honda was so close to a perfect competitor.

Great review! I do want to point out that when it came to optimizing the fuel economy for the CR-V, Honda probably looked at the numbers and went with better fuel economy in stop and go and urban environments vs picking ratios that would have worsened low speed efficiency and improved high speed efficiency. Like over 80% of the population in the US, I don’t live in a rural area. That number is even higher for Europe and much of Asia. Unlike Alex, most of us don’t have a “favorite mountain windy road”, don’t live off grid, and are more likely to be creeping along in rush hour traffic than living a car commercial lifestyle power sliding around a deserted rural highway. The city I live in has mostly 25 mph streets and the interstate is 60mph. Real life speeds when traffic isn’t awful are 10-15mph higher than that but most people aren’t on the interstate for long. The heavy weight is a downer no question. Seems like the HR-V is stepping into the same weight class that the CR-V used to occupy with the move away from the Fit/Jazz platform.

I have a crv sport touring on order. I selected it because 1. driveablity smooth and quiet 2. legroom and rear storage 3. interior and exterior style 4. honda reputation. I eliminated 1.the rav 4 for the firm ride and rear power cable issues 2. escape was excellent but to small 3. mazda cx50 for no hybrid.

I have the 2023 CRV Hybrid Touring top-trim. If you just get in and drive it like a ordinary vehicle, the fuel economy will be average. But with a few tweaks to the way you operate the car (pulse and glide driving style, turning down the temp when the cabin is warm enough, using the regen paddles regularly), you can do much better. I just completed 2 weeks of driving here in the Vancouver area (mix of city and some 50 mph highway), and got about 41 mpg. Very happy.

I don't mind the screen size. What I don't like are super-sized screens like in the Mustang Mach-E.

Lots of good options, if all things remained equal. In the real world though, you didn't mention the dealer markups that have become prevalent in this segment. If you can find a Sportage or Tucson hybrid, it's unlikely to be anywhere near MSRP. In my neck of the woods, there a a several months wait, and then you'll pay up to $10K OVER MSRP. Seriously? Toyota RAV 4's are even more scarce, so I didn't even look at them. I got a Honda Sport Touring Hybrid for MSRP, and an 8wk wait (supposedly due anytime). If this doesn't work out, we'll probably look at the Toyota Venza. It's still a tough time to be in the market for a hybrid right now. Unfortunately, it's not something that car reviewers such as yourself are talking about. It's the elephant in the room for most buyers though. I can't honestly say the size of the screen is even a factor in our consideration. Totally a non-issue since they all have decent screens. An inch or two, one way or the other, is not a consideration.

@AlexonAutos - I like the music that comes after the introduction! This will be remembered forever as one of the classics!

The lack of a big screen is not a problem for me. If I wanted a giant screen I would get a Tesla Model Y which is on on my list for a car 5 to 7 years from now when they increase the range. The 9 inch screen is perfect for the dash of the CR-V and I appreciate that the screen has some real buttons and a volume knob. The main thing is that the software looks good with a modern clean font, organized and responsive and that it doesn't crash. The 9 inch screen doesn't detract from the CR-V. There are other criteria to consider when comparing to other SUVs in the class.

I was thinking of trading in my 2020 CRV for this. I don’t care about the screen size, but there are other things that bother me. This one doesn’t have the easy reach latches in the back that automatically drop down the rear seats. With this model I would have to do it from the inside since I can’t reach the latch and then push the seat. Also, they don’t have the home link for the garage door and that would be an extra purchase. Add to that no spare tire and I decided I’m better off to keep my 2020 which I’m very happy with.

I'm not obsessed with needing the biggest screen ever in my car. Coming from a Civic sport touring with the 9 inch screen, the same screen in the CRV isnt a deal breaker. Sport touring CRV with the AWD, hybrid drive train, power liftgate, heated steering wheel, and lumbar support are all things i wanted that i didnt have in my civic, and i like the design of the car as well, so this is nothing but an upgrade for my use case. Not having a full digital cluster is the only think i think I'll miss going from my civic to the crv

Finally a real objective review with pros and cons instead of just reading the press releases that the other so called other reviews do. The screen size is no big deal for me but I don’t like the front dash at all. Agree with your choice of the RAV4 since the 1.5 liter engine in the CRV has had oil dilution problems in cold climates.

We just came home with the 2024 Cr-v Hybrid Sport in Lunar Silver. Thanks for your in-depth Hybrid post elsewhere on your channel about the Electric motor drive train technology. The 2024 Sport Hybrid trim appears to be like the EX-L trim of the gas version. It has heated leather and a leather wrapped steering wheel. I did not expect anything that called " Sport" to have a high trim package, and could have settled for less, but she wanted " heated leather" and " If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." :) It had 2 miles on it when we test drove it. So it was brand spanking new. Now it has 15. Looking forward to editing this post after some experience driving it. Primary goal for driving in Minnesota ( Twin Cities Metro), was competitive fuel economy, snow traction on rutted city side streets, with reasonable freeway MPG. Coming from a 2013 Altima, we wanted Remote start and fuel economy similiar to our old Nissan that averages 33.4 mpg. Looked at HR-V, but availability/ inventory was low to non existent, and the Hybrid boasts better numbers in the fuel game. Whether or not that becomes true remains to be seen. I think it accelerates just fine. It merged onto our 65mph freeway with no issues. I'm 62 she's 63, and it's our first " New" car and were really happy with the Purchase. It looks and feels like a high quality vehicle. More later after some driving.

How is front seat comfort "excellent" but only rate 7/10? Is this rating the actual seat comfort or is the lack of 4-way lumbar control a 2 point deduction?

Nice overall review. I choose the 2023 CR-V Hybrid Sport, not Touring, with AWD option added. That saved me about $4.5K on the MSRP and I honestly don't miss the extra bells and whistles of the Touring model. I prefer the cooler fabric interior of the Sport, especially since the ONLY color choice is black. The audio system is very good (don't need the Bose), and don't miss the heated steering wheel, 9" infotainment screen, or power lift gate. I love the smoothness and quiet of the powertrain and regen braking. Didn't like having no other choice of interior or wheel color than BLACK for the Hybrid but I paid mainly for the powertrain. After about 1500 miles my average MPG is 35 for a suburban/highway mix which, while maybe not best in class, is very good for a vehicle this big and comfortable.

Alex, could you take a moment to explain how you measure SPL? Other reviewers are in the high 50's for most vehicles. Are they using a different weighting, or a better question is, what weighting are *you* using? Also, where do you measure the noise? The other site just holds the meter near the center console. Thanks for clearing up this question.

Great review! The lease is almost up on our 2019 Accord LX and we just test drove the 2023 CR-V a couple of days ago. With the same 1.5L Turbo engine as the Accord your review answered some of the questions that we had following our test drive. We live in an area with rolling hills and two lane rural highways that require quick acceleration over 50 mph to pass safely. The 1.5L Turbo and the CVT in the Accord does a great job passing, while keeping the fuel economy low, sorry to say the CR-V sucks in this respect. Next week we try to find a 196HP Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid to test drive

Alex, the weight difference (450lb / 204kg) can be explained, as follows: 200lbs / 90kg from the AWD system, 100lbs / 45kg from difference in equipment and 150lb / 70kg from the electric motor and battery pack on the NA-2.0L vs. the T-1.5L. All HEV's (PHEV's are even worse because of the bigger battery pack's weight) suffer from such weight increases, which the HEV or PHEV systems have to compensate (and more) by the fuel savings from the electric motor(s).

The wait time on a RAV4 (atleast where I live) is over 6 months. That is if you’re not too specific about the color, trim level etc. If you do want everything customized for your liking, it’s probably over 1 year which is another point to consider I think. CRV on the other hand is a few months.

I own exactly the same trim 2023 CR-V as on this video, got mine among the first one's back in December 2022, and I got to say, that current Honda built quality has disappointed me. Paint coating of the inside portions of the doors is so poor, that I got corrosion in 4 months old car! This is unacceptable! Went to my local dealership to claim the warranty repairs. While they were fixing it, I've been curious and went on their lot to check a few brand new CR-V's for the same area, and unfortunately, same poor coating and uneven gaps on the hood/fenders area, the lift gate and side panels as well! And lastly, what the service department manager told me about those findings, shocked me! His words exactly " It's okay for the mass production vehicles" Previously, I had spent hours on the phone with the American Honda call center about this issue trying to get someone in the quality control management, but unfortunately they've said that there is no such one, so that's probably why Honda manufacturing going down in the quality I guess? So sad experience. Beware, and check on those things at the time of purchase!

how does the crv hybrid climb steep hills? does it go into serial mode?

Just got the CRV Hybrid AWD Sport. Spent a week looking at used and new and wasn't saving much in used so purchased new in CA at the MSRP $35.650.00. They tried to get another $5,000.00 when finalizing deal but at walkway point they finally agreed to stickered msrp. Averaged 39.9 mpg on trip home, highway and street. So far so good.

I really appreciate the system's performance during acceleration. Much better than the screeching of the engine at full revs. The smooth operation of the screen is the most important thing, not so much its size. Wireless use must also be found. Most people forget in their comments that the new CR-V is much bigger than its predecessor. So does the comparison with the RAV4 make much sense anymore?

I don’t mind smaller screens if the interface is okay. The screen on my ‘22 Passport is among the favorite simply from how seamlessly it seems integrated into the dash. I with a passion hate the common new look of having a tablet wedged into the dash that are being designed into most new vehicles. I’ve been disappointed in the CR-V from the perspective that I am wanting a smaller version of the Passport yet the CR-V has almost none of those qualities and they keep making it a little bigger each time. My only option would seem to be an RDX but that vehicle has gotten quite big and of course there’s the price premium and a dealer further away.

Hope the weather didn't cut you off. Those 70mph winds were bonkers. We even had a tornado forming north east of Tracy.

I bought a 2021 Honda Insight Touring model and can't believe the comfort, ride and mpg. Highest was 55.4, mpg in summer, winter average is 49. They should have continued the Insight until they introduce more EV models.

Please explain why a lot of reviews give larger screens plus points for a driver-oriented control and information system. Sure, they give better legibility (so would a 32" TV but you don't want that on your dashboard). How large do you really need them to be?--I think the Japanese got it just right. Large screens also usually come with touch controls which driver needs to look for, unlike a knob and buttons which work better with muscle memory.

I have the 22 hybrid getting about 43mpg. It's perfect for me as I mainly drive in stop and go traffic. Just wish it was a plug in hybrid.

I think that the way Honda design everything is already well planned and tested out! Sometimes bigger and more doesn’t mean it’s better! Great video Alex! 👍👍👍

Due to the fact that I had a car accident I needed to replace my car quickly. Here in Canada the wait times are long for the Rav4 models both gasoline and even longer for hybrid. I needed a car sooner and my local honda dealer just got in some new models, so I took the plunge and bought a 2023 honda hybrid crv. I also liked that the engine was not turbocharged for it. I would like larger screens but I am sure I will get used to the size that honda has provided. I wish that current car manufacturers have better access to new vehicles so you can pick and choose which car you want like in the old days.

I think the large screen can be distracting for the driver. A 8 inch screen is enough. If you live in a metro high traffic area you will get great fuel economy. The sport hybrid trim front wheel drive is a great value.

For those not living in the 19th century or the USA, 4000 pounds is equal to 1818kg [1.81 Tonnes ]

Thanks much for addressing the fuel economy question. We have friends that have owned a RAV4 hybrid and currently own a 2021 CR-V hybrid, and they will tell you the RAV4 got better fuel economy both in town and on the highway. While they like the spaciousness of their CR-V, they will tell anyone that next time they'll go back to Toyota. I think Honda needs to rethink their hybrid design; considering perhaps the planetary power-split or conventional automatic with a pancake motor replacing the torque converter.

We just ordered a 2024 Sport Touring Hybrid; the screen size is fine, and we are coming from a 2020 Subaru Outback with a ginormous screen which has seemed to be overkill. Fuel mileage was a concern, and our daily driving includes a 30 min. each way highway commute and it may not be as good as another hybrid, it will certainly be better than the Outback which has never averaged the window sticker mpg. Another great video and I think it all applies to the 2024- thanks!

I miss the simplified dashboards that Honda and Mazda (and a few others) have been seemingly somewhat returning to. I currently primarily currently drive a '15 Accord Hybrid Touring (which is a terrific car that has never done me wrong at nearly 165k miles), but with all of the screens and gizmos, it's incredibly bright at night in the cabin, whereas my old '00 Chevy 1500 has just the clock from the radio and the gauge cluster backlit in soft green which I really prefer. There's so much going on in these newer vehicles that the return to simplicity is welcome. For much of my childhood, my family had a loaded '01 Chevy Venture (WB Version) van. It had many/most of the informational computers that you really pay attention to even in the newest cars now, but it was a much simpler dash design (with no screen). There is no real need to have a TV(s) on the dash. My buddy has a '21 F150 with the maxed out screen size. It's awesome, but it's a lot when all you ever use is the basic radio or bluetooth and only the physical button for the ac. The big screens are nothing more than jewelry to show off. They're cool, but they are unnecessary and an added (yet unneeded) cost. These new CRVs seem great. I test drove one a couple months ago (because I want to replace my wife's '14 RDX sooner than later (because it hasn't been properly maintained as an Acura requires)), and I liked it a lot (even better than the Pilot (which felt too large because the seats were too small... if that makes sense)). The premium options that it "lacks" didn't exist 10 years ago and are really nothing more than needless and probably seldom used luxuries. They didn't have a Hybrid available on the lot, so I only drove the regular ice version. I know from the experience of my own car that the Hybrid would have a little more guts than that one, but it still had good power and it had plenty of room which is exactly what I would think most people are after. While Toyota/Lexus probably offers the most solid and reliable vehicles, Honda, like Toyota, is not the manufacture for tech-savviness and "forward-thinking." Honda is about quality, reliability, and price, and they know their role. It is a good middle of the pack, jack-of-all-trades offering, which is why, like Toyota, is has remained one of the sales leaders for decades, now; it just does everything well. They just don't disappoint. While not necessarily the most fun or the best equipped, it won't let you down and you will be happy with it. Initially, when I purchased my '15 Accord, I thought of it as just a good but boring appliance (because I was coming from an '03 Acura TL Type-S (which was a terrific, fun, fast, and comfortable car)). In comparison, the simple or more basicness of the Honda - the ride, the subjective lack of heart - just paled in rose-colored comparison to my old car. However, after years of faithful service, I've realized that, as I've mentioned, the Accord has never done me wrong, is actually faster than it feels, has a ton of passenger space, and it is great over regular 300+ mile commutes/trips.

Thank you for wonderful review and your honesty feed back on real world driving feel. I have question I’m 2013 Prius owner and I love the fuel economy but vehicle is aged plus growing family also moved from stop and go city traffic to suburb where limits are 65 mph to 70mph looking for cross over which would return better mpg, I favor hybrid but non hybrid would do fine what’s your recommendation. Thank you 🙏

Question about the awd system crv vs rav4- the ICE rav4 has the traditional mechanical awd system, correct? It’s just the hybrid rav4 that has the electrical rear motor? Thanks!

My EQS has probably the biggest screen in the market. Our sport hybrid CRV smaller screen gives me no offense. I would NEVER choose a RAV 4 over the CRV, its much less refined vehicle that feels cheap in comparion.

Getting, 47.2mpg on my 2023 hybrid FWD after 85% city driving. However highway 75+miles per hour drive gave me 33mpg.

Also due to the mechanical AWD in those models FE will suffer. Overall a good looking cuv with a hint of Audi inside and out. Top safety pick plus thanks to a robust structure. People don't care about dusty vents. That is a real nit pick. Screen size for me is not a priority. I'm sure we will see a crv plug in hybrid that have better FE.

I have owned the 23 Honda Civic CRV Sport Hybrid for 7 weeks now - I am a Lyft driver and drive around 100 miles per day in almost 100% city driving in Tucson, AZ. I get 53.2 MPG with a. heavy foot - no lie. The worst I ever get for a tank full of gas (660 miles in range!) IS 49.2 MPG. it averages 53.2....with a heavy foot in city traffic

Revisit: I'd like to get one of these hybrids, but there's no way to afford one this new. I think the 2 speed lockup is a pretty good idea to add drivability. Hybrid and real AWD is a bonus.

A bewildering number of technical considerations in shopping hybrids. I can see that I need to study the situation, including market availability, more. Initially, the new CR-V seemed perfect but now I have my doubts based on the aforementioned problems or disadvantages of it. I still think hybrids, not ICE, PHEV hybrid or EV, is the way to go.

Love your reviews Alex. Keep up with the good work.

The main reason is that this is only 2.0, NA, designed to run Atkinson cycle. If you want a higher gear ratio for lower rpm at highway speed, for such a box, it simply runs out of breath. Hopefully the Accord hybrid can have a higher ratio. I’d appreciate if you can also test its rpm when reviewing!

Thanks for the video, we are still waiting on Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV complete video !

This will be my dream vehicle to buy Alex.

This hybrid system is a nightmare. How complicated can you make a drivetrain?

Alex, why does honda use this hybrid system vs a more typical one where electric motors just augment the ice's power? Kind of like how bmw uses mild hybrid systems.

For a consumer like me, lack of big screen is perfectly acceptable. Engine performance is adequate. Ride/Handling balance is adequate. But the front seat comfort is actually a deal breaker. I want all passengers, to be comfortable. I own 2013 Sonata Hybrid. Okay with no screen, okay with no back up cam/sensors, okay with no AWD. No complaints with ride/handling/performance/mileage. But the front passenger and rear seats are all low in height, and comfort is compromised. That is the only reason I am keen on changing the vehicle when it will be possible for me. If all seats were high on comfort, I would definitely consider keeping this.

Alex, can you please explain why the hybrid system should have a lower tow rating when it has higher horsepower and higher torque than the non-hybrid system? It just feels like they're artificially limiting the hybrid version to give people a reason to buy the non-hybrid.

Most buyers are not driving in the mountains. Driving urban envoirments this cry gets great mileage.

Props for whacking the crap out of your head in the rear there, and keeping it moving, lol.

Wow this must be really bad for Europe were speed limits are 80+ MPH on the highway.

You keep some beautiful plants on your property!

Do absence of torque vectoring affects the cornering and turning ability of vehicle? Will it upsets vehicles balance and does it skids if you try to take corners on higher speeds in wet/icy/snowy roads?

I don't think I need my car to be like my house. An 80 inch is overkill at home and anything over a 10 is way to big for a vehicle this size so 9 inch seems like it is all you need. I am more concerned about losing fuel mileage driving 80 in Texas and the other issues with the turbo and transmission or the lack there of. I would be happy going with non hybrid but then you scare me off with turbo and transmission problems. I own a 2014 CRV and has by far been the most trouble free vehicle we have ever owned. Closing in on 100k and outside of regular maintenance we have had the throttle body cleaned and transmission fluid flushed. No brakes or anything. Absolutely the most reliable thing I have ever seen. If the new CRVs aren't like that I will be very, very bummed out.

It would be nice to add a link in the description with car videos you have made of the competition

It seems odd that Honda added another ratio but have failed to improve fuel economy in areas their 2-motor system is weak in. Are they going to keep adding ratios until they re-invent an automatic transmission?

Poor Alex can't catch a break with the weather lately.

hi Alex , You didnt review 2023 outback !! please review the 2.5 natural probably Onyx which looks cool !!!

My Honda Passport has Torque vectoring, but it really doesn’t feel much different, despite additional oil change for this function

At this point why not just add the 1.5t with electrification

You can increase your gas mileage by using your navigation on the hybrid models. My one trip went from 45 miles to the gallon to 65 when I use the navigation

The taillights are Volvo on the outside and Mazda on the inside.

Great video pls make more videos on Palisade

I wish it had a Torque Vectoring AWD.

This new generation is supposed to be more feature filled and well equipped. Sadly, it is still missing ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a pano roof option and a head up display. And it even loses features that the 5th gen had, such as fog lights, levers for folding down the second row seats and usb ports in the 2nd row for the gas powered models. Overall, a huge step backward.

Hmmmm I like integrated screens, not ones that look tacked on or, worse, stick up like the Monolith. The Trailblazer/Encore GX 8" display would be right for me, both for size and integration.

In your narration, you should mention the Escape hybrid, where you were getting 42 mpg. In other words, the Escape was more than 10 mpg better than the CR-V.

So what youre saying is honda could have put a bigger battery in but chose to just match the competitors size?

Great review. Like the Accord, the CRV is worse than the prior generation and Honda phoned it in.

Passed on this due to no 360 camera, no spare tire, no BSI signals (they say they had chip shortages), and the back seat middle seatbelt thing in the ceiling is lame. Long time honda owner, not this gen. Also I don't trust lithium-ion batteries, hopefully they move to lithium-iron-phosphate for fire safety.

I don't know why they don't make a CR-V plug-in hybrid. Honda's serial-ish hybrid system is basically perfect for a plug - we get practically identical performance whether in electric or hybrid mode on our Clarity, which is not the case with *any* other PHEV out there other than the 2nd gen Volt. All others perform significantly worse in electric mode than hybrid mode. Missed opportunity there for a PHEV CR-V.

The lacking lumbar support and the no longer fully flat cargo area is preventing me from buying a 2023 model. I can deal with all the other short comings but i need to be comfy while i haul all my big stuff and i cannot do that with this anymore. 😭😭😭

Blustery is a new word for me, thanks.

2-weeks ago I took delivery of my CR-V Hybrid ''Sport Touring'' in Meteorite Metallic Gray and Gray interior... 9" screen is just fine, my old 9 year old ''Sienna'' Limited, had two sunroofs, and I never once opened the rear Panoramic...This CRV- is awesome, the ride, the quietness, the steering, the cornering, my first Hybrid instead of going full EV, the RAV4 way too expensive....Consumer Reports rates the CR-V well above the RAV..(recent issue), AC freezing, so far city mileage is at 33, working on that......12 speaker Bose sounds great, don't miss the ventilated seats, but wish I had folding mirrors.....I just did a Ceramic Coating on the paint, so I will enjoy for a very long time! I did have the rear view mirror changed out by dealer, pretty pri$ey, but wanted Homelink on it. It is also larger than the original!.....Can't wait to drive the car every day, and I find places to go! We call this one the baby MDX as my wife drives the 2023 Acura MDX, (Tech) and this is the baby. It is like driving her car without the 3rd row seat!

Think you were a little generous with the fuel economy rating. B- would have been better especially if you drive California freeways.

The screen size is not much of a problem imo but I don't appreciate Honda doing the seemingly one-size-fits-all interior design ala Subaru across its model range.

I am watching because my dad is looking for a car idea just in case one of the Camrys were to die. I guess after this video I'm still leaning towards the RAV4.

I'm getting 27-30 out of my Forester Wilderness regularly, and struggled to get 31 out of my last gen CRV-Hybrid. I'm patiently waiting to see what Subaru does with better Toyota tech with the next generation. Granted, I drive mostly highway, and am taking smarter routes than I was... but still, I drove more in the CRV, and was consistently disappointed in its Hybrid economy. I dunno, all things considered it's just meh. If you want a Honda because it's what you know... go for it, but there are better options out there if economy is the priority. I would have also sacrifieced cargo space to have a level cargo surface with the seat backs to have a larger battery and storage under the rear floor.

Overall, the CRV is a VERY good vehicle. However, lack of a spare tire is a deal breaker. In a vehicle of this size, Honda MUST offer a spare tire.

0:50 Curb weight of this car 3,950 lbs, that more than some full sized monster cars of the 1970s were. 1971 Chevy Impala 3,700 lbs; 1971 Plymouth Fury 3,700 lbs,

Great review. Im not crazy about paying 40k for a SUV thats hard plastic inside and not so great real world MPG compared to the Venza. The honeycomb would also be hard to clean.

30mpg is better than 18mpg coming from a Dodge Journey. No iam not getting 40mpg to your point. Vegas i dont need to take the hwy i usually keep it in eco mode the. switch to Normal for hwy. I can see an update coming on MPG, still a lovely vehicle. Thanks

Bummer…not impressed…I’m not a huge fan of a big screens, but, they are a necessity these days so that the incons on the screen are easier to touch…Loved my RAV4 Prime…will probably get another one in the XLE trim…the base trim’s radio sucked badly…I currently have a 2017 Honda CRV and the head unit blew at 40k miles…luckily had 2 weeks left in our CPO warranty so no cost…otherwise almost 8k!!

The hybrid battery location looks lazy and an afterthought. Its just put in easiest place which required the least amount of thinking, but sacrificing more than what was needed. There is more than just a decent amount of space *_wasted_* where was spare was. This was the best they could think of? I'd be willing to have a spare mouth inside the rear as an option. But that probably would have cut into manufacturing cost and they were probably just to minimize as much as possible. but you can see an afterthought when you see it. Still a great car, good city mpg, bad hwy mileage, good awd for a hybrid, good design. Every car has its pros and cons. I like what it does well, I hate what it does poorly.

No spare tire is a game changer for me!

That shift simulation is incredibly tacky... is it done for motor thermal management or something? Otherwise they should let you disable it. The previous hybrid CR-V's constant-RPM engine (generator?) routine at high power application was a bit annoying, but that's a question of bad acoustic isolation and not the lack of some artificial power-limiting nonsense. As for the styling, it IS a small minivan, especially with how they've now made it even longer, and I didn't mind it not pretending to be anything else. The common theme here with the latest revision seems to be surface-level impressions over functionality, and I'm not sure i like it.

All cars provide the best economy when driven carefully and hybrids are particularly economical at city speeds when driven carefully, not accelerating furiously and slowing aggressively. At high speeds and when braking carelessly they are no more economical than anything else. The same goes for electric cars. The laws of thermodynamics cannot be defeated. I have a hybrid and enjoy driving sensibly to extract maximum economy, and I get excellent fuel economy, far better than a conventional car can provide.