2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review: One Year and 17K Miles in Our Honda Hybrid SUV | Long-Term Review

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a small hybrid SUV that we added to our long-term fleet and have spent the last year driving it around Southern California. In this video, Travis Langness from Edmunds reviews what it was like to live with the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid for the past year. Travis talks about all the things you should know about the CR-V Hybrid, including its mpg numbers, how it handles on the road, how comfortable the interior is, and so much more. The hybrid SUV market has exploded in recent years, and the CR-V Hybrid has been a popular choice for those looking for a compact SUV. But is it the right hybrid SUV for you and your lifestyle? We drove it for a year to answer this question and more. This is our long-term review of the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid.
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid price & review: edmu.in/3htiuXI
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid: What's It Like to Live With?: edmu.in/347VISo
00:00 Intro
01:25 Fuel Economy
02:36 Pricing
03:42 Driving Impressions
04:30 Comfort
05:19 Technology
06:47 Cargo
07:29 Editors' Impressions
8:43 Recalls
09:00 Maintenance
09:37 What It's Worth Now
10:15 Conclusion
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#hondacrvhybrid #hybridsuv #besthybridsuv

[@edmundscars]

Do you have any ownership stories with a Honda CR-V? Let us know in the comments, and check out our full coverage here: edmu.in/347VISo

[@jessejonesidk2795]

I have the 2020 Honda crv hybrid and I have achieved 35-40 mpg several times. It does lack power but it is awd and my family was able to get into it in case of emergency

[@jessejonesidk2795]

@@Azureecosse I wouldn’t swap to it. I had to get a bigger vehicle for special reasons, so I would have just kept my Honda hrv

[@jessejonesidk2795]

@RICARDO the vehicle. My father was a disabled Vietnam veteran. He didn’t have full range of motion, so there were only a few vehicles that he was capable of getting into.

[@scottgabbard662]

We bought a 2018 CR-V EX-L almost 1 year ago. My wife had (we still have) an ‘06 Pilot we bought in ‘08 figured 280k for a daily driver was a bit much. She loves it. Major controls are familiar. Still has standard shifter wit CVT. As our household gets smaller it has more than enough space and creature comforts. She like the memory seats tied in with the keys (yes. I set it up). On highway driving with me behind the wheel (75-80) mileage drops to 28-30 mpg. However, with her driving no more than 60 with a 24 mile daily commute she easily gets 31-32 mpg. When I watched my manners, I can get it to 35 mpg but I seldom drive like that. I leave the Econ button and it does just fine. 10k miles later and I cannot get it away from her. She loves it. I think it is an appliance. We’re both happy. I like the adaptive cruise control, backup camera (never had one) and with DRL’s she just has to leave the lights on Auto. We both enjoy Apple Car Play, no doubt a must from this car forward.

[@purduepurdy]

Love my CRV hybrid and routinely get 41mpg tanks. The power train feels very refined and much, much better then the Subaru Forester I traded in for it. Honda service has been excellent and have done most of the routine maintenance myself. I am an engine systems and controls engineer for a major industrial equipment company and tip my hat to Honda. You have a good one here.

[@petevecck9771]

Six months ago I traded in my 1.5 L Turbo for the 2021 hybrid. Average 32 miles per gallon on the 2018 turbo over 32k miles. Now driving the CR-V hybrid for 6 months best performing fuel economy was 43 MPG in a urban setting type driving. Using the paddle shifters to increase Regen charging significantly helps fuel economy. Just recently headed out on a purely highway driving trip I averaged 41 MPGs using cruise control set to 65 mph over130 miles traveled. Overall fuel economy since delivery 7 K miles showed a decrease to 37.8 MPGs in Winter New England driving. Perhaps using heaters heated seats snow-covered roads and oxygenated winter fuel impacts this number. Your observation on your review on engine noise is accurate. However in city and urban driving this car is so quiet hard to believe it's a compact SUV. Infotainment system needs an upgrade but overall the engineering ride quality attention to detail and build is outstanding.

[@dhforte]

I wouldn’t give any credit to a reviewer that considers 3 very simple buttons (drive, reverse and drive) as difficult to learn. That single statement speaks volumes about the intent and tone of his “review.”

[@buttsexandbananapeels]

Yeah. Edmunds picks bizarre items to make “controversial.” I don’t get it. It’s like they’re trying to create conflict and the subsequent commentary to boost their standing in the algorithm.

[@Metalpazallteway]

I wouldn't say that because the new 2024 hybrid crv vehicle does the same according to 2 recent reviewers. So I don't think they're up to something

[@JS-rn4bs]

I found this to be an incredibly biased review of a 'boring' but very well thought of and reliable vehicle.

[@kureikurashi7528]

@@JS-rn4bs 3:57

[@kureikurashi7528]

@@JS-rn4bs 5:09

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

This is a proper review, thank you. Both praise and criticism where deserved. Opinions from other editors added, nice touch.

[@tho464]

Our 2021 Hybrid AWD gets 34 all day long over the first 10,000 miles. Never more and never less.

[@johnlambert9707]

I have the 2021 Hybrid CR-V EX and I think my lifetime mpg is probably around 33. It seems to get better overtime. My commute is 5 miles each way on an interstate which I do not think is ideal for fuel efficiency (short, fast trips) but I am happy to get 33 mpg. On longer road trips I typically get 38+ driving around 70 mph. Overall it is a comfortable, good looking, and reliable car.

[@loe7901]

Awesome review. Answered all my questions.

[@petermarshall5450]

I've had my Honda CRV Hybrid Touring Model for 8 months and my gas mileage has been excellent and much better than indicated in your review. In that 8 months I've driven 3,716 miles using a total of 89.915 gallons for an average of 41.33 miles per gallon. I live in Henderson, NV and drive both on local streets and major highways. My MPG varied on tank fill ups, reflecting the different roads. MPG on those tank fill ups were as follows: 36.5; 42.7; 41.2; 45.5; 43.2; 41.8; 38.4; 40.3; 43.4. Regarding "pick up" on the highway, Honda provides a "Sport" noted on the dash. Try that and it will provide the "punch" you may need to pass (or feel "macho" if required). Thanks for the review. I love this car! Peter.

[@scottgabbard662]

It sounds to me like they had something wrong. We have a ‘18 with the 1.5 and get 30-32 mpg all the time with mixed driving. I’m very skeptical about the hybrid making worse mpg. I’d take there cr-v to another dealer for a run-through. And please don’t go down the fanboy road with me. It’s my wife’s car/appliance that gets her safely and efficiently from A to B. Not my preference but I don’t have to daily drive it and she loves it.

[@afcgeo882]

@@scottgabbard662 Why would anyone go down the “fanboy” route with that comment? It criticizes the reviewer and you’re correct. The numbers I get in the NYC metro area are around 36mpg in the summer and 30 in the winter. That’s with the hybrid. They were clearly driving it aggressively.

[@scottgabbard662]

@@afcgeo882 you are correct and it was not a criticism of Peter or the review for that matter. I just must have reached my troll limit for the day when I commented. Cheers, Scott

[@vp2747]

@@afcgeo882 I also get 30 mpg here in Colorado winter, using between 10 to 20 minutes of remote start; plus heater, heated seats, etc. In the summer changes completely

[@kanallsimms1376]

Does it require super unleaded gasoline?

[@paulbutler5067]

We purchased our 4th CRV a bit over a year ago, an EX-L with the 1.5T, CVT powertrain. With a bit over 10,000 miles on it, the vehicle has been a fun to drive, economical, practical, and reliable ride. I set the B trip every oil change to get a sense of long distance fuel economy. The latest check at just over 3000 miles has an average all around mileage of 36.2mpg. It does drop off in the winter with the cold and 4 studded snow tires on it to deal with harsh New England winter roads. We use the CRV for commuting, going on trips, putting kayaks on the roof rack, bicycles on the back, and skis and snowshoes in the luggage area. Just love the CRV.

[@tutttutt9558]

I bought my touring hybrid in October 2021. I get combined average 34.7. On the highway ironically I get around 37.5 mpg. Drive it on a 3,000 Mike round trip a few weeks ago and it was super comfortable and a pleasure to drive. I’m really happy with mine.

[@kevinlewis6351]

I have a 2020 CR-V Hybrid, around 14,600+ miles currently. I've been getting around 30.3 MPG in a combination of city / highway traffic while keeping it in the Economode 99.9% of the time. I also agree about the power to a point but when I need it, I usually have it because I try to keep a decent charge on the batteries. Comfort, yes, I can handle long road trips in it and it handles great in bad winter weather as well. Cargo space has worked well for me with various equipment I haul at times. One story to share, low on fuel and then got stuck in a traffic jam, with stop and go traffic, my remaining fuel hardly got used because I was in battery most of the time.

[@FlightProgramAborted]

What do you mean difficult to learn . D=Drive R=Reverse N = Neutral P=Park

[@alberttan7873]

Lol.. ikr...exactly my thoughts...all driver knows that .. maybe hard to get used to, if your coming from stick shift.. I guess

[@thethreatwrestling.7053]

I got the 2021 CR-V AWD EX-L with currently 19,015 miles and no issues so far. This vehicle is great, spacious, safe, comfortable, good in snow/rain and nice gas mileage.

[@EchoSigma6]

I’m still tooling around in the 1st generation CRV, looks wise the styling is still good but the thing is a tin can. It’s impressive how far along this platform has come, I would probably think the standard AWD in EX is good for me.

[@Berlynic]

Thank you for this video!

[@envision2k]

I've had my 2022 CRV Hybrid for 6 months, and even though I've been driving during winter in the Pacific Northwest, I've averaged 36.1 mpg with 4500 miles driven so far. My last 2 tanks of gas have averaged between 420 and 450 miles per tank with 36.6 and 37.1 mpg. As the weather gets warmer and I'm not using remote start and the heaters as much, I suspect the average will climb near or above the 38.0 rating. I always drive in ECO mode, and I don't drive like I'm always in a race. I work in the city and commute from about 12 miles out in the county on a country road with a few stop lights and a max speed limit of 50. I start and end my commute at about 70 feet above sea level with a few moderate hills along the way that rise to a max elevation of 300. I'm not in a congested area for more than 5 minutes on each end of a 25 minute commute, so I feel like I would get even better MPGs if I was hitting more stop and go traffic than I currently do.

[@TheBill429]

My milage is averaged at 40.9 on my Hybrid 2021. I bought it in 2020 so I have had it a year and a half. My experience seems to contrast with this report quite a bit. I find the acceleration more than adequate and very strong.

[@hinglemcringle]

I’ve had my 2020 since new and I completely agree with you. I get better mpg than my 2dr civic. Plus you can feel that hybrid boost off the line, not to mention I drive around town fully electric half the time!

[@vp2747]

Do you live in a warm state?

[@Ahmed-Ali21]

I don't know how you get 40.9 in your cr v that number j would never believe because I have 2020 honda accord hybird on sticker it spose to give 48mpg combined which it never gives only get 43 or 44 that's about it driving in economy all the time. This is why I want rav4 hybird which most people are saying it does give 40mpg what toyota said. But crv I doubt it

[@kacyharper8142]

In Florida we're averaging 37.8 with our 2020 EX-L hybrid 80% 60mph plus 20% city I'm thinking they're heavy footed.

[@Ahmed-Ali21]

@@kacyharper8142 that's not bad for suv. But in cold it will be even less mpg. My accord hybird spose to give 48 and im hitting now 37 for some reason since the last Fill-up otherwise it's stays around 43-44mpg average

[@asyongaguilarable]

I own a 2022 non-hybrid. My daily travel is city driving with stop-n-go's. I get 30-36 MPG. Based on this review, I think you have more highway than city driving. Hybrids give better mileage in city driving.

[@parkland4530]

Actual average mileage over 121,000km on my 2018 CRV is 33.8 miles per UK gallon (28.14 per US Gal). This includes winter driving so isn't too bad. I wish I didn't have the oil dilution issue to deal with.

[@helgawilde3679]

I bought a 2022 CRV Hybrid 2 months ago and have been averaging 41 mpg, in contrast to your experience. I’m pretty impressed with how it handles.

[@jeffross4428]

Bought My 2022 Hybrid EXL 2 Months Ago... Love The HEATED STEERING WHEEL...

[@bravoone17]

My non-hybrid 2021 CRV EXL has been getting great gas mileage on my local 25 mile trips 38MGP to 43MGH at the high point. In reading the comments, there are allot of different factors that come into play that you can see when it comes to mileage. Even though my vehicle is garaged, I always warm it up first before leaving the driveway (not sure what the warm up procedure should be for hybrids). I drive highway speed limits, but I don't drive it hard like racing it around like the good old days. If my results continue to stay the same as I am finding them today, I will be pretty happy with my vehicle choice.

[@DecrepitBiden]

For electric motor, no warmup needed. But for the gas engine, yes. I usually wait 2-3 min in warm weather, and 5 min in cold weather. I thought that turning on the heat or AC would turn the engine on, but that is NOT the case, as there are times the engine is off when heat or AC is on. The hybrid has a mind of its own, which I don't really like.

[@danr1920]

Our first tank we got 38.2. High speed freeway it does about 34--38 for us. Driving around Upper Peninsula Michgan we had times at 50. Slower speeds of around 45 mph. Today going on interstates from Minnesota to Kentucky we got 36 and 38 mpg. A/C was used a lot as it got into the 90's.

[@Amy-of1mi]

I really hope they come out with the hybrid in Canada soon and a plug in hybrid. Been talking about wanting a hybrid CRV for so long bc I love Honda and the CRV

[@PaventiRealEstate]

The NEW 2023 Hybrid will be build it Canada, in Ontario!

[@Amy-of1mi]

@@PaventiRealEstate that’s great news! Looking forward to that!

[@DecrepitBiden]

I have a 2020 CRV Hybrid since Sep 2020. No complains here. Regular oil change & tire rotation every 5000 miles so far.

[@slothypunk]

Hi there, may I know what is your milage on your CRV hybrid now? besides oil change did you do anything extra service wise?

[@mariochavez5357]

2021 EXL Hybrid 6mos 43 mpg combo average, live in the Los Los Angeles area so best when stuck in traffic basically all the time!

[@mflewis1]

When you got the flat tire how did repair kit perform since you don't have a spare tire?

[@slothypunk]

Easy, buy a donut tire and a scissor jack as soon as you are getting hybrid car. Problem solved, don't need to touch repair kit, don't need to use it!

[@gaylynnparker7130]

Do you recommend an extended warranty on a new 2022 CR-V hybrid? Why or why not?

[@terriw919fyi]

My mpg numbers for my 2021 hybrid are 38.5 for mostly highway driving. I don't know why your numbers are so low.

[@diaperdood9369]

Can u sit in it and let the climate control run off the hybrid battery?

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Honda interiors do not get the praise it deserves! It's durable, pretty, and functional.. what more do you want? Moreso, Honda has a tactile feel that is very pleasant, it just feels good touching things in there.

[@dane940]

Agree 100 percent

[@charliedu7773]

i have a 2020 honda crv hybrid with a 38.3 combined mpg, idk how they barely hit 30-32mpg

[@NFAA-NotFunnyAtAll]

The initial presenter stated the hybrid had worse mpg than their 1.5 turbo. During the editor's portion, he stated the hybrid's mpg was better. So... Which is it?

[@dhurban]

Our 2021 Hybrid CR-V EXL has no trouble getting 39 mpg in the summer around town. I usually drive around 80mph on the highway and the mpg can be less than 30 depending on temperature. We have about 36,000 miles on it now and have had no maintenance issues, unless you count the horrible Hankook tires it came with which were pretty noisy. Replaced with Michelins at 33000 (and yes, the Hankooks needed replacement with tire wear) and MUCH better. Love the adaptive cruise normally, but it doesn't take much rain/snow to make that unusable...and I have never figured out how to change to regular cruise. Overall, if your main drive is around town, the Hybrid is probably worth it.

[@johnscalera8912]

i live in athens new york my 2021 crv hybrid touring gets 42.8 miles in warm weather in the winter time 34.6

[@michimostloyal03]

The trick is premium gas and use regenerative braking to your advantage

[@daliborpys3910]

Hello, I bought this car in August 2021 and I have several knowledge. 1 / Fuel consumption numbers are misleading as I believe that it should be based primarily on year-round average consumption, as the car in the winter months shows higher fuel consumption. Perhaps it is understandable due to cold starts, a short driving time period (20km), heating in the car, leaving radio, seat heating, etc..v summer periods we have a released air conditioning. We also need to add the quality of tires and also where we have driven the most in that year, whether in the city, or on the highways, or in the trena on the mountains. Therefore, my look is like this. Now in 9 months, consumption is about 6.8 km / 100km. 95% Drive for short distances around the city, 2 times per month on the highway. With driving properties I am extremely satisfied, I grow with the car and listen to his engine. I ride the Eco mode. He currently takes about 7.2 l / 100km on the highway. Unreal comfort and rear seats, for 2 people satisfactory suitcase. And now the negative: an outdated infotainment-disaster-I solved it wirelessly with Apple Carplay. The attachment of the rear seat belts for smaller people increasing is not yet widely-knowing why the attachment of these belts did not do as much as on the front seats. People sitting on the rear seats and have a height of around 170cm, the belt is wrapped around the neck and cut the neck with the safety maneuver !!! This attachment invented a non-considerable engineer. Furthermore, what I miss from practical things is that there were one more chair on the coat (at the same time in the hand), but in the trunk, where people cars and food in shopping bags-it did not occur to add there, except for the only side Manger, still at least two. Přípoo it can't be so expensive, but no one was practical in reconstruction. The car is shipped by security features, but I think it would not hurt to put on the inside of the glowing light, which at the opening of two (especially in the mist) would be seen. Otherwise, I enjoy cars and his convenience, meets me and I quickly get used to her, I ranked long years manually. I apologize for English, certainly not completely perfect, but perhaps it will be evident what I wanted to express.

[@robertarmstrong3350]

You did put it in SPORT mode when you did your performance testing, right?? I've driven both the 1.5T and the Hybrid and I find the Hybrid a lot more responsive. The electric motor has way more torque than the 1.5T and there's not turbo lag while you wait for it to spool up. And I don't have any problem passing people at 60-70 MPH. It's true that the ICE can be rather loud and you have to get used to the fact that, in the Hybrid, what the ICE is doing has nothing really to do with what the car is doing.

[@richardstevens7415]

What is ice

[@enigma1000]

Frozen water. Or internal combustion engine

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent review. As much as I like the CR-V Hybrid design, the lack of a tow hitch makes me go for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

[@afcgeo882]

Not a hitch issue. The issue is the tow rating.

[@richardburnett2749]

I've seen the Honda V6 motors have a timing belt is it worth getting a motor with a timing belt or should I stay with a timing chain and how much does it cost to replace the timing belt when it does break

[@slothypunk]

When it does break, you basically screwed! You REPLAACE before it breaks! That is the first rule of timing chain or belt, NEVER let it break! So to answer your question, how much it costs? As much as the new working engine is worth!

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Amy Silliman, you seemed way too tense driving on that icy road! And seat pulled so far forward you could bump your chin on the steering wheel? Good to have respect for icy roads, but driving instructors seem to prefer a non-tense posture with more tactical ergonomics.

[@ryanslemmer5905]

I had one for about 6 months and put 7 k on it in that time. I struggled to get 32 out of it. Mountain driving? Forget about it. Evasive maneuvers? Don't, it will not inspire a lick of confidence with how the back end behaves. The tech? I had not just the headunit freeze on me, but the entire dash. Required fully restarting the car to get the touchscreen, audio control, brightness control, the backup camera and gauge cluster control back. As the video stated, getting Android Auto and Carplay to work was extremely hit or miss. Traded out of it with depreciation at the time being what my payments had been, so got out with no real hit thanks to covid. That said, I got my EX Hybrid for about the price of an EX AWD, so around 30k. If you DON'T need mechanical AWD, go Rav4 Hybrid. If you do, go Escape Hybrid. Traded for a 22 Legacy XT Limited. I'm paying at the pump, but it's far more satisfying to drive.

[@michaelsmith9308]

I just got a hybrid awd touring:) yes, the engine can be heard on harsh stomping etc.........i like the radio, fog lights (awesome) the 2023 does not offer them and on the touring its 12 leds fog lights!!!!!!! and most importantly to me was the NO shifter button shifter, thats the SELLER for me! My co worker has the exact same one and consistently gets 41 MPG in urban driving under 40 MPH..meaning its mostly battery which ithink stays on until 45 mph and the regen MUST be sent to the MAX level. Im using A and driving on the highway with under 500 miles (engine not broken in yet) getting 35 MPG on hwy under 63 MPH! only me inside with a very heavy large carry duffel bag! Was using 91 octane also......................

[@joedfazio]

We’re getting between 35 and 42 mpg in our 2021 CR-V AWD hybrid, much better than our 2012 CRV. We drive it like a normal car and it’s just fine. The “etherial” simulated engine noise when running EV mode is my only negative comment, that says a lot about how nice the car is 😉

[@Thomasjcolbert82]

I must be the odd one out here I bought my CRV hybrid EX June 30th 2020. I have put 99,000 miles on my car in those three years and one month roughly. I live in northeast Pennsylvania and most of my driving is highway driving and I’m constantly getting between 37 1/2 at 40 miles per gallon sometimes I even had it up to 4142 when I am in a lot of go stop and go traffic. it’s been pretty much hassle free, not a single problem, knock on wood. The only time when I get not so good gas mileage is the winter because of the gasoline mix that they use out here that I’m getting like 33 to 35 miles per gallon. My CRV before this one was a 2016 EAX with a 2.4 L engine and the most I ever got out of that was like 2930 miles per gallon. I want to trade this in now because of the warranty running out but I think I might just keep it because the new CRV is drastically more expensive now when you add on top a dealership markup. But my ownership has been absolutely perfect, so I’m hoping that this can dry for another few years unless something really cool comes up and I’m able to buy it

[@williamzachary3838]

I'm driving a 2023 CR-V Hybrid and after the first 2000 miles, I've been consistently experiencing well over 40 mpg. At my most recent fill-up after 348 miles it held 7.5 gallons - better than 46 mpg (the computer read 44). I'm impressed with the cockpit, interior room, superb handling, and even its acceleration. I know my 2023 model is a redesign, but I think the drivetrain in the hybrid is substantially unchanged. It makes me wonder if your drivers really know how to properly operate a hybrid. I'd be happy to provide instruction.

[@slothypunk]

I just bought 23 CRV Hybrid, just drive a bit over 100 miles and I drive economically, 40 MPG is not possible so far. I also drive Mitsubishi mirage as second car and the mirage exceeds advertised MPG

[@williamzachary3838]

@@slothypunk you may already know all of his techniques, but I suggest checking out the Ecodriver channel - it's produced by an Austrian guy named Helmut. He has several videos pertinent to the CRV and lots of great tips. One of his videos is about hybrids in general and another is specifically about the '22 CRV hybrid. My long term fuel economy (3200 miles) is 41.8 mpg. I use the regenerative braking paddles instead of the foot pedal at every safe opportunity, and I drive with a light foot in "eco" mode. If you have on-board GPS, consider inputting a destination even when you know the roads well - doing so gives the system terrain knowledge that supposedly will optimize regeneration.

[@Chuckles527]

when will the batteries in this Hybrid need to be replaced? How much will it cost? My biggest fear is having to pay for LION batteries!

[@ProLifeTours]

I have a 2020 crv hybrid and I can barely get 33 mpg

[@spencersgarage]

I get 37 MPG on my wife’s 2017 non-hybrid CR-V on long trips. That’s calculated, not using the mpg meter on the display…

[@radzer0966]

Love the looks. And it doesn’t have the garbage engine like the non hybrid where if you plan on going 200k with the vehicle and keep it for a while it’s a big plus. Waiting for the new generation RAV 4 hybrid here tho. My older crv has me content with where I am.

[@overthepagemusic]

You have a heavy foot. I’m getting 43.7 per gallon on average.

[@tglenn3121]

I'm sort of confused as to why the MPG for the highway is less than for city driving. Shouldn't that be the other way around? It was always my understanding that the MPG should be better on highway because of less stop and go traffic.

[@peterf90]

Not with an electrified vehicle. It’s just the opposite of a gas only vehicle. It’s because the battery powered electric motor can take over at low speeds saving gas but it has to use its gas engine a lot more at higher speeds.

[@slaapjynog2630]

Did you find the engine can sometimes hum after it's switched off?

[@1wasinAlpha]

that's speakers making the engine sound, not the actual engine. My accord hybrid had the same issue, but then it just went away... some sort of a glitch in software I guess

[@JS-rn4bs]

I knew in the first 10 seconds the negative bias from this 'reviewer' based by his tone. This is not a vehicle designed to 'excite' your heart. We have the EX-L Hybrid and we can achieve 35 mpg (interstate and city) effortlessly. I will note, fuel economy goes way down in the cold months. We have never had an issue passing on the interstate, like most 4 cylinder 'economy' vehicles - you do have to somewhat plan when passing. The CRV is not fast, it's not exciting but it's reliable, safe, fuel efficient, roomy and comfortable for longer trips. Honda is miles ahead in reliability over Ford and Hyundai.

[@stevenivankin9613]

2021 hybrid exl in Pennsylvania. Summer time we get 34mpg avg calculated at pump and during winter like now we get about 28mpg. 50% of the mileage is rush hour traffic and the other is just around town. Total I'm at 358.13 gallons with 11,367 miles. Avg comes out to 31.66mpg over it's life. I def agree with the mpg from Edmunds and it's disappointing. I keep tires at recommended pressure too and run stock 18 inch rims.

[@Thedevontree]

I also saw a hybrid that had like 43 driving Uber accord

[@roydicko4029]

Great educational review that's hundred percent accurate 👍

[@dkcwenge]

It would have been a perfect opportunity at 9:30 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4uVpaefrKiisJY) to mention the lack of a spare tire in the Hybrid CRV. More cars are doing away with it, but the Rav4 hybrid still at least has a donut.

[@slothypunk]

You can buy a donut and just throw it in your trunk

[@xXLegendXx70]

Nice review, but you make it sounds like it much worse than the 1.5T gas version from 2017. I have seen a lot of videos and reviews of this car, and the hybrid is a few miliseconds slower than the 1.5T, and maybe a little worse gas mileage, but it's not that much worse, especially considering the oil delusional problems the 1.5T has been facing. You guys should take that into consideration in this review too. With the hybrid you will get a longer lasting powertrain I think.

[@calebtot]

I don't feel as bad about forgoing the hybrid now that I've heard that the passing power isn't as great as my normal version.

[@gluetoblue23]

That is exactly my point when I saw the new 2023 CRV. It looks great on the outside but the base trims with 1.5L engine with a slightly bigger body would result in terrible performance. And if you decide to go for hybrid for more power you better off going with Toyota Rav4 which has almost mastered the hybrid technology.

[@cgatito3528]

Bigger does not necessarily translate to heavier.

[@anuragmahajan8037]

CRV EX selling for 36K out of the lot these days

[@BTC909]

Watch Alex on Autos (AOA) video as to why this was never going to hit its MPG numbers and its highway issues.

[@naughtysauce4323]

EPA test cycles are a joke, but Honda is the worst offenders not meeting/exceeding published economy.

[@ALMX5DP]

What was AoA’s thought on that?

[@BTC909]

@@ALMX5DP Go watch the video. "Why is the 2020 CR-V Hybrid’s Fuel Economy Lower Than the RAV4 Hybrid?"

[@naughtysauce4323]

@@ALMX5DP Essentially he's saying the way Honda setup their Hybrid which needs to rev high at higher speeds causes it to have poor MPG.

[@ALMX5DP]

I just watched that, but doesn’t quite explain the terrible fuel economy Edmunds experienced (much lower than the non-hybrid model).

[@paulh6517]

I am a Honda fan, however the cvt is a nonstarter for me. My 9-speed Ridgeline's transmission is a little jerky too.

[@danialk8387]

I fully agree. Bought a new CRV EXL in 2019 non hybrid. Gets almost 30 mpg locally. Simple to maintain. Love it. Best in its class. My take don't go for hybrids regardless of makes. The more simpler the better.

[@wyw201]

From a mechanical standpoint, hybrids (especially Toyota hybrid setup) are simpler than gasoline vehicles and EVs are way simpler than both.

[@afcgeo882]

“The more simpler”? Sounds like that was your take on education as well.

[@afcgeo882]

@@wyw201 That’s incorrect, factually. While those hybrid systems may be more reliable, they are nowhere near simpler. The hybrid has all of the systems that a non-hybrid has, and adds electrical storage and drive components that it does not. This is proof that more complex can sometimes be more reliable.

[@wyw201]

@@afcgeo882 You also have to look at what hybrids take away from a conventional setup. Toyota hybrids don't have starters and alternators. In the place of a traditional 8 speed, you have a E-CVT which consists of planetary gears combined with 2 Motor/Generators.

[@afcgeo882]

@@wyw201 Those aren’t actually takeaways, but rather replacements. The starter/alternator systems are small and cheap to replace when they do brake. The engine starts and charges via an electric generator which is far more reliable, but at the same time much lore expensive to replace once it does fail. The eCVT is still a transmission. It is more reliable than a torque converter automatic or a CVT, but it is, still, a transmission, and they do fail. So while you are improving longevity of the vehicle, you are not making it simpler. The generator and eCVT are more complex than a starter and automatic transmission and the system as a whole is far more complex.

[@Blank00]

To be fair, the CRV Hybrid has a more reliable powertrain than Escape hybrid. The engine is a naturally aspirated engine and it's port injected. It is not linked to a CVT, in fact it's not linked to a complex gearbox either, but rather, it's linked to a generator. As for interior shortcomings like the outdated infotainment, that will change when the 2023 6th gen CRV comes

[@verothacamaro]

The escape hybrid uses a planetary gear “CVT”. It should be extremely reliable.

[@wyw201]

Escape hybrid uses the same E-CVT setup as Toyota’s hybrids, which is linked to two motor/generator units.

[@afcgeo882]

How is the CRV 2.0 drivetrain “more reliable” than the Ford 2.5? Neither has an actual CVT.

[@slothypunk]

@@verothacamaro Just the word escape and ford is enough to keep me escape away from buying it!

[@karengeyman5562]

My results are opposite so far with my CR-V hybrid.

[@farmecologist3395]

Bummer about the fuel economy. From this video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/h324eniudtOBmac ), it was mentioned that the gear ratio was changed for the CR-V hybrid. Perhaps this is decreasing MPG slightly.

[@lplt]

the touring models of honda hybrids have less MPG than the base model, the base model is the one that's suppose to get 38mpg combined

[@martinjurik6067]

HAHAha! with my 2010 CRV 2,4 AWD I average 20mpg on long family rides but city and driving alone can go less than 18mpg. Especially now in winter.

[@Gokulnadhnk]

Why was the RAV4 hybrid not mentioned at all? Honda engines are just noisy.. yes interior is little more spacious.. True winner is Toyota Rav4 Hybrid!

[@doddsalfa]

8,6 isn’t slow by any means especially compared to a American cars

[@kpokfposkf]

That's why honda need to bring their new hybrid system (from the fit/vezel ehev), those are pretty much always powered by the electric motor(s), gas engine generates electricity only unless driving in highway speeds. People can get 60-70 US MPG (not imperial), it's a much better system.

[@1wasinAlpha]

CR-V hybrid is that system. I'm just wondering why their MPG was so low... It just can't be lower than the gasoline equivalent... really strange

[@kpokfposkf]

@@1wasinAlpha nah I think it’s still a previous generation of hybrid system, you are able to lock up clutch between gas engine and hybrid system crushing at 70-80km and optimize charging and maximize efficiency, still haven’t heard anyone in NA market mentions this. The new hrv hybrid should get over 45 mpg combined, I’ll be looking to buy that if it has awd lol.

[@afcgeo882]

@@kpokfposkf Regardless of what you “think”, it factually IS that system in the CRV and Accord. The Fit never came with a hybrid system and is no longer sold in North America and there are no differentials between engines and generators. Do you even know what a differential is? Why not do a quick lookup before making ignorant comments?

[@kpokfposkf]

​@@afcgeo882 sorry you had to go through a mental breakdown lol. I was referring to new hybrid technologies that accord/crv hybrid definitely don't have. But feel free to look up "all-new-jazz-technology-inside-and-out". Just because you're ignorant doesn't mean new tech doesn't exist lol.

[@nJuhNeer]

Good video explaining the CR-V Hybrid system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4HCh3aeqbJ6gZo

[@vp2747]

I would like to sue Honda for false advertisement, where can I start? Is there a group where I can join and start the claim? Thank you in advance!

[@leomangimelli8430]

Baffled how Edmunds can call that gear-shifter complicated. It's push buttons. Compare that to Prius shifter, or a BMW, far more complicated.

[@Tyberias1337]

hmmmm this fuel economy of you guy's is way off what i have. I bought my CRV awd hybride in 2020 and have now 110.000km, my average is about 44mpg combined but i must say if i do short trips i don't even get close to that but i drive average 50+ km so the engine always gets warm and then the fuel consumption is very low. Anyway, i've been a proffessional driver for 33 years (taxi) and this is my first Honda ever and its by far the best car i ever drove!

[@palnatikashi]

Did you face any problems so far with your hybrid system, some ppl telling after few years there might be some issues with the hybrid switching technology from combustion to electric motor ?

[@Tyberias1337]

@@palnatikashi Hi there, no nothing of problems whatsoever this is just a very solid and nice car to drive and have. Its for me the best car i ever had simple as that.

[@palnatikashi]

@@Tyberias1337 I like the crv and want to purchase it next month, so confused in selecting a normal one or hybrid one.

[@Tyberias1337]

@@palnatikashi oh take the hybrid you will not regret it, it cost a bit more but you will find it more then wurth to invest that money!

[@bruceedwards3033]

@@palnatikashi Same dilemma, I was JUST about to pull the trigger on the hybrid when I saw Edmund's, and then saw TONS of other actual owner reviews complaining about the same issue. Worse still, if you look at Motortrend's review, they say GET the hybrid hands down over the non-hybrid, but give a higher score to the non-hybrid! WTF. And no mention at all of their actual MPG (I suspect MT sold out years ago and maybe don't even drive or measure half the cars in their 'reviews' anymore). SO CONFUSED. Tempted to just get a Santa Fe or Tucson hybrid. Maybe Sorento. I wish the Highlander wasn't $55K at the trim I want also. :D My dream would be a hybrid Mazda CX-9....come on Mazda!!

[@thatweirdguy_ben]

Beautiful car. Hopefully the brand new one will get the same powertrain, with a new plug in hybrid.

[@FuncleChuck]

Let’s hope. I’ll never buy another car that’s not at least a PHEV.

[@naughtysauce4323]

@@FuncleChuck PHEV's are a waste of time, either go hybrid or full BEV. The middle ground has a lot of compromises and the ROI may not happen in the entire ownership of the vehicle.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@naughtysauce4323 all depends on the price difference. If/when PHEVs come down in price, they’ll make more sense for people who are able to utilize the pure EV range to the fullest extent.

[@naughtysauce4323]

@@ALMX5DP They will never go down in price as long as rebates are involved. Look at motor mouth channel on why rebates are slowing down the adoption of electrification in vehicles compared to other countries with a higher adoption rate. Since the Clarity was a complete failiur for Honda, I doubt they'll hit their rebate cap anytime soon.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@naughtysauce4323 more to price than rebates or tax incentives though right?

[@lm1314]

This video helps explains why I dislike being behind this vehicle, especially on the highway. I am thinking to myself, "would you freaking GO". They seem so slow.

[@garrettw99]

It’s the people that drive them. Compact crossover drivers are often old or drive extremely cautiously

[@naughtysauce4323]

@@garrettw99 Not necessarily, most people dislike being behind hybrids because there is a perceived notion that they are going slow to save on fuel hence why they got a hybrid. Yes some might be old, but I've seen plenty of Prius that are millenials guilty of this.

[@garrettw99]

@@naughtysauce4323 yeah it isn’t just crossover drivers that drive slow

[@afcgeo882]

This car has a maximum speed of 115mph, so that’s not it.

[@afcgeo882]

@@naughtysauce4323 Do you read your own writing? “Perceived notion” is correct. The fact is that most hybrids today are actually FASTER than their non-hybrid counterparts and you will see far more non-hybrid drivers drive slowly as they try to hyper-mile, because they need to. You just don’t pay attention to them like you do to hybrids because of your personal bias.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Saying the push button transmission selector is difficult to learn is absolutely absurd. I much prefer it over cars that have that awful control dial.

[@derrickstumpf9297]

Wow, your gas mileage really sucks! I bought a 2020 CR-V Hybrid EX in May of 2020. For the calendar year 2021 I averaged 42.5 MPG over 9,370 miles. I will note that using the climate control system can really affect your mileage -- I live in a SoCal beach town so the weather here is pretty mellow, but on "cold" winter days the engine runs just to heat the interior. Going faster that 65-70 MPH really hurts, too. (Un)fortunately, you rarely reach these speed driving through LA due to traffic so my mileage on road trips was in the high 30's, thanks to stop & go.

[@richardstrauss2513]

I have a 2019 EX crv with the 2.4 liter engine, car is a great utility everyday driver. The fuel economy is ok they advertised 25 city and 35 highway, which is a lie honestly. I get on a good day 21-26 mpg, I have never seen 30 mpg. I also have a 2012 honda accord v6 coupe, it gets around 26-31 mpg. Crazy how a 10 year old v6 is outperforming a brand new 4 cylinder engine. I honestly think if they put a more powerful engine they could get better gas milage, the car is under-powered for its size causing you to really use more throttle to get on to the highway or overtake another vehicle. Aka this car is slow as hell!

[@mikethetoolman8776]

wifes cr-v 2018 1.5 t averages 31-34 year round and cost less?

[@slothypunk]

the problem is it is turbo, oil dilution. 2.0 NA engine is way more reliable than a small 1.5 turbo. Unless you plan to just trade it when it reaches 100k then 2.0 hybrid is the way to go

[@mikethetoolman8776]

@@slothypunk that 2.0 would be awesome in the cr-v

[@mikesargent6989]

I’m looking for a hybrid suv. The small 1.5 engine is enough to keep me from buying it. I highly doubt that this engine will last long term. Smaller is not always best in a vehicle.

[@bobcob3362]

Hybrid has a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine. No Turbo.

[@hanqiangwang8161]

I don't know where you living or what kind of city you are talking about, probably somewhere you are the only one on the street and have no traffic lights. Lowest I ever get when I was in Norfolk was 35, and now I'm in Cali, if I work day shift my MPG won't be lower than 38, the more traffic you hit the better MPG you are going to get.

[@sweeptheleg.]

$40 for a nail in the tire?!! Damn! My mechanic doesn't even charge me for that. i just slip the kid (usually some shop intern, they do all the grunt work) $10 per tire, it's usually one but i've had to do two tires before.

[@bruceedwards3033]

LOL that stood out to me too. I can get an oil change for that!

[@a-a-ronl]

And now I hope they give the redesigned Civic a hybrid version, not a fan of the Insight

[@Blank00]

And I hope thr Civic Hybrid is the hatchback version. If they make a 4th gen Insight, I hope they make it a hatch like they did with Integra

[@PENUTSSnoopy]

As expected, cr-v is the best hybrid suv :-D cr-v > ugly rav4 lol

[@bvedant]

I just hate the finicky infotainment system.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

The best? Maybe... but Toyota RAV4 could be argued.

[@DFC300]

I have 2017 ex-l and average 34mpg. Makes the hybrid not worth the price tbh

[@raymondpiovesan5903]

What about against the rav4? Kind of misleading

[@kkahuna4263]

What happened to the rav4??? The direct competitor!!!!

[@bruceedwards3033]

Steering/handling slop (typical for Toyota to be fair) is awful. Reminds me of driving a minivan.

[@kkahuna4263]

@@bruceedwards3033 Honda fanboy!! Funny how Hondas minivan was one of the worst vehicles on the road

[@bruceincola8692]

@@kkahuna4263 Fanboy?! Hardly. Read my other comments, geez. And I actually do have a Honda ‘15 Odyssey. I’ve hated it since the day we got it. MPG is pretty amazing, and mechanically ok so far @ 100K but my nearest service/dealership is bad enough to actually make me hesitate to consider the CRV. I’m much more of a Mazda fanboy if you want to label me correctly. They drive better than anything in their classes, they just lack a hybrid.

[@kkahuna4263]

@@bruceincola8692 I'm actually looking forward to the cx50 hybrid myself

[@DougDuckGoose71]

I disagree with this review. I own a 21 CRV Hybrid EX-L. Lots of city and highway driving. 12,000 miles so far. A lot of your complaints can be fixed if you push Sport button. That keeps the battery mostly full all the time which provides a lot of power for city and highway use. Sport mode on the highway is my recommendation. I disagree with all the minuses in this video.

[@naughtysauce4323]

Negates the fuel advantages which this car obviously does not have.

[@ALMX5DP]

What about fuel economy?

[@naughtysauce4323]

@@ALMX5DP The ROI on PHEV's will usually never be met unless you kept the car for over 6-7 sometimes more years which is usually around the time people consider buying a new car. If you're lucky and keep it that long, you'll break even. Hybrids on the other hand with the exception of Honda, you'll start saving almost immediately and the ROI is much shorter. The OP's advice of keeping it in "sport" mode will only make the terrible MPG even worst. I'm guessing in the low mid 20 mpg.

[@DougDuckGoose71]

@@ALMX5DP I’m getting 41 city 34 highway

[@DougDuckGoose71]

@@naughtysauce4323 we drive ours in city 95% of the time in sport mode and get 41 mpg

[@forkthepork]

U have a lead foot..

[@nathanielmoran8537]

So it doesn’t get anywhere near the fuel economy it says. It’s expensive, loud, and slow. Yeah I’m not seeing anything good about it. I really think that the Tucson is the way to go, or if you have the money the RAV4 Prime.

[@reaality3860]

I own a 2021 Honda, but The Toyota RAV-4 hybrid gets around ten mpg better than the Honda CR-V hybrid.

[@johnmartin7158]

A big difference

[@Kimmy-lr3wd]

LOL the only thing u missing is the RAV4 hybrid...cause you know RAV4 is the winner

[@zachkalette1951]

I'm just shy of 6'-3" and my head hits the ceiling in the RAV4 with a sunroof. A real bummer cause it's my first choice. The non-sun roof version is a minor improvement, still nowhere near the headroom in the CRV, Tucson, etc.

[@Thedevontree]

Woa woa woa u didn’t get 38 miles on the non hybrid Totally f’ed up on that one retraction retraction

[@Thedevontree]

How did you not think that somethings wrong with that script when a non-hybrid got better gas mileage than a hybrid even if you’re driving on the highway which is the worst way to use a hybrid there’s no effing way

[@johnnyteevlogs1995]

Is it true that the hybrid has a 2.0L engine and the standard version has the 1.6L engine

[@afcgeo882]

No. The hybrid has a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine with an electric generator and the regular has a 1.5 turbo.

[@tho464]

Les Schwab Tire will repair your tire for free.

[@jeanier7185]

I drive a 2013 CR-V and try to get the best mileage I can, but 22.7 is the best I've gotten. I don't get it.