Honda CR-V Hybrid - The RAV4 Rival (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

[@georgecosse6870]

I utterly disagree, as a CR-V hybrid owner (since last week!) and a former RAV4 owner, the Honda Hybrid is much better; less noise, more flexibility and more torque for a more dynamic feel when accelerating. Besides the interior of the CR-V executive has more class, it reminds of a premium SUV while being much more affordable while the Toyota reminds me of older generations of RAV4s. And don't get me wrong, I am a Toyota maniac and customer since 1990 but let's face it; this time Honda won the match.

[@MarekDrives]

I agree Honda interior is a class above the RAV4 (including the current generation RAV4), but CR-V Hybrid is (IMO) an inferior vehicle vs. the current RAV4. The non-hybrid version wins in my book.

[@MarekDrives]

For reasons which are unclear to me I mixed up the car's weight with maximum allowed weight for this vehicle. It actually weighs about 1700 kg, which is more or less the same as the top spec petrol model. However the suspension feels completely different.

[@christianjardin3110]

It probably felt heavy to maneuver

[@aka7kak8]

Too bad you did not notice how quite crv is and more importantly that it drives like EV minus charging overhead plus very rare audible engine noise which in fact is way quiter than rav4, there is active noise cancellation, steering has natural feel in straight position. Rav4 felt like it does not like cornering, i would call it city cruiser. Also rav4 has sometimes noticeable power application phases when engine mechanical contribution to acceleration was noticeable versus crv linear smooth power delivery. Brakes on crv feel clear as on regular car and no electric recuperation sound during braking.

[@tipazas]

Toyota has really good hybrid systems. Just Honda's hybrid is very different as I know: it uses petrol engine only to generate electricity and it drives wheels directly only at some speed interval.

[@CarMojo]

correct. CR-V drives on electricity when there's enough energy in the battery (EV mode, ICE is off). when there's a higher demand for power, ICE powers the generator which then powers the electric motor (hybrid mode). at higher speeds (e.g. 70+km/h) ICE powers the wheels via direct gearing by engaging a clutch (ICE mode) - it's like having only the 6th gear. unlike HSD by Toyota, in Honda's system wheels are powered by either electric motor or ICE, never by both simultaneously.

[@oxi_tyxaios]

Thank you for another honest and very informing review. 2240kg is one massive car. Definitely not good for anything off-road. But the fuel economy is impressive.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Actually that's gross vehicle mass. My mistake.

[@Flaviusbob]

Max permitted weight is 2200 kg +, the hibrid has around 1700 kg. Is this better than the rav 4? If I was to choose I would go for the rav 4, it is more mature and reliable.

[@thefreelance1990]

Hopefully honda crv hyrid will release here in the philippines. I love that car. Thanks for your video.

[@badrhari3436]

Great review as usual! Keep up the good work Marek! I see that your work brought you 200000 subscribers! Fantastic my friend!

[@crimsonlightbinder]

the styling of this car is spot on, too bad they are making them with lower and lower ground clearance (both honda and Toyota)

[@natoftw]

2.2 TONS ?? 600kgs more than non-hybrid ? This can't be true. How the hell would a car weight 600kgs more ? The batteries of Model 3 dont weight 600 kgs. Please check your facts when "reviewing" cars

[@szakal9803]

Fajny test💪

[@alliejr]

Okay so NOT as good as a RAV4 but you never really explain why or how. You just reach a conclusion (opinion) and then “ the end”. 🤨

[@MarekDrives]

CR-V Hybrid feels heavy (even if I got the numbers wrong, it just feels heavy), it can't tow as much, AWD is only for on-road stability, there is less cargo space... As I said - the CR-V is the better SUV, but not the better hybrid SUV.

[@rncondie]

I own the 2019 Rav 4 Hybrid in USA 0-60 mph 7.5 seconds. 41 mpg Best auto I have owned

[@henryhonda8408]

I've seen a very recent review which said you can't tow anything according to Honda. Is this correct?

[@alliejr]

HenryHonda Unsure, but I cannot think of a single “real” hybrid that recommends towing. If you want to tow, choose something else.

[@JohnyMcNeal]

I don't think emissions are the main thing here but free taxes for hybrid, lower fuel consumption, having at least some awd for road use, less complexity compared to newest diesels all add up to hybrids being the better choice. I mean I can't achieve under 6l per 100km in my new 2.0 diesel in a sedan that weights under 1.7 tons. On open road yes but in a city no way, also on highway on flat while doing 130kmh its around 6 so... Imo at least. We would have more benefit when it comes to emissions/polution with renewable green energy and clean public transportation. If we are to be honest. All in all it's more complex then just looking at emissions from a particular vehicle. We don't know hoe much emissions are released during the making process of vehicle including making batteries for it and later recycling of those compared to other vehicles.

[@sic22l]

@Johnny_McNeil Hybrids have always been good in the city but rubbish on the highway. You said 6l/100km while doing 130kph, well hybrid SUV would enter double digits.

[@JohnyMcNeal]

@@sic22l Haven't tried but I asumed it would be higher, that's why I'm on a diesel atm, because I use highways more. In near future (next car I mean) with all the taxes and stuff doubt it.

[@bogdanmongol9518]

@@sic22l Apple to apple, he compares a diesel sedan, because a diesel Suv at 130 will be like at least 8-9. Rav4 hybrid is one digit at 130. You (and not only you) assumes that at that speed the ice engine will be the only one working. At Toyota it is not the case. Prius 3 with pilot at 135 km/h, between Nurenberg and Frankfurt, 4.4 l/100 km. And that car uses an older hybrid system, newer 1.8 hsd (Prius4, Corolla 2019)is by far a better system. Unfourtunately, I didn't take mine (TS Corolla 1.8 hybrid) on a highway trip (one week old😀). I expect the same numbers as Prius (better system, drag coeficient weaker, only 0.31 instead of 0.24 of Prius).

[@sic22l]

@Bogdan Mongol Nissan Xtrail uses 8l/100km at 140kph, so less than 8 at 130kph. In the same conditions, at 140kph RAV4 hybrid needs 9,4l/100km. That's significantly more.

[@bogdanmongol9518]

@@sic22l I think you are talking about previous generation of Rav4 hybrid. Present generation is much more economical - almost like your Xtrail: 8l/100km X trail, maybe last generation with 1.6 dci 130 hp. But that is no match with a Rav4 hybrid with 218 hp2wd and 223hp4wd.

[@andreiplesuvu]

Finally an honest review! i would like to ask you for an honest opinion. I am the “happy” owner of an x-trail 2016 4x4 and i would like to change it. The reason why i bought it,it was the price in comparison with others medium (i guess) SUV. in your opinion,which car,you suggest it would be a good option to change my nissan,by remaining in the same class,and avoiding the luxury brands ,Merc,Audi,BMW,Volvo and france car manufacturers. thanks in advance for your response

[@moonsapling]

Rav4's hybrid awd is way worse. At least the honda sends power to the back via a proper driveshaft!

[@Snowpeak74]

Your reviews are generally quite good. But not the music 🙂.

[@MarekDrives]

Complain to KZbin. That's stock music.

[@fernandovargas7562]

Cool for the information.... is not a good hybrid motor... cool

[@50ccAdventure]

Love the mississippi count!

[@Flaviusbob]

In Romania both the rav 4 and the Honda in top form hybrid and 4x4 cost tops 40 k, maximum.

[@dansorescu5720]

I've driven both in Timișoara and the CR-V had a better ride. The price for both is the setback

[@tonymontana3742]

Honda CRV hybrid edges out Toyota, tho it's likely you won't make a mistake with either, unless you end up with the Toyota gas tank issue.

[@davorniksic9288]

Funny to see that 4x4 is largely cosmetic.

[@aka7kak8]

Still useful for quick start on slippery roads, eg in the rain, snow, gravel. There is one nice video where rav4 and crv hybrid drag race on grass field. Of the line start is much more confident in crv, plus it is visible how petrol engine exaust steam is visible only once crv passes about 5 meters - electric start on powerful motor very obvious.

[@TEVAssociation]

Hopefully you ll get to test the Toyota Rav4 phev soon too to compare.. See you in Geneva!

[@ИВАНД-и4б]

Люблю твои видео. Продалжай в том же направлении.

[@sithabelamandlawenkosiwodu6298]

I don't believe in hybrid. Either go full electric or stick to ICE. But given the choice I would choose the CR-V over the Rav any day. It's a no-brainer.

[@Honeyman76]

wow, the 4x4 ability of this is not great at all by the looks of this video. The small knoll is nothing and I would have expected the CRV to crawl over that like it was nothing at all. I am very surprised by this. That alone makes me want to go with the Rav4 Hybrid which has amazing agility on 4x4 terrain.

[@TomAsz-zx4ff]

Amazing? Have you checked it on your own?

[@Honeyman76]

@@TomAsz-zx4ff No actually, just from what I watched online. I have Rav4 Hybrid XSE on order, so will be able to do a real life test later and see for myself.

[@TomAsz-zx4ff]

@@Honeyman76 OK, thank you for the response, let us know later then.

[@aka7kak8]

Honeyman76 , climbing rocky hill in rav4 indeed looked better, but awd is also great help for of the line starts on slippery surfaces, much better in crv.

[@grahamjohnson4702]

It appears that Honda has given up on Hydrogen and joined the Toyota hybrid party as the way to lower emission requirements, all electric is so reliant on the rebate system a government will give you, but how long will this last.

[@bogdanmongol9518]

Toyota is, by far, the best alternative for city driving (see how many taxies use Toyota in countries like Spain, France, Italy etc). If you can afford, a full electric Niro/Kona it is also a good option. If you need a fast car for highway, diesel it is, still, the best solution.

[@grahamjohnson4702]

@@bogdanmongol9518 Spain has probably the biggest diversity of makes for taxi in the world, with Toyota in the mix, but in recent years Dacia Lodgy is well in there as an economically priced reliable car that could have been designed to be a taxi, other country's also are using these a lot but of course this is an ICE car and will lose out in the future.

[@SveRusev]

nice review Marek, bad car, bad 4x4

[@swanblake]

Amazing how ugly Honda can make there cars look. I would not want to be seen in this. Call me shallow

[@OptimumRacingMk3]

Shallow...

[@mikeuk8486]

No point to buy any hybrid at the moment, expensive, bad handling, slow

[@bogdanmongol9518]

Hybrid Crv is the fastest Crv. Same with Rav4. Corolla 2.0 hybrid is the fastest Corolla right now. 0-100 in 8 sec is slow? Think again...If 20-30k euro for a new car is expensive for you...buy Dacia.

[@markf2557]

When's the last time you drove a Hybrid? 2005?