*Tested* The All-new 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid - the SMOOTHEST hybrid ever?

[@CrabgrassFarmer]

I'm addicted to watching '23 CR-V reviews. This is one of the best out there. We're loving our '23 Sport Touring. Never even drove a hybrid before. But really enjoing this one. It's just plain more fun and interesting than a pure gas car.

[@Wised1000]

We recently received our hybrid sport. I agree with your review 100%. The new CRV is by quite a bit the best CRV ever, and its overall driving demeanor quite simply punches above anything in its class. It's simply a more spartan hybrid version of the RDX. Add an even more roomy interior and the usual unrivaled utility, and again, you get the compact SUV that is the benchmark for the industry.

[@tpaddock891]

I only started shopping for a new car about three weeks ago and settled on the 2023 CR-V Touring model (top and only hybrid trim in Canada). This is one of the best reviews I've watched, and I've watched a lot of them! Hoping to have mine within a couple of weeks. Getting good trade value on my Audi from the Honda dealer and the Toyota wait times for a Venza are insane... I don't have the patience to wait 8-9 months to take delivery.

[@rusack7174]

With similar cars getting within just a few mpg of one another, individual driving habits may account for more of the differences than anything else. I was able to beat EPA estimates in my '14 Accord Hybrid regularly. Became a game with me, to best expectations when I drove. A great hybrid system!

[@StacieS225]

Test drove a Sport Touring this past weekend and loved it. Super quiet and smooth ride. They had the exact one I wanted in Meteorite Gray Metallic on order, so I put a deposit down. Expected delivery is in April. Coming from a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk with the Hemi that averages 19 mpg (sometimes 20 mpg if I'm real light on the gas pedal) and takes mid-grade gasoline, this CR-V hybrid is going to be a huge gas saver for me. I'm so excited to take delivery in a couple months!

[@KirkKreifels]

You'll love it! I'm seeing them on the road already. They look great!

[@richardtausch2]

@@KirkKreifels I pulled into a restaurant and saw the first one ever on the road. I parked next to it and waited for the guy to come out to see what he thought, and he could only speak Korean. But he loved it for sure.

[@capturedbycody]

I've owned an '18 accord 1.5, '20 accord 2.0, 22 civic, I cannot wait to get my hands on this one! I was waiting for this one to come out to decide between the HRV and this for my next purchase. This one wins throttle down!!

[@george.probert]

Kirk, how do you think this model will accelerate up steep mountain passes in CA like the Grapevine, Tehachapi, and Baker Grade (toward Vegas)? The last hybrid usually ran out of juice and solely relied on the gas engine which many complained was underpowered once the battery was drained on steep inclines. Looking to upgrade from a 2015 CR-V EX and am hoping this new hybrid model’s engine is significantly improved over the last model in regards to uphill acceleration. Any thoughts?

[@marquisstrongchild7535]

these are my exact thoughts on the new 2023 Accord. They ditched the 2.0t altogether, and instead put this hybrid drivetrain as the top of the line.

[@hughkaneko5472]

Can't wait! I ordered and reserved a Sport AWD Hybrid, may be available in Jan-Feb 2023.

[@MJorgy5]

I haven't test driven one, but the only thing these seem to be missing are fog lights. What an appealing vehicle.

[@mpgattuso1]

I keep seeing people describe this as a CVT and it isn’t. When you floor it and the engine revs way up the engine is being used solely to charge the generator and it is the electric motor that is driving the wheels. The engine can be used to drive the wheels at faster speeds but it is with a clutch and fixed overdrive gear ratio.

[@SIIKAP1]

If I remember correctly, the ICE engine and electric motor are both working to power the wheels under full throttle acceleration, even at low speeds. But in normal acceleration, it’s only the electric motor powering the wheels like you described.

[@mpgattuso1]

@@SIIKAP1 I think they can be applied together but the gear ratio for the engine powering the wheels is only 0.8:1 making it not feasible to work at low vehicle speeds. At highway passing speeds you could be correct.

[@Ithirahad]

Apparently they added another gear ratio to the direct interlink system for this new generation of hybrids... not sure why they thought the complexity is worth it, as the overall efficiency sounds like it's basically the same. IMHO they should've honestly kept all the mechanics and pricing segmentation the same as last gen, and just updated the interior and exterior aesthetics and maybe improved the battery and motors if they could.

[@pennybruce451]

I’m waiting for mine to be delivered-hopefully sometime in December!

[@rockygambina312]

Looks like they made a great product to try and overtake the RAV4. I’ll be buying whichever I can get the best deal on. Gotta love competition

[@mikej238]

😂 leave a deposit , and wait and wait and wait. They don't give deals, be happy if you can get MSRP..Rav 4 Hybrid is 18 month wait and I'll bet if you didn't already put money down on a 23 CRV hybrid..you won't get one next year . Deals 😂 😂 😂

[@dalbriggss]

Wait until these cars are physically on the dealer lot. Don’t buy before then. This is a large $$$ purchase so you should really … see it / drive it before purchase! Some notes: There’s a small old school sunroof, the turbo gasoline engine is 190 Horsepower which can be lagging when merging onto traffic & onto the highway, and all models have a CVT Transmission (google this type of transmission to learn more about it, some people do not prefer them).

[@Elricky124]

@@dalbriggss buy the hybrid and cross your fingers that there is enough electricity for the extra oomph you will need to get on that highway 🎃

[@seattledreamer9901]

I don’t have to buy a new car for 2 yrs. I can wait till 2025. Wait and see if 2025 dealers have these cars on their lot. I don’t want to order and wait.

[@trentimus5700]

@@mikej238unemployment is about to go up, job growth is going to go down… car sales are already shrinking

[@Iridescentshard]

This is my fav review of this car. The cargo is super important !

[@raymondreiff8170]

Has the BEST hybrid Transmission setup ever, No CVT here👍🇺🇸.

[@MrMlyarber]

I have watched several reviews and yours is the best...got to go, the Honda dealer is calling.

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks mate!

[@nicholasdalton8296]

Great video! Loved how in depth and detailed your review is!

[@EYLive79]

This is the exact type of review I was looking for. Thanks.

[@charlessigmonjr.6552]

Other than size, do you have any thoughts on the Sport Touring Hybrid CR-V compared to the Passport TrailSport? I’m cross shopping them.

[@sulimanbabar]

Although I dont have the means to buy one, but I like CRv's for the past two years, they all the elements of a well rounded vehicle. I am working to get one soon.

[@paulhenry913]

good review. I think Honda will not have a problem selling the new crv especially in hybrid form. unfortunately they lack some of the options others have. will they sell 3-400k per year. doubt it the competition is fierce in this segment and like the hrv leaving some important options out and charging a premium price won't cut it, and that's not even factoring in dealership markups

[@colleenkotel9828]

What do u feel the others have that crv doesn't? Curious as I'm looking to buy

[@lindapabst3421]

@Level 70 And a spare tire.

[@Sparrow1919]

I need you to jump progressively higher in every thumbnail please. Great video as always

[@rapidreview5509]

Thank you for such an awesome detailed review.

[@josephj1234567]

Do we have dates on the type r going on sale and full reviews? So I can decide between this and the type r. (I know, 2 very different categories)

[@polyacanthus]

Nice review. Really disappointed with the orange stitched upholstery and the black fingerprint trim. I love the Honda hybrid system in my 2021, it is so smooth and quiet like you mentioned. I'd buy again even if it got the same mileage as the ICE version.

[@drumteacher43]

Just bought this hybrid. I get it in January most likely! I live in Canada so that snow mode that you gave zero time too will come in handy. Not everyone buying vehicles live in hot climates! Overall nice review. How bout winter tires, seat heaters and steering wheel warmers?

[@siddharthchilukur5287]

Comes with winter tyres but no seat heaters and steering wheel heater which is a let down. But this is in canada.. Not sure about US

[@highreslimitedsiwebz4150]

@@siddharthchilukur5287 it does come with steering wheel heater and seat heaters. not sure what u read or what model u are talking about. the hybrid is top trim

[@kevinjs26]

How does the smoothness of driving and cabin noise compare to the new Kia Sportage hybrid?

[@cmaurizio19406]

Looking forward to them being available here in eastern PA - have a couple dealers going to give me a call when they get them...

[@chrissiemens]

“no push button malarky” hahaha my feelings exactly

[@Paulygoku]

Honda being tight with the USB charging in the rear why?

[@Card_fanatic]

How’s the tunnel noise while driving ? My crv would be really loud if I didn’t pull the trunk cover

[@OlyMar83]

For those who don’t know this is a series hybrid which is different to the Toyota hybrids. It’s much closer to the e-power in Nissan. So the motor will always act as a generator and primarily use the electric motors to drive the car. Hence why Kirk says it’s always very smooth, like an EV basically. When the engine kicks in it’s charging the battery. Now the difference with the epower is, the honda hybrid engine can also directly drive the wheels, unlike the epower. But the honda system will only use the engine to drive the wheels at sustained high speeds when the petrol motor is more efficient than electric. It’s the best of both worlds. Honda engineers have nailed the design!

[@alengreen589]

good review, thanks Kirk 😀.

[@ahmedsi]

exterior and interior shapes are great!

[@bronxhouse00]

Awesome range on door opening however now I know not to park next to one of those at Publix . To avoid Door dings when people swing them all the way open.

[@popeyerubi1981]

Hi Kirk, is the ride on this car stiffer than the ride of the 5th gen CRV?

[@fastxsam]

I was looking at the new pilot but I think this Crv would suit me better. Thanks for the excellent review.

[@asadbhuiyan5719]

Ty,, very well ,, don't forget never ,, wait for this

[@sharolhathaway6836]

Love the amount of carrying capacity. Also rides really nice!

[@alexdhutanu]

Does it have an accessory belt, pulleys, tensioners? Or is it like a Toyota hybrid, no belt and all accessories are electric?

[@danlecroy5870]

The slower 0-60 time when the a/c is on. Is that with all hybrids or just the Honda?

[@deko29]

I love your new words... reclination and vibrationy. The only way Honda can make this better is with a plug in!

[@marz6243]

Yes, a plug in hybrid would be great! Especially if it could do between 40 - 60 miles electric.

[@peterc.jordan2420]

Great review Kirk!

[@rainandsand1551]

How about road noise? Is better than RAV4? Please tell me

[@cS-jr8du]

The Honda hybrid system is great. I used to have a 2020 crv hybrid touring until I traded it for a 2022 accord 2.0t cause the crv felt a bit too slow for me.

[@ericsommerfeld8005]

So glad they got rid of the annoying push-button and brought back a real shifter. I wish they’d do that on the Ridgeline too. Great use of the word “Malarkey” by the way, Kirk! 😅

[@bikebudha01]

the push button on the Ridgeline is magic. Works great, super easy to use, and doen't interfere with the cupholders. Should be standard on all Honda's...

[@Ithirahad]

What's so wrong with the pushbuttons? The only shifting system I dislike is the dial found on some other brands. Bad tactile feedback; easy to over/undershoot. Honda's button panels are no worse than a shifter in my experience.

[@nounta1016]

I'm planning on getting the sports,not touring. Do you think your impression of the quiet cabin and road noise would be different if you were driving on the non touring trim?

[@hyuntae2917]

I think the Sport trim does not have the better sound insulation that the Sport Touring has.

[@nounta1016]

@@hyuntae2917 it actually says they did better sound dampening and less road noise tires on the Honda site. And supposedly thicker windows

[@hyuntae2917]

@@nounta1016 Gotcha i see that on their website. It does also say only the Sport Touring has the bigger wheels for noise reduction. I have also seen most reviewers say the Sport Touring trim was the quietest. One article says only the highest trim has insulated front windows. I think both trims have the insulated windshield though. Hard to tell which is right.

[@nounta1016]

@@hyuntae2917 yeah, don't see much people reviewing the non touring trim. Guess the video would be a lot less interesting but I was just curious since I have a Honda clarity 2019, and the engine droning / humming sound annoying the crap out of me. Was curious how apparent it would be on the CRV. Wish Honda forced dealerships to hold one at dealership at all time for display.

[@10tenman10]

Generally Acura follows Honda by about 1 year. Is there a new RDX in the works?

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Wonderful review as always bro 👍🏽

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks!

[@gryg666]

Is it loud in high speed? Like 140km/h? I was thinking about Nissan X-trail e-power, but this thing screams...

[@KirkKreifels]

A little road noise but wind noise is minimal due to acoustic side glass and windshield on EXL and sport touring models.

[@Rly0n213]

did they get rid of the blind spot camera? wouldve been nice to see the reverse camera too.

[@peterf90]

They finally put a decent horn in the 2025s.

[@rwsphotos1386]

It appears that none of the 6th gen models have fog lights - is that correct?

[@shichynwang]

Honda crv getting premium but expensive too. Hybrid is the top trim in Canada. Crazy pricing. More money than bzx4 or RAV4 prime entry price.

[@KirkwoodGAO]

That’s nonsense. RAV4 Prime is massively more expensive.

[@ivanvillarruz8412]

Damn, this CRV model looks huge. I'm hoping we get this hybrid model in Southeast Asia since we didn't on the past model.

[@sheepgarden999]

Great review, Kirk! Have you heard of when maybe Honda will be bringing the new Civic Hybrid to the US? The new CRV is beautiful but I don’t need so much car! Haha

[@KirkKreifels]

Probably late 2023

[@ahmedsi]

that launch at 8:09 , just weird with that CVT. Love everything else about this CR-V.

[@tlr-nut7275]

There's no cvt in that hybrid. No transmission at all really.

[@michaels3003]

@@tlr-nut7275 , based on this comment, you grossly overstate your level of knowledge.

[@tlr-nut7275]

@@michaels3003 An electric motor driving an axle needs no transmission. Why are you so confused?

[@tlr-nut7275]

Alex on Autos explains it well if you're still confused.

[@slothypunk]

@@tlr-nut7275 if it is no transmission, what is it? Honda called it E-CVT, but again there is a trans fluid you can change! So if it is not transmission, what fluid is Honda HEVF-Type 1

[@psdaengr911]

Honda Element's reat seats reclined flat and it had more cargo space with the seats down.

[@mikej238]

It doesn't have a lot. When you fold up those two seats you still lose a lot of space . You need to remove them completely to get decent space, plus the whole vehicle is under 14 ft long. Original owner of an 05 Element waiting for delivery of my 23 Rav 4 Hybrid

[@zeusl074]

Typically, gasoline engines (including gasoline hybrid engines) restrict A/C compressor voltage while under full throttle, so I am surprised that Honda didn't do that with the new hybrid. I wonder if there was/is a tuning issue with that since is still a new vehicle? Maybe there are other hidden codes and features with this Honda like other Hondas of the past.... So too, as others have mentioned, Honda calls this transmission an e-CVT; however, technically speaking, it is a Direct Drive transmission.

[@alexnutcasio936]

My old CRV was one reliable sumbitch. Let’s hope this one is too.

[@ccorry21]

Honda website states rear seat USB-C will be on BOTH Sport and Sport Touring, thankfully :)

[@yubipuni2812]

i have a honda civic sport and the new screen confused me how to use apple car play

[@alanrobison7451]

Timing belt or chain?

[@sleepybrown2D]

Is there HP or Torque difference from between the FWD version and AWD version?

[@KirkKreifels]

Nope.

[@victorlarose9961]

It’s got everything I need plus nice and sobre look reasonable fast and smooth ride👍

[@mrdarryljones1]

Sweet! Nice overview! 👍🏾

[@jugglingwithjohn]

Great review. Thanks!

[@stephenjones62]

The CRV doesn't drive in only electric mode except maybe in a parking lot. The engine acts as a generator and powers the electric motors. You are incorrect about your comments about it not being on. In addition, the battery is only 1.1 KW so it doesn't have the ability to provide juice for the car to drive on ele power only. At high speeds, the engine can take over and can power the wheels directly. You need to do more homework on how it works.

[@thomaswhitmore5095]

Dear Kirk, I’d appreciate measurement or impressions of the turning radius. These cars will spend as much time (or more) in parking lots as on those lovely Santa Barbara rural roads. visibility and ease of parking are, I think, important for these cars. Cheers, Tom

[@KirkKreifels]

When I get one for review, I'll be able to test that

[@thomaswhitmore5095]

Thanks, love your reviews.

[@adamesd3699]

Wow, I was thinking the same thing. For a family vehicle, there are many characteristics more important than horsepower and 0-60 times. Good visibility Tight turning radius/circle Good mileage Safe predictable handling Easy to use user interface Comfortable and roomy seating Big and usable cargo capacity Reliable, low maintenance costs If any of these are very weak, that kills the deal. If I want a sports car, I’d buy a sports car. If I’m shopping for a CRV, by definition I’m not buying a sports car, I’m buying a general purpose family vehicle. I already crossed out the new Tucson and Sportage because their turning circle sucks for their size. Previous models had turning circle of 34.8 ft, which was excellent for a compact SUV. I rented them all the time and came close to buying a Tucson. The new ones have a lot more features, room, etc. All very nice, but their turning circle went up from 34.8 to 38.6 feet, which is not good. So they’re off the shopping list. The new CRV’s turning circle (at least for the EX and EX-L) is 37.3 feet. Not too bad, but not great. I don’t know if the Sport and Sport Touring will have the same turning circle. It might grow with the larger 19 inch wheels. The HRV LX and EX-L having an excellent turning circle of 35.1 feet, while the HRV Sport, with its larger 18 inch wheels has a worse turning circle of 37 feet. The HRV also has excellent visibility, a good user interface, decent size, and I test drove it and found its speed, while a bit slow, is perfectly adequate. The cargo capacity is a bit low, however. The Mazda CX-5, CX-50, Subaru Outback, and lower trims of the RAV4 are all at 36.1 feet. The Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester are even better at 35.4 feet, which is impressive since they are competitive in terms of size and capability with the RAV4, CRV, etc. And the Forester has the best visibility of any SUV. The Chevy Equinox is an interesting vehicle. In 1.5 liter turbo LT form (with a 37.4 ft turning circle) it is almost the ideal appliance vehicle, adequate in every way, plus the lowest price out the door for a compact family SUV. Previously, it had a fire-breathing 2.0 liter, that unfortunately came with a terrible 40 foot turning circle, but Chevy stopped offering that option. Before Covid, my job involved a lot of traveling, so I’ve rented just about every vehicle out there. And since I like gadgets, cars, and math, a sort of game I played was to match a vehicle’s official statistics with actual real world feel.

[@forwardtheatercompany6657]

@@adamesd3699 Your comment is a great reminder to folks that are disappointed in the missing features on the Sport Touring, when compared to competitors. I would love ventilated seats, pano roof and a HUD, but they aren't as important as the characteristics you listed for a family car. You don't realize how important good visibility is until you drive a fully loaded car with a narrow windshield and soft handling - all of that tech is forgotten every time you struggle to see oncoming traffic or change lanes on the freeway.

[@richardtausch2]

@@forwardtheatercompany6657 The visibility and roominess are fantastic. I've had mine for 6 weeks and it just feels built for me and I don't remember after owning any other car after 6 weeks still looking to find reasons to drive somewhere, but this one I do. I've never been 100% satisfied with any car, usually find things I wish a car had or did not have but this one I have zero complaints with. I have the 2023 AWD Sport CRV.

[@patl8363]

What the chances this tech will move over to the Acura rdx?

[@markhu7454]

Just test drove 2023 CRV hybrid and 2023 Accord hybrid. 2023 CRV hybrid: everything is pretty good except very NOISY cabin. 2023 Accord hybrid: everything is good.

[@AllStars2525]

This might change my mind about Honda hybrids.

[@ofcbob6391]

I've never even driven a hybrid. When at a stop sign or red light, is it completely quiet (except for the fan/blower noise) as if the car just died? And upon taking off, is it electric only?

[@slothypunk]

Upon taking off, it can be electric only, it can be ICE only, it can be both engage at the same time, it depends on how you drive and the battery charge level!

[@shawn1869]

Is this a plug in? I think it's gonna give the RAV4 a run for their money. I heard the RAV4 feels like a tin can so Honda stepping up the build quality is a huge step in the right direction.

[@michaels3003]

No.

[@AMindInOverdrive]

I has a 2013 elantra that wasn't super noisy inside, until....I changed the tyres. A mechanic told me that they put soft rubber tyres on some new vehicles to reduce road noise and make it seem quieter than it really is LOL

[@amirhaddadi5718]

Hi, the sports models also have a rear seat usb port as well

[@agpawpaw5912]

Can you explain in video, how Honda hybrid system works. It’s different than Toyota’s

[@johnandstephanie377]

Any update on the mileage issues?

[@cgatito3528]

Man, looks like it took forever to get from 50mph to 60mph on that 0-60 run. 8:12. The needle on the speedometer is barely moving. What is going on with Hondas and acceleration recently? 10.25s 0-60 w/ac on is horrific in the hybrid.

[@dalbriggss]

Don’t buy until you can actually test drive.

[@lamefart]

It was like the engine was charging the motors first instead of driving the wheels off the bat. 😆

[@jollyjohn6403]

Why is the speed reduced with the AC on? 0-60 at 7.83 without AC and 10.25 with AC? Why?

[@zeusl074]

This is probably due to a tuning issue since all gasoline engines and hybrid engines cut the AC voltage. It may have a TSB at some point.

[@fernandovargas7562]

Cool video… thanks focus on test drive with better hybrid engines….

[@chlova05]

With the Sports Hybrid dealer priced at $38K and the Touring at $42k (all before tax of course), I couldn't help but move on to Mazda. A way more premium driving and ownership experience.

[@lindapabst3421]

But...not a hybrid. Non-hybrid CRVs cost less than the hybrid too.

[@johnhirka654]

I don’t understand where you’re shopping - everywhere here 34/35k There is no Mazda equivalent Interior space, reliability, utility and mpg is head and shoulders above

[@Chris-de2qc]

Mazda has no hybrid version

[@im2late]

​@@Chris-de2qc 😢

[@jayray8097]

Great review !

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks JR

[@luxferre3972]

4:04 the so called "break mode" on the automatic shifter is available in Europe in the Honda Jazz (Fit) e:hev since 2020

[@SeanWilson-r6o]

i am debating between the hybrid vs the non hybrid

[@haze1123]

Honda nailed it. Heavy Tiguan vibes.

[@mervinprone]

Can’t get the hybrid without buying the top model!

[@phillylady]

I believe there’s also a sporting model that’s also hybrid but not the top sport touring. Hybrid only comes in the sporting and spot touring models.

[@peterc.jordan2420]

too bad

[@brycelbc]

you didn't mention quality of back up camera , review safety features . otherwise great :)

[@jeromeyoung3410]

How is it going up a very steep hill?

[@happiness687]

is it AWD ??

[@alengreen589]

this is a very good Honda SUV 👍.

[@Mohsrz]

That thumbnail is dope

[@eddiewalters3010]

Great job!

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks!

[@Leo_seguridad]

Good review

[@Briguy1027]

So the front "exhaust" tips don't bother you?

[@laptech3767]

Finally something catching up to Mazda

[@ivatrainghiem4578]

I thought Mazda was way behind Honda :)))

[@hargerjohn3931]

I’d like to see a comparison between the Honda AWD and the Toyota electric AWD. I live in Alaska and how it handles on ice could be a deciding factor.

[@slothypunk]

Get toyota rav hybrid woodland for sure. CRV hybrid awd failed tfl test. If you live in Alaska where your tire locked up to three point, you will def be stuck out there

[@hectortoledo5914]

What is the fuel range on this ?

[@runningataltitude3361]

What about the sound system

[@KirkKreifels]

It's okay. Not impressive but head to my friend Charlie at daily motor - he's the best at reviewing audio

[@brightlee214]

What're the differences between Sport trim & Sport Touring trim?

[@matthewalexis]

leather, 9in. touchscreen, more exterior color options, HD Radio, Premium Sound System, Satellite Radio, WiFi Hotspot, Navigation System, Power Liftgate, Power Passenger Seat, Remote Trunk Release, and memory seats

[@brightlee214]

@Matthew Alexis:👉 not exactly. The Sport Touring trim also includes a hands-free power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, paddle shifters, rear camera washer, 12-speaker audio system, wireless navigation, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

[@davidbethke1849]

I drive long distances, I would really like to have a spare tire. Maybe run flats will have to do.