The Hybrid Honda CR-V Is The One To Get (And It’s Not Just About Efficiency)

[@KaizenWizard]

Definitely like the "red light, green light" segment recap at the end!

[@narenn91]

squid game reference i see

[@sonofcain14]

Love the Warhol intro. I recently drove a 2020 CRV, and I was very impressed, best in class. Great review as always.

[@scotthelmers8763]

I like the "red light, green light." Keep it up.

[@kyledexter485]

Very nice review. I liked the “green, yellow, red light recap. Keep up the great work.

[@christopherclark6383]

Driven is a favorite on my KZbin. Your work speaks volumes. Have a good day.

[@tutttutt9558]

Just bought one in touring. My first hybrid. Love it so far!

[@eFiggidy]

Red, Yellow, Green is a nice touch. Been watching your reviews for years. Thanks for the great content and dad jokes in every review.

[@jacoryc]

Love the red light/green light thing. Very quick and efficient wrap up!

[@Ferret440]

I miss my 99 CRV with the picnic table in the back

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That was a brilliant feature, even if people didn't use it. I remember showing my brother-in-law how it worked on his when he bought it. He didn't know it was there.

[@CarlosRodriguez-hb3vq]

Craigslist is full of them and many are reasonably priced. I bought a 2003 with 130k nine years ago. Now has 250k and unstoppable.

[@GoofieNewfie]

given the space in the back and the adjustable floor, I'd imagine it would not be very difficult to make a picnic tablet in the same fashion as the older CRVs. There's plenty of room under the floor of a normal crv, I haven't seen the hybrid.

[@keanuneo-k2w]

Good idea with the green, yellow, red summary. Really enjoy your videos, Tom! Thanks!

[@patmoitry4397]

I like the "red light/green light" recap too! Your viewers love your "straight talk" approach of things, Tom! Thanks!

[@tedfondak5206]

Loved the Warhol bit -- thanks for the great videos, Tom!

[@davidwolf226]

I also like the green, yellow, and red lights. I think Honda has done a very nice job with this updated design.

[@johng7390]

Red light, green light a nice recap - 👍

[@lopezmichael3]

Your videos are always professional and well done.

[@jeffreyanderson7629]

You’re the best, how you don’t have a million subscribers is beyond me.

[@EKLion]

Depeche Mode “Personal Jesus” in the playlist - nice, good taste!

[@Coronet_1969_]

Tom, I like the new grading feature and think it fits your format, not too detailed, just right. If we want a full blown score we can hit the 'Doug score'.

[@pjay1281]

I love the red light,green light segment.

[@johngiddens8101]

I didn’t like the red light/green light segment-it felt redundant. Your reviews are already so good you don’t need any additional gimmicks. Keep up the good work!

[@philweek3]

yes i like the red light and green light info. Keep it coming !!

[@BarryMcColeman]

Good humor appreciated, along with the green-yellow-red light section. Good addition.

[@JDelta87]

Great video and again, thank you to your wife for lending her driving skills. I didn't mind the green, yellow, red light recap at the end either.

[@iceking31790]

My dad had the CR-V with the picnic table. I forgot about that! They're definitely charging premiums on the Hybrid as well. It's the only reason I didn't get the CR-V as the folks at the dealership turned into a huge jerk when pricing it out and giving me time to think about it (24 hours?! Come on, man...). Ultimately went with a Hybrid RAV4. It's very tough to pick "the wrong vehicle" in this segment and all about your personal preference. It's why I had such a hard time picking as they're all pretty darn good! I like the RG-GG at the end as a quick summary. Great review, Tom!

[@Smeagol0857]

Green/Yellow/Red light Recap is great idea; please keep it in future videos.

[@18_rabbit]

love your new colored-lights rating system! thx for the perfect work, as always!

[@kaisarahmed6424]

With stylish classy presentation. You have good sense of humor. Number one car reviewer. Doug de mouro or matt Watson way behind you.

[@stephenhendricks103]

To me the most striking feature of the CR-V is the extraordinary amount of cargo space, a total of 75.8 cubic ft in the gas model. That's more than a Mazda CX-9, a vehicle that's 17" longer than the 182" CR-V! The hybrid version gives up about seven cubic feet of overall space but that still virtually equals that of the RAV4. Honda's interior design efficiency is a wonder to behold. Otherwise, there's so little to complain about I'm left to whine that the front end looks like it was designed by a committee. The CR-V vs the Rav4? Much like the Accord vs the Camry, that's a pick 'em, I think. Having received sterling service from several Honda vehicles from lawn mowers to motorcycles to automobiles I'd opt for the CR-V but others would no doubt choose the Toyota. P.S. If I can't get a haircut soon I'll resemble a senior citizen version of my old hippie self.

[@walter777smith6]

Wow looks like you did your homework.

[@bravoone17]

I have to say I love my 2021 CRV. I been getting upper 35-38 MPG's regular on my local road driving experiences on a daily 30 mile commute and I have a spare tire (non-hypbrid) model. I am not knocking the Hybrid but I would like to see side by side same test drives in these reviews between Hybrid and non-Hybrid. Of course you need to factor in the type of driving you actual do to see which is a better fit between these two models. I like your review formats. I just found your channel thru the HRV 2023 review.

[@yonashapiro9467]

Love the "red light, green light" segment!

[@eganfo]

I like the new red light/green light feature. Your article in the NYT was good Tom. Solid review once again, Andy Warhol would be happy.

[@pdlynch4330]

It's a beautiful vehicle. I like that the infotainment doesn't pop out of the dash. Much nicer. We are on our second CRV, and would buy another one tomorrow if we needed a new car. The stuff we've moved with that CRV is just amazing. It great in snow and on wet roads, feels very planted and solid. I like the hybrid, it would be a go to choice for sure. We also have the Odyssey which we would buy again in a heartbeat. We've never had any issues with Honda products (CRV's, Odyssey, Civics). Not even a rattle. Ever.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Interesting. I think, none of the CR-Vs can be called beautiful. To me, the first CX-5 is beautiful, but not the second one - its hood is too long.

[@pdlynch4330]

@@TinLeadHammer Beauty is in the eye...

[@ramseyhazemey795]

Another great review. Red Light Green Light is ok. Your doppelgänger segment was very impressive and entertaining

[@hynsum]

no belt-driven CVT and no turbo makes this winner in my book, plus the efficiency of course.

[@marcob1729]

The engine still kind of makes random RPM movements like in a CVT, as a heads up. Acceleration is more predictable though.

[@thinkabout602]

" Really see who hit who first " 😂 Great Report - Thanks

[@guizarbg]

The green, yellow and red light segment is good. You should also do a pro and cons against other cars in the segment.

[@antsala9983]

thanks for your great reviews tom, red yellow and green light are a winner

[@migy5031]

I like how the hybrid is barely distinguishable from the gas, and the price premium is justifiable.

[@PunxsutawneyDave]

I say keep the light at the end.

[@baldheadlogic]

I like the traffic lamp segment recap.

[@mtumasz]

Great intro!

[@joehammond2586]

Andy, your film making is vastly improved.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Modern technology has democratized it.

[@barryw9473]

Great review. Like green light red light. Can a spare be added or is there no space under the floor? Do you know battery cell chemistry? Is battery pack liquid cooled? Is the hybrid system identical to Accord? Thanks!

[@brucemcbride3954]

great report - very helpful

[@johnkimbell1093]

Usual excellent review, sir. Such a pleasure to enjoy your work during this difficult time - a ray of normalcy (minus Warhol, of course). I don't object to the stoplight summary but I don't find it particularly useful either. A question: I watched the piece twice and it seems like you are saying the CRV hybrid system is like a Volt, one where the gas motor only makes electricity vs driving the wheels. Did I understand that correctly? Thanks for the intelligent diversion

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yes, the engine runs a generator which in turn supplies the electric drive motor. Like the Volt, there's a lock up clutch for efficiency in certain conditions (though the two are kind different).

[@TinLeadHammer]

@@DrivenCarReviews I did not know the Volt has a lock-up clutch, I though it was basically a glorified diesel... that is, a gasoline-powered locomotive.

[@tommihelich2613]

Nice job Andy. My vote for a future road test is the Corvette or a Winnebago Revel 4x4.

[@ijakdo]

very professional as always

[@patrickmcleod1596]

Love the lights.

[@GrahamQuigley]

Your reviews are so entertaining! Shout out to Toms wife for the drive byes, we see you Mariko! 😊 Thanks 🙏

[@DrProfessor33]

Hello Tom, Thank you for another good review. To your request, I like the" green, yellow, & red light" review idea/feature. I just wish that safety features (like Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Keep Assist, Pedestrian Detection, Emergency Braking, etc.) would also be included in them. These saftey features are the modern digital safety equivalent to the seat belt and would be helpful to note them. Thank you for your consideration.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Understood. I try to keep these videos moving and I'm already concerned about the redundancy here.

[@chazhammond]

just bought a 2023 touring hybrid, do you think it's even better?, a lot of your gripes were addressed!

[@robb8773]

i like the red/green light summary

[@robertkamanzi9147]

I dig the green yellow red feature

[@hellohello-dp6wg]

Hi nice vedio thx. My only question is the price for a new battery when the time comes to change it. Please do a video on that as well.

[@javierp.campbell2284]

Great review Andy! I like the 🔴🟡🟢. Here’s a thought: now that it must be harder for you to film new reviews, why don’t you put together your Top 10 all time favorite cars? I’m sure it would be entertaining and we’d get to know you better. Just saying!

[@Odinarcade00]

I’m getting great mileage in mine. Combined mileage is impressive.

[@vince2850]

This dude is just awesome! Such a great job! Keep it up Tom

[@McSMACKthe1st]

I really like the “Red, Yellow and Green Light” part at the end of the review. Also, I hadn’t heard that Honda and GM had partnered up on electric and hybrid cars. That is pretty interesting.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I believe it's for pure EV cars but I'd have to dig into that. Have to wonder if Honda is sharing some of its hybrid tech...

[@McSMACKthe1st]

Driven Car Reviews And I’m sure GM can share it’s EV tech because it has a lot more R & D in EV than people give them credit for. I know someone who worked on the EV-1 program after they were returned to GM. He’s told me some good stories about what they learned when they took the drivetrains apart and inspected them piece by piece.

[@ohcanadaeh]

The fact that CRV Hybrid does not have a spare tire like the RAV4 will make me select the RAV4 Hybrid instead.

[@GoofieNewfie]

cars with no spares should be illegal. It was once.

[@altusheyns9620]

Excellent Honda product! Hope this SUV come to South Africa! I'm going to buy it.

[@herbertwerner2287]

As an owner of two CRV's both with the 2.4 liter engine, I get close to 30mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. I don't have to worry that my turbo will wind up and move like I need it too because the 2.4 liter already has that power. They made a mistake opting out the 2.4 liter that made them famous. And despite what they say about the 2020 models they have gotten considerably more expensive real fast and I don't see getting 5 more mpg being worth that price. Add to that the style and design reminds me in some ways of models prior to 2012. And now that I need another CRV like my 2016 am I going to buy a small engine turbo ? Not so much !

[@georgeg.7124]

Yes to "red light, green light."

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tom, Just when Honda thinks it is safe to debut their Hybrid CR-V, Toyota swats them with the RAV4 Prime. Still, the more Hybrids the better and the more Hybrids the more bargaining power for customers. Personally, I like the size of the CR-V but I really like the superior mpg, practical 1,750 lbs tow rating, spare tire and proven track record of the regular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

[@RichardJoashTan]

BUT I WILL BUY A FULLY LOADED 2020 CRV HYBRID TOURING ANYWAY BECAUSE IT CAN DO EVERYTHING I WANT.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@RichardJoashTan Happy trails!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yeah, I was going to talk about the plug-in versions of RAV and Escape but the piece was getting long and I was running out of good footage.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@DrivenCarReviews No worries. More Hybrids coming to market is good news. There will be plenty of time to discuss the expanding Hybrid competition. BTW you copied my new hairstyle.

[@Phrancis5]

As much as I want a PHEV awd crossover, the Rav4 Prime will start at $40K, which is far more than I wanted to pay.

[@stupid8911]

And I like the Green-Yellow-Red Light Breakdown.

[@lorraine56lp]

Can someone please tell me what colour this CRV is please... its lovely...

[@funnyfiveminutes]

Looks a lovely area where you've filmed.

[@nambest5256]

Great Warhol intro - really funny!

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

clever review

[@damnhockey]

Tom, great review, which is better, Honda CR-V hybrid or Toyota Rav4 Hybrid ?

[@ELMS]

Enjoy red light/green light. Always good to get a summary. 👍

[@marufhasan765]

Love your work as always...

[@acchaladka]

Perfect review as always. Any chance anyone ever will do an affordable-ish performance hybrid wagon? I hate SUVs and CUVs.

[@rightlanehog3151]

It is called the Corolla Touring Sport and it sold today in Japan and Europe . Europe has two FWD Hybrid powertrains ie the 1.8 used in the Prius and the more powerful 2.0 used in the Lexus UX. The Japanese Hybrid version comes with the 1.8 seen in our Corolla Hybrid sedan but is also features the eAWD system available with the Prius. All Akio Toyoda has to do is nod his head approvingly and they can slip them on to the same ships bringing the Corolla and Prius over from the Land of the Rising Sun.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@@rightlanehog3151 He did say performance though...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I don't see that on the horizon. Only automotive journalists and smart people like yourself seem to like wagons.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@DrivenCarReviews Something has to exist in order to be able to perform. At least they are affordable-ish .

[@acchaladka]

@@DrivenCarReviews you are too kind. I'd gladly trade our Tesla 3 LR AWD for a fast (Tesla? Volvo?) performance hybrid wagon, so, 'affordable' is quite a wide range. Thanks RightLane for the suggestion, Audi e-Tron was the closest so far for me but in the end a dog. Keep feeling like I'm just not seeing something.

[@reneschneeberger6601]

Great review even though I am not going to buy an SUV. Agreed on the mid-level model pricing as the best value. Love the green, yellow, red ratings.

[@truthistruth615]

Great review!!

[@rcoveyduc]

Amazing intro! :D

[@amramweismann6162]

nice review i liked the detailed information but still more every day driver feel then some of the reviewer i tried both Honda CRV and the Toyota RAV4 hybrid and found the Toyota more reactive more pleasant to drive then the CRV waiting for your review of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid and maybe a comparison between the 3 you mentioned

[@timothymorrison2214]

Like the lights.

[@toronado455]

nice video 😊

[@HabibUT]

Amazing review

[@seanvoelk2498]

Hair is looking great, Andy!

[@martinkleinman2522]

Great review! I'd put it on the list, except for the no-spare issue. Call me a dinosaur, but I don't trust driving around w/o a spare. I don't like RFTs and I think a repair kit is asinine -- what happens in the case of an impact break/cut sidewall? The no-spare is a deal breaker (I drive in construction-zone riddled cities AND occasional gravel roads upstate).

[@martinkleinman2522]

oh, and red light/green light is a handy recap structure

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That's why I have it as a gripe. I've been in a couple situations where I needed a spare and didn't have one.

[@martinkleinman2522]

@@DrivenCarReviews yep! Going on vacation to rural areas w/o a spare -- even with RFTs -- gives me major agita.

[@CarlosRodriguez-hb3vq]

Agree. A good number of my flats over the years have been sidewall perforations in inconvenient locations.

[@walter777smith6]

In Canada Turing Hybrid will be around 46 thousands or even more. I am still waiting for a Venza to come .

[@altusheyns9620]

Good luck.. Not the choice

[@walter777smith6]

@@altusheyns9620 That's what she sad

[@danhall3450]

Tom: Based on this and your other reviews, it appears that most of your driving is in the city. What did you get for MPG on the CR-V Hybrid? Thanks for another great review.

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you.

[@venom5809]

My neighbor has had a bunch of Accords and a bunch of Odysseys and he just told me when they replace the Odyssey it will be with a CR-V. I think I would still have an Odyssey over a CR-V though.

[@angelogonzalez1581]

Like the "red light, green light"

[@IslandTosh]

I'm neutral on "red light green light". I don't think it's necessary, but is a decent quick summary for those who just want that.

[@freshencounter]

Great! 🚦 Was great also!

[@MrCarpediem6]

had this as a rental; loved the tech package, and how it would pull me back into my lane if changing lanes, and there was a car in my blind spot.. stupid me.. but the interior quality was subpar, with lots of cheap plastics all around that really left a sour taste in our mouths

[@billjohnstonjr.1037]

Any word when the HR-V will get a plug-in hybrid configuration? Or the CR-V, for that matter? I too like the 'red light, green light' section but I'd change it to 'green light, caution light.' You're not really saying "stop," after all.

[@Phrancis5]

The electric torque might make it feel peppier, but reviewers put it slower to 60 than the normal turbo model. As the owner of the turbo model, it is really unfortunate to hear that the laggy head unit hasn't changed.

[@sloanNYC]

I had no idea how different this model was from the standard CR-V

[@Lucky8s]

The RAV4 remains the best hybrid in the segment, even more so in Canada where Honda likes to penalize buyers for not getting the top trim.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed.

[@Oxmustube]

Not even sure we get this car in any trim in Canada. If we do, I will sure take a look.

[@ltkwok]

It’s a comeback to the RAV4 hybrid.... And the Escape.

[@18_rabbit]

GC/ ground clearance is enough for what ppl use the Subie Outback for offroad, & the non hybrid CR-V, even moreso. The question though is how good it is on steep terrain...bit concerned about that.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I would say it depends a lot on the tires.

[@billwellford376]

The AWD is really for improved stability on wet or snowy roads, and sure, you could run it down a dirt or gravel road with no problem... But the approach and departure angles are not ideal for steep inclines.

[@maineguy2969]

Do The Math - before buying any Hybrid! Right now, the CRV Hybrids are going for sticker. So that’s $36,201 for a Touring w/ winter mats & wheel locks. I just bought a 2020 gas Touring (w/ winter mats & wheel locks) for $32,678. Difference is $3,523. Hybrid avg mpg is 38. Gas avg mpg is 29. In 10,000 miles, the gas model uses 346 gallons. In 10,000 miles, the Hybrid model uses 263 gallons. So every 10,000 miles, the Hybrid saves 82 gallons of gasoline. At $2.50 a gallon = $205. At $3.00 a gallon, it’s $246. So at 100,000 miles; that’s 820 gallons; which saves you $2,050 if gas is $2.50; or $2,460 if it goes up to $3.00/gallon. BUT by the time you hit ~100,000 miles, you’ll be replacing the high-voltage battery pack - a job that’s ~$3,500.00! So at 100,000 miles; the Hybrid buyers will have spent more than $7,000 to save themselves $2,000 - $2,500. No thanks!

[@DiscoFang]

How is "no towing ability" not a trade-off in the Green Light segment?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

True that. I'd put it in the yellow category since I don't think I've EVER seen a trailer behind a CR-V.

[@DiscoFang]

Driven Car Reviews Having said that, and what you say in the review - what is the actual towing capacity of the hybrid? All the info I found online was 1500lbs. Which is the same for ALL CRVs.

[@joegondo7985]

Good review..yay no turbo

[@marcob1729]

Honda goes through phases of being fantastic deals in multiple segments to just simply carrying on because of reliability. The hybrid CR-V and Accord are definitely examples of the former

[@marcob1729]

I will say though, they've definitely failed to justify any of their top trim levels

[@normt5463]

5. Honda CR-V • Most common complaint: Steering (69 complaints) • Total complaints 154 • 2019 sales (through Q3): 280,739 • Vehicle type: Compact SUV Of the over 150 reported complaints about the 2019 Honda CR-V, most can be traced back to a single issue. The vehicle issued a recall in May 2019, saying, “The metal core of the steering wheel may have burrs which can damage the harnesses routed within” - which could damage the air bag. This design may have otherwise affected the steering and air bags. There were 69 complaints regarding the steering and 65 complaints regarding the 2019 CR-V’s air bags. USAToday