Honda CR-V vs Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V presented a more refined and slightly aggressive appearance with its blunt nose, grille, and elongated hood. This sixth-generation model adopted a cleaner design compared to its predecessor, albeit with less personality. The conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, while the interior boasted leather-wrapped seats, a steering wheel, and a shift knob, elevating the cabin's quality. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim that seamlessly integrated the air vents, creating a clear division between the upper and lower sections. The interior exuded simplicity and quality, with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear liftgate enhancing the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, though the interior remained relatively basic. The Touring Hybrid, priced at $50,909, featured Canyon River Blue paint and no optional accessories. The SUV's conservative styling, with a technical face resembling an angry robot, was expected to age well, despite carrying visual weight over its front wheels. The best view was from the rear quarter, where Volvo-like taillights and a tidy design lent an upscale appearance. Inside, the Touring Hybrid featured leather seats with orange contrast stitching and numerous quality details, such as the sound of doors closing, soft-touch dashboard pads, and metal mesh hiding the air vents, all contributing to a sophisticated cabin.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which powered either the front or all four wheels. While the CVT was known for its droning noise during hard acceleration, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. The vehicle managed to suppress unwanted body motion and impact harshness, providing a comfortable and engaging driving experience. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with an average of 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route, slightly better than the expected 8.4 L/100 km.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower to all four wheels. The hybrid system operated transparently, with only low-speed electric vehicle noise and steady-state engine droning noticeable. Despite the complexity, the hybrid achieved 8.7 L/100 km on a mountainous test loop, falling short of the expected 6.4 L/100 km. The CR-V Hybrid Touring offered a quiet ride, predictable handling, and impressive grip, though the steering felt unusually heavy. Overall, the CR-V Hybrid was easy to drive, but it lacked the off-road capability and driving excitement some might seek in a compact SUV.

The 2023 Honda CR-V was touted as the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The power-adjustable driver's seat offered six-way adjustment as standard and 10-way in upper trims. Visibility was excellent, and the redesigned seats provided comfort. Heated front seats and dual-zone climate control were standard, with heated rear seats available on higher trims. The second row felt more spacious, offering a high seating position and ample legroom. Storage options were plentiful, with a large centre armrest bin, door trays, and a wireless charging pad. The cargo area offered 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, with quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, while the front passenger seat offered power adjustments. Heated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard on Hybrid trims. The CR-V's back seat was spacious and comfortable, with generous legroom and adjustable backrest angles. Storage was ample, though the glove compartment was smaller than expected. The Hybrid's cargo area offered 1,028 litres, expandable to 2,030 litres with the rear seats folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, wireless charging, and an upgraded sound system. However, the top-of-the-line Touring Hybrid was required for a Bose premium sound system and navigation. While the technology was an improvement over the previous generation, it didn't surpass competitors in terms of features or innovation.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. The Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. While the voice recognition system was basic, the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind. Overall, the CR-V Hybrid's technology was user-friendly, though not groundbreaking.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, except on B trims. New features included a seatbelt reminder, rear-seat reminder, driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V was built to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering standards, with new airbag designs for improved safety. The IIHS rated it as a Top Safety Pick+, though the NHTSA had not yet tested it.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid also featured Honda Sensing, with additional front and rear parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking on the Touring trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems performed well, though there were occasional inaccuracies. The IIHS awarded the 2024 CR-V a Top Safety Pick, a downgrade from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ due to new testing criteria. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2024 model.