2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review

　　

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Just like the regular CR-V, the CR-V Hybrid benefits from a spacious interior, plenty of storage space and a smooth ride. On top of that it has a special hybrid powertrain that provides higher fuel efficiency than the regular CR-V. The EPA estimates it will get 38 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's among the highest estimates you'll find for a small SUV and 9 mpg better than a comparable all-wheel-drive gas-only CR-V. Unfortunately, the CR-V Hybrid underperformed in our real-world fuel economy testing; read our Expert Rating to learn more about our testing experience.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$101/mo  for CR-V Hybrid EX

　　CR-V Hybrid EX

　　EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $30,560 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $33,150 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $36,350 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　After its redesign last year, the CR-V Hybrid returns in 2021 without the base LX trim, but it's otherwise the same. As a result, it maintains a favorable position among small hybrid SUVs that include the Ford Escape Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the revived Toyota Venza.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Our team of experts have tested a Honda CR-V Hybrid as part of our long-term program, in which we drive vehicles for a year and report to you what they are like to own. Read our long-term CR-V Hybrid coverage to see what we've learned about real-world fuel economy, reliability and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the CR-V Hybrid drive? The CR-V Hybrid sets the standard for this class thanks in large part to the unparalleled smoothness from its hybrid powertrain. The transition from the electric motor to the gas engine is seamless and rivals that of systems typically found on luxury cars costing twice as much.

　　The brakes are equally as smooth and deliver confident stops up to a traffic light or in a panic-braking situation. At our test track, the CR-V Hybrid showed excellent consistency, stopping from 60 mph in 125 feet. That's 6 feet shorter than the RAV4 Hybrid we tested.

　　But the CR-V Hybrid is let down by its lackluster acceleration. Even though it's more powerful than a standard CR-V on the spec sheet, our testing showed otherwise. The 0-60 mph sprint took 8.5 seconds, which is a full second slower than the non-hybrid model. Climbing longer grades takes a heavy foot, and you can hear the underpowered gasoline engine struggling to hold a steady speed.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the CR-V Hybrid? It's difficult to find fault here. From its accommodating seats to its extremely well-sorted ride, the CR-V Hybrid is comfortable for a wide variety of people. The climate control system has no trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature and can adequately cool rear passengers too.

　　Oddly enough, because the engine and transmission are so smooth, the Hybrid exposes a real lack of sound insulation in the CR-V. Road noise from other vehicles on the road is prevalent, and wind noise is pervasive at highway speeds.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? With the exception of the push-button gear selector, there's not much to separate the CR-V Hybrid from the non-hybrid model, and that's fine by us. Thanks to its generous door openings and agreeable ride height, getting into the CR-V Hybrid is a breeze for all passengers. And once inside, the interior is spacious for all occupants. Even taller rear passengers will find more than enough legroom.

　　Visibility is generally good, especially looking forward thanks to slim windshield pillars and a relatively low hoodline. But a high beltline, no matter how tall the windows are, can make it difficult to see a car directly alongside you. And while rear visibility is fair, the high-contrast, low-resolution backup camera is not very clear in even the best conditions.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Tech is a bit of hit-and-miss. The CR-V's infotainment system looked sleek and attractive when it first came out for 2017, but by the latest standards it's showing its age. That's not to say it's poor, but offerings from Mazda and Hyundai are easier to use and nicer to look at.

　　Even though we weren't won over by our test vehicle's top-of-the-line audio system — its sound quality was unremarkable — we were impressed with the number of charging options. With two USB ports for front passengers and two for rear passengers as well as an available wireless charging pad, every passenger's device should have power.

　　The CR-V's adaptive cruise control works well, as does the lane-keeping function. Overall, the advanced driver aids are well calibrated to many different conditions.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The CR-V Hybrid offers 33.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is good for the class. But it doesn't quite match the space on offer in the RAV4 Hybrid (37.5 cubic feet) or non-hybrid CR-V (39.2 cubes). Of course, 60/40-split folding rear seats increase the capacity and flexibility of the CR-V Hybrid. Lowering the seats is easy, and the seats fold relatively flat, but they're a bit heavy to lift back up into position.

　　Honda continues to impress with interior storage options. From rubber-lined hidden cubbies to various trays and pockets, both front and rear passengers should have ample room to store their personal items. Generous rear-seat space and easy-to-access anchors make installing car seats, even large ones, a breeze.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA's 38 mpg combined estimate is competitive, but real-world fuel economy in our experience is disappointing. On our standardized 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, the CR-V Hybrid struggled to clear 32 mpg, even with a light foot. We suspect the underpowered gasoline engine has to work too hard to keep up with traffic, and the boost from the electric motor simply isn't enough at speeds more than 45 mph.

　　In contrast, we had a much easier time getting close to the EPA estimates with the RAV4 Hybrid (an EPA 40 mpg combined). We even got better fuel economy on our test route with the regular non-hybrid CR-V.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the CR-V Hybrid a good value? The CR-V Hybrid doesn't command much of a premium over the non-hybrid version, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. As is typical for Honda, the CR-V's build quality is unassailable, and the interior works and fits together in ways other manufacturers can't quite seem to match, especially at this price point.

　　The CR-V Hybrid's three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties are standard for the class. The hybrid components are warrantied for a strong eight years/100,000 miles, just like the RAV4 Hybrid. It's nice to see Honda offering roadside assistance to match the duration of the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　If you value practicality and refinement with a touch of efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid will likely make for a good companion. The Hybrid goes about its daily duties with near exceptional smoothness and composure, so much so that it almost starts feeling like more of a luxury car than a small Honda SUV. It provides little thrill or driving enjoyment, but the CR-V's competence can take the edge off in its own way.

　　

Which CR-V Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

Value and efficiency are the name of the game here. That's why we recommend the base EX trim. You get a long list of standard equipment and advanced safety features for the money. The extras on the EX-L and Touring are nice but nothing that you can't live without.

　　

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid models

The 2021 CR-V Hybrid is offered in three trim levels: EX, EX-L and Touring. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid system combines to produce 212 horsepower. All three trims come standard with all-wheel drive. Feature highlights include:

　　EX

　　The entry-level EX trim comes well appointed with:

　　LED headlights Keyless ignition and entry Remote engine start Heated side mirrors Heated front seats Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings 7-inch touchscreen display Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Four USB ports Dual-zone automatic climate control Eight-speaker audio systemEvery CR-V Hybrid also comes with a collection of advanced driver safety aids that includes:

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the CR-V Hybrid and the car in front) Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the CR-V Hybrid centered in its lane) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) EX-L

　　Besides the EX features, the EX-L adds a few niceties that include:

　　Heated steering wheel Ambient interior lighting Leather upholstery Power-adjustable passenger seat Power liftgateTouring

　　The range-topping Touring model completes the lineup with added convenience features such as:

　　Unique LED headlights 19-inch alloy wheels Integrated navigation system Wireless smartphone charging Nine-speaker premium audio system Front and rear parking sensors Roof rails Hands-free liftgate

　　

2021 CR-V Hybrid Highlights

Trim: EXEX-LTouringEX

　　

Base MSRP	$30,560
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	38 MPG
Cost to Drive	$101/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles