2023 Honda CRV-Hybrid First Impressions

Hybrid

Some of you might be scratching your head and wondering what is the difference between a Hybrid and an EV (Electric vehicle) so let’s break that down some. The basic principle with hybrid vehicles is that the different motors work better at different speeds; the electric motor is more efficient at producing torque, or turning power, and the combustion engine is better for maintaining high speed than a typical electric motor.

Switching from one to the other at the proper time while speeding up yields a win-win in terms of energy efficiency, such that it translates into greater fuel efficiency. An EV is an all-electric vehicle that needs to be charged either at your house or at a charging station.

Why Are Hybrid Vehicles A Great Start Before An EV?

Hybrids typically run on electricity alone at lower speeds, which means nothing is coming out of the car’s exhaust pipe until the gas engine kicks on when needed for higher rates of speed or more acceleration.

Batteries get charged during braking and coasting thanks to systems that capture the energy that would otherwise be wasted and convert them into charge.

Hybrids are relatively complex than conventional gas cars, though perhaps not by as much as you expect. For one, their gas engines are generally smaller and less complex since the electric motor does a lot of the heavy lifting. Additionally, the electric motor itself requires virtually no maintenance.

A hybrid is a natural stepping stone from gasoline to electricity. Many drivers pick hybrids for their ease of use; they require gasoline fill-ups (though not as often as a gas-only car), and because of that, they have an essentially limitless range punctuated by brief gas station visits.

2023 Honda CRV-Hybrid Impressions

After spending most of a day driving this latest and greatest CR-V Hybrid this past week, I’m entirely convinced this is the best vehicle and compact SUV hybrid I would buy before venturing into an all electric vehicle. I’m also convinced that it’s now the best CR-V in nearly every respect and that Honda will easily sell half or more of its CR-Vs as hybrids. Even from a drivability and usability standpoint, for those who can’t yet shift to plug-in vehicles, It’s hard to imagine getting any CR-V that isn’t a hybrid.

In terms of how the CRV-Hybrid in terms of lifestyle it’s great if you have a decent size family, you are able to fit five people in this compact SUV. With two in the front and three in the back row, something that really caught my attention was that in the second row it is now super easy to lay the seat back, a first for the CRV model. Raise your hand if you roadtrip!! We do and that has always been an issue when we travel, my husband is 6’1 and has a hard time being in the back but with a reclining seat on both sides it makes a difference trust me.

The reclining seats also make way for an east way to recline the seats forward and make way for bigger trunk space which is perfect for groceries or at least six pieces of luggage. Speaking of roadtripping the 2023 Honda CRV-Hybrid has 1000 pound towing capacity, this is perfect for us since we have scooters and hoverboards to haul around with us, it’s also perfect for bicycles or motorcycles.

Two Hybrid Models Sport And Sport Touring

Honda’s 2023 CRV Hybrid comes in two models Sport and Sport Touring, I was able to drive the Sport Touring. Which the only difference to me really is more of the bougie feel of the interior and drive modes as follows:

In addition to the new Snow mode, the CR-V’s Normal and Econ drive modes are joined by a new Sport setting that increases Active Sound Control, piping more engine noise into the cabin, and boosts throttle response to better take advantage of the extra torque. The steering is light and easy, but also responsive and accurate. the CR-V Hybrid should average 43 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway and 40 mpg combined in its front-drive configuration.

The redesigned interior and dashboard area also home to the new cabin tech suite, built around either a standard 7-inch touch display for the Hybrid Sport or a more powerful 9-inch unit for the Hybrid Sport Touring. Honda Sensing driver aid technology suite is standard for all 2023 CR-V models, which features updated forward radar and camera sensors with wider fields of view. That enables updates to the standard collision mitigation braking and forward-collision warning systems, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-keeping steering assist.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard, joining new traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition in the list of standard features. The Sport Touring model also adds low-speed automatic emergency braking for improved parking lot safety, which work in conjunction with the parking distance sensors added at this trim level.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport starts at $33,695 add $1,500 more for all-wheel drive. Fully loaded with standard AWD and the largest available 19-inch wheels. More powerful, more efficient and, surprisingly, more fun to drive, the hybrid is worth the extra cost and the powertrain to get when considering a new CR-V. The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid hits dealerships this month.