While its first all-electric vehicle is still waiting, Honda has decided to opt for a transition based on a hybrid offensive. This reorientation – whose core includes the Accord, Civic and CR-V – is ultimately aimed at securing 50% of the manufacturer’s sales. The CR-V hybrid freshly landed at dealerships is arguably the one with the highest potential for popularity. But this sobriety at the pump has a price.
design
The launch of this first hybrid CR-V in Canada coincides with the launch of a new and sixth generation compact SUV. Like the Pilot, it looks more utilitarian and sturdy than before. The curved design of the hood of the previous generation thus gives way to a front that is adorned with more incisive front optics and forming a whole with a hexagonal grille. The lateral portion also exhibits different proportions due to the repositioning of the front pillars, 119 mm back, and the rather long hood. This profile is also clean, with a body belt delimited by a discontinuous line from front to back. Behind, the “volvoesques” lights that embrace the pillars remain, but with various diode hooks that make the look more refined. Honda also succumbed to the presence of false exhaust pipes. Needless to say, it is useless.
inside the car
The compact SUV appropriates many of the aesthetic elements introduced by the new Civic, including this horizontal honeycomb band. It is in short much more mature than before, both in the choice of materials and in their arrangement, without outbidding of glossy plastics. Ergonomics are extremely effective and physical controls give a feeling of quality when operated. On this aspect, the CR-V is the example to follow in a segment that is increasingly attracted by haptic keys. Moreover, the internal volume ranks at the top of the pack, with rear seats as generous as those at the front because of the extended wheelbase. The presence of a large driver also hardly encroaches on the leg clearance. The loading space, very spacious at 1036 L, is very accessible, but the handles used to fold back the rear seats, which were present on the previous vintage, are unfortunately lost.
Under the hood
A two-litre Atkinson four-cylinder electric engine powered by a 181-horsepower electric motor is needed to move the compact SUV. A second electric motor is used to charge the battery. It is a traditional parallel hybrid system that produces a maximum of 204 horsepower and 247 feet of torque. Of course, no one will be subject to the reserved nature of this mechanism, whose mandate is essentially to travel as far away as possible. However, we love the progressive force curve and efficient speed control, despite the fact that torque transfer is guaranteed by a direct engine. This is undoubtedly the best hybrid combination among compact SUVs in terms of overall refinement. where it is less brilliant in terms of consumption. It was about 7L/100km during the test, climbing quite sharply at the speed of the highway. It’s not as good as a Toyota RAV4 hybrid.
Behind the wheel
Like all its hybrid competitors, the CR-V is only available with all-wheel drive, which makes it more comfortable when the weather is less mild. This system has been retouched and can now send back up to 50% of the available torque. Add to that wider tracks, a more rigid 15% platform and revised suspension elements. Thanks to a rather low driving position and excellent visibility, this CR-V shows a desire for dynamism even before taking the road. The management supports this hypothesis, probably the best in the arena, both for its precision and for its touch. The SUV also has a nice shape when lightly brushed. Its behavior is predictable and safe. However, we much less like the calibration of its springs, giving rise to a much too nervous jump on uneven surfaces.
Embedded technologies
Like the work, the multimedia system assigned to this CR-V is not extravagant. It is operable with a 9 touchscreen in this hybrid variant. It is placed on the top of the dashboard to avoid looking too down. Its definition is correct, no more. It offers a rather well thought out interface on a configurable home screen composed of various readable tiles. A volume knob remains, as do two physical buttons for better navigation. Moreover, note the presence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless as well as the charging by induction for the most expensive liveries. The Bose chain integrated as standard in this hybrid CR-V – the only one that can be fitted with it – offers acceptable performance without really standing out.
The verdict
Despite its undeniable overall qualities, this hybrid CR-V is also a striking example of Honda’s risky “skim” pricing strategy. At nearly $51,000, the compact SUV is significantly more expensive than its toughest rival, the more fuel-efficient Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Although it is more modern than the latter and has a larger and more user-friendly interior, this CR-V is still short of arguments to justify such a price differential on other aspects of its offer. It does not have a revolutionary character that one would associate with such a price increase, which places it at the door of luxury brands. Honda would obviously benefit from offering this engine to a greater number of liveries. Because in the meantime, it’s just too expensive.
NOTEBOOK
One-pedal braking
Inspired by fully electric vehicles, this hybrid CR-V can partly be driven to a pedal thanks to the energy accumulation system, the degree of intervention of which is variable.
Finally a (real) gear lever
While many manufacturers are using inventiveness not really necessary to replace the good old gearshift, Honda has chosen to keep it in its CR-V. You know what? It works quite well.
Instrumentation not fully digital
The instrumentation block combines a physical speed indicator needle with digitized elements on a black background for a salutary simplicity in its construction.
Light tow
With a towing capacity of 454 kg, this CR-V is located behind the hybrid RAV4, which can tow up to 794 kg.
Hydrogen, the future according to Honda
The manufacturer announced a few months ago that it will market in 2024 a fuel cell livery of its CR-V also equipped with a plug to recharge a battery.
DATA SHEET
Model Tested: Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring Hybrid
Engine: L4 DOHC 2 L + two electric motors
Power: 145 hp at 6100 rpm (thermal motor) + 181 hp (electric drive motor): 204 hp in total
Torque: 138 ft-lb at 4500 rpm (heat engine); 247 ft-lb total
Transmission: direct drive
Engine architecture: front transverse hybrid engine
Fuel economy (EnerGuide): 6.4 L/100 km
Price (with options, transportation and preparation): $50,995
Competitors (CR-V hybrid): Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
New in 2023? New generation (CR-V)