The commercialization of this first hybrid CR-V in Canada coincides with the launch of a new and sixth generation of the compact SUV. Like the Pilot, it looks more utilitarian and beefier than before. The curved design of the bonnet of the previous generation thus gives way to a front which is adorned with more incisive front optics and forming a whole with a hexagonal grille. The side portion also exhibits different proportions due to the repositioning of the front pillars, set back by 119 mm, and the rather long bonnet. This profile is also refined, with a beltline delimited by a discontinuous line from the front to the rear. Behind, the “volvoesque” lights that hug the pillars remain, but with various LED hooks that make the look more refined. Honda also succumbed to the presence of fake exhaust pipes. A uselessness, it goes without saying.
The compact SUV appropriates many of the aesthetic elements introduced by the new Civic, including this horizontal honeycomb strip. In short, it is much more mature than before, both in the choice of materials and in their arrangement, without overbidding glossy plastics. The ergonomics are extremely efficient and the physical controls give a quality feeling when you activate them. In this aspect, the CR-V is the example to follow in a segment that is increasingly attracted to haptic keys. Moreover, the interior volume ranks at the top of the pack, with rear seats as generous as those at the front due to the extended wheelbase. The presence of a tall driver has little impact on legroom. The cargo space, very spacious at 1036 L, is very accessible, but we regretfully lose the handles used to fold down the rear seatbacks, which were present on the previous vintage.
It’s up to a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine backed by a 181-hp electric motor to move the compact SUV. A second electric motor is used to recharge the battery. It is therefore a conventional parallel hybrid system producing a maximum of 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Certainly, no one will be overwhelmed by the rather reserved nature of this mechanism whose mandate is essentially to be as unobtrusive as possible. However, we like its progressive power curve and the effective control of its speed, despite the fact that the torque transfer is ensured by a direct drive. It is undoubtedly the best hybrid group among compact SUVs in terms of its overall refinement. Where it shines a little less is in terms of consumption. It hovered around 7 L/100 km during testing, climbing quite steeply at highway speeds. It’s less stellar than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Like all of its hybrid competitors, the CR-V is only available with all-wheel drive, which makes it more comfortable when the weather turns bad. This system has been tweaked and can now send up to 50% of the available torque rearward. Add to that wider tracks, a 15% stiffer platform and revised suspension elements. Thanks to a rather low driving position and excellent visibility, there is a desire for dynamism in this CR-V even before hitting the road. The steering supports this assumption, arguably the best in the arena, both for its precision and its touch. The SUV also presents a nice shape when slightly abrupt. Its behavior is predictable and safe. However, we like much less the calibration of its springs, giving rise to a jump that is much too nervous on uneven surfaces.
Like the work, the multimedia system assigned to this CR-V is nothing extravagant. It is operated by means of a 9″ touchscreen in this hybrid variant. It is placed on the top of the dashboard to avoid looking down too much. Its definition is correct, nothing more. It offers a rather well-thought-out interface available on a configurable home screen made up of various readable tiles. A volume wheel remains, as do two physical buttons for better navigation. Moreover, note the presence of Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as well as induction charging for the most expensive liveries. The Bose system integrated as standard in this hybrid CR-V – the only one that can be equipped with it – offers an acceptable rendering without really standing out.
Despite its undeniable overall qualities, this hybrid CR-V is also a prime example of Honda’s risky “skimming” pricing strategy. At nearly $51,000, the compact SUV is significantly more expensive than its toughest rival, the fuel-efficient Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Admittedly, it is more modern than the latter and has a more spacious and user-friendly interior, but this CR-V remains however short of arguments to justify such a price difference on the other aspects of its offer. It does not present a revolutionary character that one would associate with such a price increase, which places it on the doorstep of luxury brands. Honda would clearly benefit from offering this engine to a greater number of liveries. Because in the meantime it is simply too expensive.
Inspired by all-electric vehicles, this hybrid CR-V can partly be driven with a pedal thanks to the energy storage system whose degree of intervention is variable.
While many manufacturers are using unnecessary inventiveness to replace the good old gear lever, Honda has chosen to keep it in its CR-V. You know what ? It works fairly well.
The instrumentation block combines a physical speedometer needle with digitized elements on a black background for beneficial simplicity in its construction.
With its towing capacity of 454 kg, this CR-V is behind the RAV4 Hybrid, which can tow up to 794 kg.
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 for recharging a battery.
