For years, the CR-V was the vanilla ice cream of compact SUVs. Popular, reliable, and just kinda there. But the 2023 hybrid? It’s leveled up. Bigger, sleeker, smoother—and now packing hybrid brains with SUV flexibility.
Honda redesigned the CR-V inside and out this year, and the hybrid version is the star of the show. It’s the only powertrain available on the top trims, and it’s the one you want if you’re trying to save gas without driving something boring.
💥 Powertrain & Efficiency
There’s only one hybrid setup in the CR-V lineup, but it pulls double duty in two trims—and it delivers. It’s a two-motor system that combines smooth EV-like acceleration with gas mileage that’ll make your wallet happy.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | MPG (City/Hwy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L I4 Hybrid (w/ 2 motors) | 204 hp (combined) | 247 lb-ft | eCVT | FWD or AWD | 43 / 36 (FWD) |
Acceleration feels strong off the line thanks to electric assist, and it never feels underpowered—even loaded up with passengers. The eCVT is smooth and predictable. Nothing weird or droney here.
Ride & Handling: Chill, Comfortable, and Confident
This is where the new CR-V shines. The ride is seriously composed. It floats over rough pavement without feeling disconnected, and the steering is light but accurate—perfect for city commutes or long highway runs.
AWD adds confidence in bad weather, and while this isn’t an off-roader, it’s more than capable of light trail duty or snowy grocery runs.
It just drives like a grown-up car now. Not twitchy, not floaty—just dialed in.
Interior: Big Upgrade, Big Comfort
Honda’s been killing it with interior redesigns lately, and the CR-V Hybrid gets the same clean, modern layout as the Civic and Accord. You get real knobs, a nice mesh vent design, and a driving position that feels just right.
There’s tons of space. The back seat is one of the best in the class, and rear doors open wide enough to easily load in kids or cargo. Materials are solid, and higher trims like Sport Touring even give you leather, a premium sound system, and a 9-inch touchscreen with built-in nav.
Size & Cargo Space
Honda stretched the CR-V a bit in this redesign, and it pays off in real-world usability. You can fit five adults comfortably and still have space for everyone’s bags.
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 184.8 in |
| Width | 73.5 in |
| Height | 66.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Cargo Space (behind 2nd row) | 36.3 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space | 76.5 cu ft |
That’s near the top of the class. Fold the seats down and you’re moving small furniture. Keep them up and there’s still room for a weekend’s worth of gear.
Safety & Tech
Every CR-V Hybrid comes loaded with Honda Sensing, which includes:
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Lane keep assist and lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
- Traffic jam assist
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Add in standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on Sport trims and up, and you’re getting a seriously full feature set—even before you touch options.
Trims & Pricing
Honda keeps the CR-V Hybrid lineup simple, and both trims come with the hybrid powertrain standard:
| Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| Sport Hybrid | $33,695 |
| Sport Touring Hybrid (AWD only) | $39,845 |
The Sport Hybrid is a great value—plenty of features and all the efficiency. Step up to Sport Touring Hybrid if you want AWD, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a bigger screen, and a bit more polish.
Final Verdict: Jake’s Take
“The CR-V Hybrid doesn’t just sip gas—it delivers grown-up refinement in a segment full of loud plastic.”
This thing’s efficient, well-built, and finally looks and feels like something you’ll want to keep for the long haul. It’s not thrilling—but it’s seriously satisfying. If you’re done with gimmicks and just want a midsize SUV that gets it right? This is your move.