2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, Redefining Sustainable Driving in SUVs

Honda today unveiled a momentous development for the popular CR-V SUV as it is now available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time. This hybrid version promises to boost the CR-V’s fuel efficiency and emissions profile as the automaker aims to electrify more of its lineup.

At the heart of this innovative new hybrid system is a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gas engine working in harmony with not one but two electric motor-generators. Together this trio produces a healthy total of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, guaranteeing ample get-up-and-go whether cruising along the highway or navigating busy city streets.

Power is sent to the wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, also known as a CVT. This high-tech gearbox allows the hybrid system to seamlessly switch between electric, gas, or a combination of both power sources to optimize efficiency. Speaking of electricity, the CR-V Hybrid can even scoot along on just its battery pack alone for brief spells, a boon in congested areas.

Honda expects this hybridized CR-V to achieve an estimated 38 mpg in the city, and 35 mpg on the highway, for an impressive overall combined average of 37 mpg. That handily trumps the standard non-hybrid CR-V’s 30 mpg combined rating by a full 7 mpg – a significant upgrade for drivers looking to save money at the pump and reduce their carbon footprint.

The new CR-V Hybrid is a major piece in Honda’s electrified future, as the automaker aims for its American sales to be comprised of two-thirds hybrid, plug-in, or fully electric vehicles within the next few years. With hybrid options now available for some of its top sellers like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V, Honda is well on its way toward that ambitious target.

From the exterior, an onlooker would be hard-pressed to distinguish this hybrid CR-V from its standard gasoline siblings. Underneath, however, lies a cleverly integrated hybrid powertrain that maintains the CR-V’s stellar practicality and utility. Cargo space and passenger room stay plentiful, while subtle hybrid badges and unique alloy wheels mark it as electrified.

Inside, the hybrid experience is identical to its gas counterpart. Passengers will appreciate up to 75.8 cubic feet of cargo room tucked neatly behind the first row of seats no matter which powertrain they choose. Both front and optional all-wheel drive are available too, keeping the CR-V capable in spots where inclement weather strikes.

With class-leading safety technology like the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features coming as standard across the range, styling largely similar inside and out, and more efficient hybrid power on tap, the new 2023 CR-V Hybrid looks primed to build upon the nameplate’s sales-leading status in the highly contested compact SUV segment. Early adopters can expect their first deliveries late this summer as a 2023.5 model-year vehicle.

2024 honda crv rear

While exact pricing remains under wraps, dealers say this electrified CR-V will likely carry a premium in the ballpark of $2500 to $4000 over comparable gas-only trims when it reaches showrooms later this year. EX, EX-L, and top-of-the-line Touring trims will all be offered just as in the normal CR-V lineup to suit a spectrum of budgets and feature preferences.

Loaded with the latest connectivity and driver assistance tech like standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available premium audio upgrades, and range-topping perks like Nappa leather upholstery in the Touring, Honda hopes this hybrid SUV’s strong value proposition and fuel savings will tempt eco-minded buyers. With rivals like the popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also vying for their attention, the new CR-V Hybrid’s arrival could make the competition in the hybrid compact CUV segment even fiercer.

Under the skin, the CR-V Hybrid utilizes a sophisticated two-motor hybrid setup to maximize efficiency. An assist motor together with the gas engine charges a compact 2.1 kWh lithium-ion battery stashed neatly out of sight below the rear cargo floor. This allows the SUV to travel solely on electricity for short spurts up to an estimated mile using only the battery’s stored power.

Regenerative braking plays a key role in replenishing the battery on the go. When drivers lift off the accelerator or apply the brakes, the hybrid system captures kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat and transforms it back into electric current instead. With this ingenious energy recapture process keeping the battery well-charged, drivers report the hybrid rarely needs to resort to using the gas engine purely for charging.

Honda’s engineers imbued the powertrain with lightning-quick reflexes to optimize output. The two electric motors and gas engines dance in perfect harmony, with the electric assistance delivering seamless acceleration and the ability to glide silently when battery power allows. This leads to a predicted 0-60 time of a sprightly 7.3 seconds according to early testing – zippy yet relatively thrifty given the CR-V’s practical 5-seat size.

10 best winning 2023 honda crv interior

The electric driving range of over a mile doubles that of the arch-rival Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, itself no slouch. Honda remains confident that even a decade later, the lithium-ion battery should hold around 70% of its initial capacity. To maximize longevity, the high-voltage system is sealed and needs no scheduled maintenance over the hybrid’s lifetime.

To spread electrification across its entire lineup just as it did with safety technologies, Honda now offers hybridized versions of some of its top models beyond the CR-V too. The new Civic and Accord hybrid sedans share the same basic two-motor architecture but are tuned differently to suit each vehicle’s character.

Under the hood of the Civic Hybrid lies a more refined and powerful iteration of this twin-motor dance. Its 1.5-liter engine works with stronger electric motors to awaken the sporty potential in Honda’s iconic compact car while retaining stellar efficiency. Meanwhile, the graceful midsize Accord finds a green groove with a lithium-ion battery upgraded over previous generations.

With this new portfolio of hybrid offerings, Honda now blankets a wide spectrum of buyers – from affordable commuter cars like the Civic Hybrid up to popular family haulers like the Accord and CR-V Hybrids. Whether customers prefer a sedan or SUV, there is an electrified Honda option available at nearly every price point. And with more powerful plug-in models also in the works, the choice for an eco-friendly Honda just keeps expanding.

However, Honda was quick to clarify that while offering significant efficiency gains, its new hybrid lineup should still be considered light hybrids rather than heavier plug-in variants with larger batteries and true electric-only commuting ability. The CR-V Hybrid’s focus remains on optimizing the combustion engine through assistance rather than replacing it outright.

Even so, in a segment crowded with esteemed competitors, the CR-V Hybrid has its work cut out to attract buyers. It will face stiff competition from the veteran Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with its proven powertrain formula. And while Ford no longer sells a plug-in Escape, its regular hybrid still turns heads. Only real-world testing and driver feedback will determine if the new Honda has successfully evolved hybrid SUV performance.

For now, Honda is confident that between strong reliability, class-leading safety tech, and pricing competitive with top rivals, the new CR-V Hybrid has all it needs to zoom up sales charts and lead the brand into an electrified future. With hybrids, EVs, and fuel cells all in the works, it’s clear Honda has kicked its green revolution into high gear.

As Honda’s best-selling model in the United States, the CR-V was long overdue for an electrified option. The new hybrid powertrain breathes new life into the popular compact SUV as consumer demand for green vehicles dramatically increases. While maintaining the CR-V’s hallmark functionality and value, the hybrid promises significant reductions in fuel costs and carbon footprint.

Under the hood, the two-motor hybrid configuration showcases the latest in Honda’s electrification expertise. The sophisticated power management system seamlessly shifts between gas, electric, and blended operations for boosted efficiency in all scenarios. With strong torque available anytime from the electric motors, drivers feel ample mid-range shove regardless of the revs.

Clever battery placement beneath the cargo floor preserves spacious passenger and load compartments. Yet its lithium-ion cells pack over 40% more energy density than the old CR-Z hybrid’s nickel-metal hydride units. This allows greater electric range and quicker recharging via the gas engine and braking regeneration. Honda’s focus on usability complements its eco-friendly attributes.

From a driver enjoyability standpoint, early testers note the hybrid offers a peppier step off the line and hushed highway cruising thanks to frequent electric-only propulsion. Subtle tactile queues in the accelerator pedal keep the driver engaged in how the powertrain dynamically switches between power sources. Overall road manners remain calmly composed, as one would expect from Honda.

While compact on the outside, the hybrid’s complex mechanicals exemplify packaging prowess. Squeezing a gas engine, two electric motors, battery, and transmission into the CR-V’s sensible form factor without compromising interior comfort took advanced engineering. Clever under-floor battery placement especially maximizes interior flexibility.

A trick multi-mode drive system enhances real-world usability. It lets drivers choose between gas-saving hybrid mode for most commutes or sportier sequential shift paddles evoking a manual gearbox for spirited drives down winding roads less traveled. Honda even engineered a mode to recharge the battery via a gas engine when low on juice.

Active safety tech is available at every trim level. Standard Honda Sensing includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, and road departure mitigation. Upgrade to Honda Sensing Elite and gain conveniences like traffic jam assistance to handle stop-and-go driving with limited driver interaction through sensor fusion.

Top Touring versions flaunt upscale cabins with sumptuous quilted-design synthetic leather seats, 12-speaker premium audio, and power-folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators. Blind spot monitoring supplements the generous side cameras. Dual-zone climate control keeps temperatures in harmony.

While some deride hybrids as a compromised halfway step, Honda smartly views them as a bridge to fuller electrification. The excellent CR-V Hybrid demonstrates hybrids’ potential when optimally engineered. Its fusion of efficiency, utility, and refinement lures new buyers into making greener vehicle choices today.

Ultimately Honda hopes the CR-V Hybrid’s seamless merging of gas and electric power portends a sustainable future where internal combustion assists rather than powers alone. As batteries advance, its hybrids may evolve into plug-in models. But for now, this is an excellent option for those seeking eco-friendly transportation without range anxiety.

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