2023 Honda crv hybrid mpg

Honda has confirmed a 40-mpg combined rating for the redesigned 2023 CR-V Hybrid, and it’s priced the entire CR-V lineup, which now includes CR-V Hybrid Sport and Hybrid Sport Touring versions that essentially position the hybrid as the sportier choice in the lineup.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport starts at $33,695 in front-wheel-drive form, including the $1,245 destination charge, or $35,195 in its all-wheel-drive version. The top-of-the-lineup Hybrid Sport Touring includes all-wheel drive and costs $39,845.

The top 40-mpg rating is 2 mpg better than last year’s CR-V Hybrid, but it’s because Honda has introduced front-wheel-drive versions of the Hybrid that are better on gas. The CR-V Hybrid achieves EPA ratings of 43 mpg city, 36 highway, 40 combined in front-wheel-drive form.

Last year’s all-wheel-drive CR-V Hybrid returned 38 mpg combined, versus 37 mpg combined in all-wheel-drive form for the 2023 model. But the redesigned CR-V lineup is bigger and possibly a bit heavier than the outgoing 2022 model.

2023 Honda crv hybrid mpg
2023 Honda CR-V

Honda first introduced a CR-V Hybrid in the U.S. for 2020. With the introduction of a fourth-generation version of Honda’s two-mode hybrid system, the CR-V Hybrid should provide a somewhat sportier drive; it now makes 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, versus 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque in the outgoing version. Honda says that the new model features a more refined 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4, so expect it to be smoother and quieter. In our testing of its predecessor, the CR-V Hybrid drove more like an EV at low speeds than rival models.

The competition in this corner of the market is strong. Toyota does offer more modestly equipped versions of its RAV4 Hybrid. The most affordable 2023 RAV4 Hybrid LE costs $30,910; the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Blue starts at $31,045. But the CR-V Hybrid EX is positioned below similarly equipped versions of the $32,380 RAV Hybrid XLE and $33,645 Tucson SEL Convenience.

2023 Honda crv hybrid mpg
2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring

The base price of the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid EX was $33,035, so for shoppers who don’t mind giving up the idea of all-wheel drive it’s only a slight price hike. The Hybrid Sport gets gloss-black exterior accents, Berlina Black 18-inch wheels, and rectangular exhaust finishers. It now includes adaptive cruise control, active lane control, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless device charging, heated front seats, heated mirrors, and a sunroof.

The top Sport Touring adds 12-speaker Bose audio, a navigation system, and a wi-fi hotspot, plus 19-inch wheels and tires.

The CR-V is Honda’s top-selling U.S. model, and Honda expects CR-V Hybrid sales to account for about 50% of the annual CR-V total. Whether or not it charms buyers largely depends on whether the hybrid delivers on the mid-market sweet spot shoppers have seen in the CR-V for decades.

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Pros: Clean styling; massive interior; efficient engine options; solid infotainment system; many standard safety features

Cons: Lackluster driving experience, expensive pricing, lack of specialty options such as plug-in hybrid and off-road models

Honda's best-selling vehicle is back and bigger than ever in the form of the 2023 Honda CR-V. The compact SUV has been a standard bearer for its segment with a strong blend of good driving dynamics and excellent practicality. We're not able to share impressions about how the new model drives (check back later this month), but even when examining it standing still and checking out the spec sheet, it seems to bring a host of improvements over its already solid predecessor.

Among the big improvements is, well, that it's bigger. It's the largest CR-V yet, and that's reflected in a very spacious interior with maximum cargo space that once again sits at the top of its class. It also gets a massively improved infotainment system, and the hybrid powertrain has been updated to offer more torque. We also find the styling to be significantly improved.

The new 2023 CR-V is entering an extremely competitive segment, though, and while it smartly aims itself at the heart of the market, it offers none of the branches into the various niches that have sprung up in recent years. There's no plug-in hybrid offered to answer the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Hyundai Tucson PHEV, Kia Sportage PHEV and Ford Escape PHEV. There's also no higher-performance engine available (long a CR-V complaint) such as in the Mazda CX-5 and VW Tiguan, nor a more rugged trim level as with the Sportage, Mazda CX-50 and Subaru's Forester and Outback. Basically, the CR-V could stand to be a bit more interesting. But if you're looking for a more conventional small SUV, the new CR-V will still be something to keep an eye on and add to your test-drive list. 

Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy

What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features

What's new for 2023?

The 2023 Honda CR-V is fully redesigned for the new model year.

2023 Honda crv hybrid mpg

What are the CR-V interior and in-car technology like?

With a whole new exterior comes a whole new interior. Or at least, new to the CR-V. If you've been in a new Civic, its layout and design will look extremely familiar. It's also very similar to the also new HR-V. Fortunately, it's a very good interior. The look is clean and uncomplicated. The dash is also low and aids in both visibility and making the cabin feel spacious. All the switchgear feels high-quality with tight, solid action whether it's a turn signal stalk or the highly welcome climate control dials. Though there are many plastics, they have attractive finishes and patterns. It's not quite up to the premium feel of the Mazda CX-50 or CX-5, but it's comparable to Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. It's also much nicer than what you'll find in a Ford Escape or Chevy Equinox.

As for instruments and infotainment, the CR-V features an analog speedometer combined with a 7-inch screen that can display the tachometer and other information. The standard infotainment display is a 7-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs and a couple of physical menu buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. On the higher EX-L and Sport Touring trims, the CR-V gets a larger 9-inch touchscreen with just a volume knob and menu buttons, and both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus wireless charging. With either screen size, this infotainment system now uses the operating system and interface from the Accord and other Hondas rather than the slow, buggy and ugly system used by the previous CR-V. It's far more attractive; features large, attractive and easy-to-press icons; there are fewer layers of menus and far faster reactions. It's a system that's actually competitive with its competitors, though we still prefer the Hyundai/Kia system.

2023 Honda crv hybrid mpg

How big is the CR-V?

The CR-V has grown significantly with this generation. It's 2.7 inches longer with a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase, and it's 0.4 inch wider. That also makes it a few inches longer than its key rival, the Toyota RAV4. All this stretching pays dividends in all aspects of interior space. Honda hasn't released specifications on passenger volume, but sitting in the SUV's cabin, it certainly seems more spacious and comfortable. The front passengers have lots of leg, knee and shoulder room. Head room isn't quite as generous, but there's still enough for most people to be perfectly comfortable. The front seats themselves don't have a huge amount of shape, but they have thick padding and a welcome amount of side bolstering. There's a good amount of adjustment, too, so a comfortable seating position should be easy to find. That hasn't always been a given in the CR-V.

The rear seats are the real showstopper, though. They're a bit firmer and flatter than those up front, but they're comfortable enough and the space is incredible. There's loads of room in all directions, particularly for the legs. There's also lots of space under the front seats for feet, effectively adding more space and allowing rear occupants to really stretch out. The rear seat backs recline, too, up to 10 degrees. As such, passengers could be comfortable for many, many hours in the back of a new CR-V.

Cargo space is now the same regardless of powertrain. The official figure of 36.3 cubic-feet is basically right in between the old hybrid and gas-only volume specs, meaning the new CR-V has both more and less cargo space than before. It also puts it behind the massively enlarged Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, as well as the Toyota RAV4. Ultimately, though, we're talking degrees of huge here. With the seats down, the CR-V is the new maximum cargo space king, measuring 76.5 cubic feet.

2023 Honda crv hybrid mpg

What are the CR-V fuel economy and performance specs?

Two powertrains are available for the 2023 CR-V. As before, the standard turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Power goes through a continuously variable transmission and on to either just the front wheels or all four with the optional all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is the same as the previous model. The front-drive version is 28 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway and 30 combined. All-wheel drive brings those numbers down to 27 in the city, 33 on the highway and 29 combined.

The other powertrain is the hybrid. It uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors. Under most circumstances, it operates as a series hybrid with the gas engine producing electricity and the larger of the two motors turning the wheels. There are some situations where the gas engine can provide drive power directly. Combined power is 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. That's less 8 horsepower less than the 212 horsepower listed for the previous CR-V Hybrid, but 15 more pound-feet of torque. Unlike before, the hybrid can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. The front-drive version bests the old hybrid in fuel economy with 43 mpg in the city, 36 on the highway and 40 combined. The all-wheel-drive version does slightly worse with 40 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway and 37 combined.

2023 Honda crv hybrid mpg

What's the CR-V like to drive?

The new CR-V is a fairly average SUV to drive in its non-hybrid form. The engine is smooth, but can be noisy, in part due to its CVT that still has some rubber-band characteristics and also makes the powertrain feel somewhat unresponsive. Power is perfectly adequate, but not inspiring. The chassis is stiff and the suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride that doesn't feel floaty. It also feels light and responsive. But slow, numb and imprecise steering keeps the CR-V from being much fun in corners. And while comfortable, the CR-V could still use some improvement in regards to noise, as the tire noise and engine noise make it louder than much of the competition.

We haven't had an opportunity to try out the hybrid model yet. With more power and a reliance on electric motors, there's a solid chance that it will feel more responsive and be quieter than the non-hybrid version. It will certainly be more efficient, too, so will likely be the version to get.

What other Honda CR-V reviews can I read?

2023 Honda CR-V First Drive Review: Bigger, better, pricier

The CR-V has improved in many ways with a better and more spacious interior. But the competition is starting to leapfrog the CR-V, and with better pricing.

2023 Honda crv hybrid mpg

What is the 2023 CR-V price?

Pricing has increased notably over the old model's starting point of starting point of $28,045. Part of this is because Honda has eliminated the entry-level LX trim, instead opting for just EX and EX-L for the non-hybrid, and Sport and Sport Touring for the hybrid. The EX now starts at $32,355 with destination. All-wheel drive is an extra $1,500 on the EX and with other trims. Only the Sport Touring trim comes with standard all-wheel drive. Pricing for the line-up is listed below.

  • EX: $32,355
  • Sport (Hybrid): $33,695
  • EX-L: $35,005
  • Sport Touring (Hybrid): $39,845

What are the CR-V safety ratings and driver assistance features?

The 2023 CR-V once again comes with many standard safety and driver assist features. It features forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. These have all been upgraded from the last CR-V, which is good news, as their predecessors were comparatively rudimentary in performance compared to rivals. Judging by the similar updated systems in the new HR-V and Civic, the CR-V's driver assistance systems should be greatly improved.

The new CR-V hadn't been crash tested by a third party at the time of this writing.

Related video:

What is the MPG of a Honda CR

40 city/35 highway/38 combined mpg rating for hybrid trims. Based on 2022 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.

Will Honda have a plug

Performance. The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid packs an all-new fourth-generation two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain. Unlike the 2022 model's 2.0-liter gasoline engine, the 2023 model's 2.0-liter gasoline engine features direct fuel injection.

How far can a Honda CRV hybrid go on a full tank?

CR-V Driving Range The 2022 CR-V has a driving range of over 500 miles if the hybrid is used. For the standard gas-powered, non-hybrid Honda CR-V a fuel range over 400 miles is within reach.

When can I buy a 2023 CR

2023 CR-V Hybrid available October 2022. Hybrid powertrain standard on Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid. 2023 CR-V Hybrid available October 2022.