The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid starts at $33,695 in the United States and at $50,890 in Canada, freight and delivery charges included.
The hybrid AWD variant’s combined fuel economy rating is 37 mpg or 6.4 L/100 km.
The 2023 Honda CR-V is the first model year of the crossover’s sixth generation.
The 2023 Honda CR-V brings an all-new generation of the compact crossover, with a rugged exterior design, new proportions and a technology feature update as well. The Canadian market also gets its first opportunity to purchase the CR-V Hybrid, as the powertrain was available in the United States in the previous-gen CR-V, but not north of the border. It’s now even built in Canada.
The Japanese manufacturer decided to enter the new CR-V Hybrid in this year’s AJAC EcoRun, an annual event that gathers Canadian automotive journalists and a bunch of energy efficient vehicles to promote the benefits of eco-driving in addition to manufacturers’ latest green cars, crossovers and SUVs.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is equipped with an Atkinson-cycle 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine, a propulsion electric motor, a motor-generator and a new 1.06 kWh battery pack that’s smaller and lighter than the previous battery, mated to either FWD (U.S. only) or AWD. Combined output is rated at 204 horsepower, while peak torque stands at 247 pound-feet. In contrast, the regular CR-V gets a turbocharged 1.5L four with 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque.
The front-wheel-drive Hybrid variant boasts city/highway/combined fuel economy ratings of 43/36/40 mpg, while the AWD variant’s figures are 40/34/37 mpg or 6.0/6.9/6.4 L/100 km.
During my leg aboard the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, well, I didn’t do too well. This year’s AJAC EcoRun spanned from Vancouver to Kelowna, looping through Kamloops, and my portion of the trek was an uphill highway climb. Not a great opportunity for the crossover’s powertrain to show what it’s capable of, as the gasoline engine constantly kicked to replenish the battery pack and assist in the forward motion. I ended up with an average of 8.7 L/100 km, the worst result amongst all the journalists who drive the vehicle during the event. Most drivers recorded averages between 39 and 47 mpg, or 5.0 and 6.0 L/100 km, and one even managed an impressive 53 mpg or 4.4 L/100 km.
| Average (mpg) | Average (L/100 km) | |
| Best average | 53 | 4.4 |
| My average | 27 | 8.7 |
| Worst average | 27 | 8.7 |
That’s not bad for a compact crossover that can easily haul a family and its belongings. The new-generation CR-V rides on a slightly longer wheelbase than the outgoing gen, in addition to being longer and wider overall. Interior space is about the same up front, improved in back for rear-seat leg, shoulder and hip room. The cargo area is a little bigger as well, with a volume of 39.3 cubic feet or 1,113 litres with the seatbacks in place, and 76.5 cubic feet or 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid also shines for its easy-to-use infotainment system, its appreciable fit and finish and its rugged new design. It starts at $33,695 in the U.S. and is available in Sport and Touring trim, while in Canada, the CR-V Hybrid starts at $50,890 and is only available in range-topping Touring trim for the 2023 model year. All these prices include freight and delivery charges.
On the same subject:
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