The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a fuel-sipping compact SUV.
It has handsome good looks, excellent build quality, and a fuel-efficient powertrain.
In this article, we’ll be checking out its best and worst model years.
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Honda CR-V Hybrid Are:
The best Honda CR-V Hybrid model years are 2024, 2023, and 2022. The worst model years of this model are 2021 and 2020. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Honda CR-V Hybrid?
2024 and 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The 2024 and 2023 CR-V Hybrids kickstart the 6th generation and have received some of the highest reviews from the auto industry. Car and Driver awarded these models a flawless 10/10.
A lot of new things have been introduced as part of a full redesign, including:
- Improved touchscreen infotainment system features
- Larger exterior and interior dimensions
- Added standard driver assist and safety features
- Revamped styling
There are 2 available trim levels: Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid.
Base pricing ranges from around $34,000 to $40,000.
Both are fitted with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to a lithium-ion battery pack with a total output of 204 horsepower.
The Sport Hybrid comes as either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive while the Sport Touring Hybrid is exclusively an all-wheel-drive.
Regardless, you will be getting an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission system for these hybrid models.
If power is sent only to the front, the EPA estimate for fuel efficiency is 40 MPG (combined city and highway driving). For the all-wheel-drive configuration, the EPA bumps it down to 37 MPG combined.
There are a lot of optional packages and individual add-ons to upgrade your experience with these models.
If you have around $600 to spare, we recommend upgrading your base Sport Hybrid by adding a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Monitor.
Other noteworthy safety and driver assistance features are Collision Mitigation Braking System and Lane Keeping Assist.
2023 CR-V Hybrid:
- Edmunds: 4.2 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 5.0 / 5.0
2023 CR-V Hybrid, Edmunds Review:
“Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring just feels more solid. It feels small compared to my Honda Pilot which is exactly what I wanted. It is very quiet, has a very good feel of the road, and very good visibility. All the climate buttons are very easy to find and use while driving…”
2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The 2022 CR-V Hybrid is the final installment of the 5th generation and it’s a great choice for buyers who aren’t overly concerned about having the latest styling.
It provides roomy seating, secure handling, a comfortable ride, and a very smooth driving experience.
There are 3 trims to choose from: EX, EX-L, and Touring. The most popular trim is the top-spec Touring.
The Touring is definitely worth looking into over the other trims because it has 19-inch wheels, automatic wipers, an integrated navigation system, and a premium 9-speaker audio system, among other great features.
All trims are powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that is paired to a li-ion battery pack and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system.
Based on owners’ reviews online, these are the best aspects of the model:
- Comfort
- Fuel economy
- Interior
- Technology
- Handling
- Steering
- Safety
- Seats
- Maintenance
According to the EPA, owners can get as much as 38 MPG for combined city and highway driving which is better than most of its competitors in the market.
In terms of safety, the NHTSA gave this model a perfect 5-star rating based on numerous crash tests.
- Edmunds: 4.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 3.9 / 5.0
2022 CR-V Hybrid, Edmunds Review:
“I have always driven a Honda CR-V and bought a new one a week ago. Love the ride, it’s smooth, comfortable and like all the features. No one can compete with the quality even with fancy features that you see in new cars these days.”
Consumer Scores For Best Honda CR-V Hybrid Years
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating |
| 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid | – | – |
| 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 4.2 / 5.0 | 5.0 / 5.0 |
| 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 4.5 / 5.0 | 3.9 / 5.0 |
Related: How Long Do Honda CR-V Hybrids Last? (12 Important Facts)
What Are The Worst Years For The Honda CR-V Hybrid?
2021 and 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid
The 2021 and 2020 CR-V Hybrid models have received the most complaints. This is to be expected because they were the debut models and had a few teething issues, although they are by no means clunkers.
The biggest issue experienced has been false forward collision avoidance detection, leading to sudden braking while driving.
This is supposedly a result of a safety feature known as Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) but due to erroneous flagging of objects or vehicles in front of the model, the system does not work as intended.
“There have been several occurrences with my 2021 crv hybrid where the car will start beeping and the word ‘brake’ will flash on my instrument cluster for no reason at all. No cars in front of me at all. This has happened 40 – 50 times. However there are 4 occasions where the car actually braked suddenly and once to a complete stop and nearly caused a horrible accident…” – CarProblemZoo.com
“Driving in cruise control, no one in front of me, suddenly hard braking, enough to throw me forward in the seat. There was a car behind me but fortunately he braked also. There was no apparent reason for my car to brake…” – NHTSA.gov
Based on recent news and announcements, Honda has officially acknowledged this particular issue and has since started to roll out software updates to prevent these problems from occurring again.
Consult with your nearest dealer and ask if your model is due for a software update.
Other common problems:
- Noisy acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS)
- Dead battery
- Malfunctioning brakes
- Defective emergency braking system
- Faulty electronics
- Suspension problems
Related: 6 Most Common Honda CR-V Hybrid Problems (Explained)
What Problems Do Honda CR-V Hybrid Have?
- Noisy acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS)
- Dead battery
- Malfunctioning brakes
- Defective emergency braking system
- Faulty electronics
- Suspension problems
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Honda CR-V Hybrid?
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Kia Sportage Hybrid | 8.7 | $27,490 – $36,390 | City: 38 – 42 /Highway: 38 – 44 |
| Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | 8.6 | $31,350 – $39,110 | City: 37 – 38 /Highway: 36 – 38 |
| Honda CR-V Hybrid | 8.4 | $32,950 – $39,100 | City: 40 – 43 /Highway: 34 – 36 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | 8.3 | $35,660 – $41,320 | City: 33 – 36 /Highway: 30 – 31 |
| Kia Sorento Hybrid | 8.2 | $36,690 – $42,490 | City: 36 – 39 /Highway: 33 – 35 |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 8.2 | $30,225 – $38,530 | City: 41 /Highway: 38 |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 8.1 | $40,220 – $52,425 | City: 35 – 36 /Highway: 34 – 35 |
| Kia Niro | 7.9 | $26,590 – $34,890 | City: 53 /Highway: 45 – 54 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | 7.9 | $44,670 – $58,125 | City: NA /Highway NA |
| Ford Escape Hybrid | 7.7 | $29,345 – $36,965 | City: 26 – 42 /Highway: 32 – 36 |
| Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | 7.7 | $36,845 | City: NA / Highway: NA |
| Toyota Venza | 7.6 | $33,595 – $41,740 | City: 40 /Highway: 37 |
Source: cars.usnews.com, edmunds.com
Related: 11 Honda CR-V Facts And Statistics You Should Know
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/cr-v
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/cr-v-hybrid
https://www.edmunds.com/honda/cr-v/2023/hybrid/
https://www.kbb.com/honda/cr-v-hybrid/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2023/honda/cr-v-hybrid
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/CR-V_Hybrid/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/honda/cr-v/
https://www.cars.com/research/honda-cr_v_hybrid/recalls/
