by Karl Furlong
The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid adds another layer of ability to an already hugely accomplished crossover. The combination of a 2.0-liter engine and two electric motors provides the CR-V Hybrid with a solid 212 horsepower, while the low-end torque from this powertrain makes it more responsive than the non-hybrid CR-V, all while managing better gas mileage figures. All-wheel drive is also standard on every CR-V Hybrid. Other than less cargo space and a higher price, the CR-V Hybrid offers all of the benefits of the conventionally-powered CR-V, such as spacious seating, plenty of safety features, and refined road manners. Although the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid achieves superior fuel economy, the CR-V Hybrid is still well worth consideration.
Honda introduced the new Honda CR-V Hybrid to the USA in 2020, which coincided with a facelift of the entire CR-V range. These changes included a fresher design, a few more interior convenience items, and added driver-assist features. Due to this recent update, the CR-V Hybrid continues into 2021 without any major changes and the model's mechanical specifications are exactly as before.
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hybrid EX |
2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$30,560 |
Hybrid EX-L |
2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$33,150 |
Hybrid Touring |
2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$36,350 |
At a starting price that's over $5,000 more than the base gas-only CR-V, is the CR-V Hybrid worth the extra outlay? We're inclined to say that yes, it is. Not only is it more efficient, but that welcome dose of added low-end torque endows the CR-V Hybrid with a more responsive demeanor around town, even if its 0-60 sprint time hasn't really changed. It also comes with a few more standard toys when comparing trims with the regular CR-V. That being said, the gas-only model has a larger cargo area and has enough power for most needs, so we wouldn't go so far as to rule it out. There is also the matter of the hot-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which returns more miles per gallon and is cheaper than the CR-V Hybrid. Still, our Honda CR-V Hybrid review proves that this is one of the best-balanced offerings in the segment.
The 2021 CR-V Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $30,560 for the Hybrid EX, which makes it $2,700 more expensive than the equivalent non-hybrid CR-V which we review separately. Next is the mid-range Hybrid EX-L at $33,150 followed by the Hybrid Touring at $36,350. These prices exclude tax, licensing, and registration costs, along with a destination charge of $1,120. With all the options and accessories, the Honda CR-V Hybrid will cost over $46,000. Based on our 2021 CR-V Hybrid review, that's a lot more than you should be paying, so stick with a lightly optioned EX or EX-L or consider a used 2020 example.