Honda’s electrification strategy is to eschew plug-in hybrids in favor of concentrating on mild hybrids, and the 2023 CR-V Hybrid proves why that’s a good move. It brings the benefits of electric assistance – that is, improved gas mileage and more power at low speeds – without compromising any of the key elements that made the CR-V a bestseller. It’s still supremely practical, easy to live with, and roomy enough for most families. Granted, towing capacity does take a small hit with the Hybrid, with a reduced capacity of 1,000 pounds, down from 1,500 pounds. But, anyone who’s particularly concerned about towing probably isn’t shopping for a Honda crossover to begin with.
As for its all-important fuel efficiency figures, the EPA rates it at 40 mpg combined, split into 43 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. However, our testing of the CR-V Hybrid found those numbers to be a little optimistic, with a mixed-use route averaging 30 mpg overall. That’s still more than most of the CR-V’s competitors, but not quite the exceptional rating that the official numbers would imply.
