Thanks to their size and dependability, SUVs are a hugely popular segment. Sitting near the top of the pack is the Honda CR-V Hybrid, which is spacious, efficient, and fairly affordable. However, two of its top rivals—the Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Escape—offer similar perks and lower starting prices. Here’s what you should know to decide whether the higher price of the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid is worth it.

What you can expect from the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid has an MSRP range of $30,560 to $36,350. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine connected with two electric motors and makes 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. Every CR-V trim features all-wheel drive.

Autotrader points out that the hybrid is more powerful than the conventional CR-V option, and is also more efficient. The CR-V Hybrid has a combined fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon, while the non-hybrid version has a combined fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon.

This vehicle is available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, each of which has the same fuel economy. Even the standard version of the Honda CR-V Hybrid has a fair number of features, including a 7.0-inch infotainment system, heated front seats, a power moonroof, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper-level trims future a price bump but also have more luxurious features, including a leather interior and rain-sensing wipers.

Pros and cons of the CR-V Hybrid

Reviewers at Autotrader note quite a few pros for the Honda CR-V Hybrid, particularly praising its large number of standard safety features. Each CR-V comes standard with the Honda Sensing safety tech suite, which includes forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. This vehicle received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was awarded a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

Comfort is another major strength of the CR-V Hybrid. Autotrader states that this vehicle’s “level of refinement might be something you’d expect in a more expensive luxury SUV.” It offers a smooth ride and a spacious cabin, with some of the most impressive legroom and cargo space available among compact SUVs.

The fuel economy of the Honda CR-V Hybrid is also immensely impressive. Reviewers note that despite the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, it offers a peppy ride in all weather conditions.

The main downside of the CR-V Hybrid is its infotainment system. Autotrader found that it was laggy and often unresponsive, with unimpressive graphics and menus that were difficult to navigate.

Is it worth more than its rivals?

With all that in mind, is it really worth paying more for the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid when its two main rivals both offer similar features and lower price tags? In particular, the Ford Escape Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy, a high amount of standard safety tech, and a fairly intuitive infotainment system, which the CR-V lacks. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has also long been rivaling the CR-V, and it remains competitive in 2021 thanks to its roomy cabin, comfortable ride, and higher number of trims to choose from when compared to the C-RV.

Despite all this, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid is worth the price for anyone on the hunt for an excellent and highly efficient compact SUV. It is powerful and offers an excellent driving experience, and its impressive fuel economy will help save money in the long run. For anyone who specifically wants a hybrid compact SUV that is less than $30,000, the Ford or the Toyota are both good picks. Otherwise, it is well worth opting for the CR-V Hybrid.