We Disagree With Critics About the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid
If you’re already a fan of the Honda CR-V Hybrid, then we have good news. The new model is more refined, sportier, and packs extra cargo space to take advantage of. But critics love to harp on one feature of the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid that’s really not bad.
Let’s talk about the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid being loud
Upon reading 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid reviews, you may see that most critics complain about the engine being coarse and loud. While the engine may sometimes emit a loud roar, it’s not constant.
The engine noise is easy to cover with the radio or a podcast. You might find yourself tuning it out after spending time behind the wheel. Plus, the engine only gets loud if you put the pedal to the metal at highway speeds or upon accelerating up steeper hills.
We also discovered that the engine noise is only present in Sport Mode. So, if you want a more peaceful experience, we recommend using the Normal or Eco driving modes. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the right weather to give the Snow mode a spin.
Overall, the Honda CR-V Hybrid has a pretty quiet cabin on the highway. It’s quieter than other vehicles we recently tested, like the economical Toyota Prius and luxurious Lexus NX 350. Being quieter than a luxury SUV feels like a true achievement.
Also, you may notice an electronic whirl or drone from time to time. It occurs while backing up and traveling at lower speeds, and we appreciate it. This noise was added for safety reasons to alert pedestrians and animals to your presence.
One time, I was almost hit by a Tesla in a parking lot because it was silent. The driver didn’t see me, and I didn’t hear them. Aside from the noise, there are a few things we do agree with. For example, the fuel economy is a little disappointing.
How many mpg does the 2023 CR-V Hybrid get?
The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is rated to get an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city and up to 36 mpg on the highway. Adding AWD reduces these figures to 40 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
During our week from Rock Hill, SC, to Asheville, NC, up to Wolf Laurel, NC, and back around, we ended up with 29.2 mpg. At one point, we did see 32.3 mpg, but that didn’t last long. Perhaps we could have used Eco mode a bit more for better results.
Driving on gravel roads to test the off-roading features didn’t seem to hurt the fuel economy, and coasting down mountain passes didn’t lead to any improvements.
But Sport mode is our favorite option because it has faster response times and more confident brakes to turn up the fun. On that note, the Honda CR-V Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds.
The outgoing model reaches 60 mph in roughly 8.5 seconds, so the boost in power is noticeable and appreciated.
How much space does the CR-V Hybrid have?
The 2023 Honda CR-V has an abundance of passenger and cargo space. The front seats are large, with plenty of adjustment controls for the perfect driving/riding position. There’s plenty of headroom and leg space.
Plus, the rear seats are spacious, with plenty of room to stretch out. Two average-sized adults can fit in the rear without any issues. However, the middle seat is a little tight. Also, the rear seats can recline.
You can access up to 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 76.5 cubes total. The seats fold flat to create a level cargo floor. However, storage for personal items is limited. While the center console is generous, there aren’t many trays or cubbies to use.
Stay tuned as we continue processing our thoughts and experiences with the CR-V Hybrid. A list of pros and cons is on the way.
