Have you seen the new CR-V? It looks good, it’s bigger, more capable and features a fresh and refined interior design. It’s a well-rounded SUV to consider, but it feels a bit incomplete. Something is missing to help rivals be more fuel efficient.
Where is the 2023 Honda CR-V PHEV?
2023 was supposed to come out with a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option, but for some reason it hasn’t arrived yet. The CR-V Hybrid may help you save some fuel, but a PHEV would be more beneficial.
kicks things off with a standard 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 170PS and 179Nm of torque. It gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and up to 34 mpg on the highway, which is impressive. Adding AWD reduces those figures by about three mpg.
With the 2023 CR-V Hybrid, you get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors to generate 204hp and 247Nm of torque. Second, the extra horsepower doesn’t help much.
Both options help the CR-V accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.0 seconds. Also, the hybrid setup is louder. But it gets an EPA-estimated 43 mpg in the city and up to 36 mpg on the highway.
It may be more efficient in the city because stopping more frequently helps the batteries regenerate more energy.
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 PHEV or Prime uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and an 18.1 kWh battery pack to deliver 302 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque.
It has an EPA estimated range of 42 miles on a single charge. With one charge, it is rated at 94 MPGe. When it switches to gas only, it gets about 38 mpg. Most people drive less than 25 miles a day, so they may not be using gas on their daily Prime commute.
The 2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV has an EPA-estimated electric range of 33 miles and can get 84 MPGe. Gets about 35 mpg without charge.
Additionally, the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV gets an EPA-estimated electric range of 34 miles with 84 MPGe. It is rated for around 38 mpg once the charge is depleted.
Is the 2023 CR-V worth buying?
Yes, despite lacking a PHEV powertrain, it’s still a great SUV to consider. It’s roomy, comfortable, capable, and fully featured. It has plenty of passenger and luggage space for families and can be equipped with all-wheel drive.
The CR-V just received new technology upgrades like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 9.0-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system.
Plus, gas and hybrid models can be cheaper than PHEV SUVs. The Kia Sportage PEV starts at $38,000, while the standard CR-V starts at around $31,130. But the CR-V may soon get a new PHEV configuration.
