2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review

Name: 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Brand: Honda

Price Range: $21,700 - $32,998

Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

It was merely a matter of time until Honda hybridized its wildly popular CR-V. Everything we've come to expect and admire about the standard CR-V has been carried over. But, as smoothly as the 2021 CR-V Hybrid drives, its lackluster acceleration leaves us wishing for just a bit more grunt. Also it doesn't seem to have markedly better real-world fuel economy than the non-hybrid version.

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Average price: $28,055

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Appraise My Honda CR-V Hybrid

Honda CR-V Hybrid model years

Honda CR-V Hybrid for Sale

Pros

Roomy seating
Comfortable ride and secure handling
Standard all-wheel drive

Cons

Disappointing real-world fuel economy
Infotainment system is behind the times
Lackluster acceleration

What's new

Last year's base LX trim is no longer available
Part of the fifth CR-V generation introduced for 2017

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

12/22/2020

Just like the regular CR-V, the CR-V Hybrid benefits from a spacious interior, plenty of storage space and a smooth ride. On top of that it has a special hybrid powertrain that provides higher fuel efficiency than the regular CR-V. The EPA estimates it will get 38 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's among the highest estimates you'll find for a small SUV and 9 mpg better than a comparable all-wheel-drive gas-only CR-V. Unfortunately, the CR-V Hybrid underperformed in our real-world fuel economy testing; read our Expert Rating to learn more about our testing experience.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
EX-L 4dr SUV
$25,345
- 106,221 miles
- 5 Seats, 40 City / 35 Hwy MPG
- 17 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Manassas, VA
Visit Car Town to shop our great deals. You can call571-359-6100 to schedule your test drive today.All our Vehicles goes through VA safety inspection ...
Features and Specs:
38 Combined MPG (40 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
7FART6H83ME033436
Stock:
cti2627
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
EX 4dr SUV
$21,700
great price
$2,200 below market
- 88,226 miles
- 5 Seats, 40 City / 35 Hwy MPG
- 614 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in West Allis, WI
CarFax 1-Owner, Rare Find, Green Vehicle,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Keyless Start,Lane Keepin...
Features and Specs:
38 Combined MPG (40 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
7FART6H52ME014673
Stock:
N01085
Certified Pre-Owned:
No

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After its redesign last year, the CR-V Hybrid returns in 2021 without the base LX trim, but it's otherwise the same. As a result, it maintains a favorable position among small hybrid SUVs that include the Ford Escape Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the revived Toyota Venza.

What's it like to live with?

Our team of experts have tested a Honda CR-V Hybrid as part of our long-term program, in which we drive vehicles for a year and report to you what they are like to own. Read our long-term CR-V Hybrid coverage to see what we've learned about real-world fuel economy, reliability and more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8/10

How does the CR-V Hybrid drive? The CR-V Hybrid sets the standard for this class thanks in large part to the unparalleled smoothness from its hybrid powertrain. The transition from the electric motor to the gas engine is seamless and rivals that of systems typically found on luxury cars costing twice as much.

The brakes are equally as smooth and deliver confident stops up to a traffic light or in a panic-braking situation. At our test track, the CR-V Hybrid showed excellent consistency, stopping from 60 mph in 125 feet. That's 6 feet shorter than the RAV4 Hybrid we tested.

But the CR-V Hybrid is let down by its lackluster acceleration. Even though it's more powerful than a standard CR-V on the spec sheet, our testing showed otherwise. The 0-60 mph sprint took 8.5 seconds, which is a full second slower than the non-hybrid model. Climbing longer grades takes a heavy foot, and you can hear the underpowered gasoline engine struggling to hold a steady speed.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the CR-V Hybrid? It's difficult to find fault here. From its accommodating seats to its extremely well-sorted ride, the CR-V Hybrid is comfortable for a wide variety of people. The climate control system has no trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature and can adequately cool rear passengers too.

Oddly enough, because the engine and transmission are so smooth, the Hybrid exposes a real lack of sound insulation in the CR-V. Road noise from other vehicles on the road is prevalent, and wind noise is pervasive at highway speeds.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? With the exception of the push-button gear selector, there's not much to separate the CR-V Hybrid from the non-hybrid model, and that's fine by us. Thanks to its generous door openings and agreeable ride height, getting into the CR-V Hybrid is a breeze for all passengers. And once inside, the interior is spacious for all occupants. Even taller rear passengers will find more than enough legroom.

Visibility is generally good, especially looking forward thanks to slim windshield pillars and a relatively low hoodline. But a high beltline, no matter how tall the windows are, can make it difficult to see a car directly alongside you. And while rear visibility is fair, the high-contrast, low-resolution backup camera is not very clear in even the best conditions.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? Tech is a bit of hit-and-miss. The CR-V's infotainment system looked sleek and attractive when it first came out for 2017, but by the latest standards it's showing its age. That's not to say it's poor, but offerings from Mazda and Hyundai are easier to use and nicer to look at.

Even though we weren't won over by our test vehicle's top-of-the-line audio system — its sound quality was unremarkable — we were impressed with the number of charging options. With two USB ports for front passengers and two for rear passengers as well as an available wireless charging pad, every passenger's device should have power.

The CR-V's adaptive cruise control works well, as does the lane-keeping function. Overall, the advanced driver aids are well calibrated to many different conditions.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? The CR-V Hybrid offers 33.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is good for the class. But it doesn't quite match the space on offer in the RAV4 Hybrid (37.5 cubic feet) or non-hybrid CR-V (39.2 cubes). Of course, 60/40-split folding rear seats increase the capacity and flexibility of the CR-V Hybrid. Lowering the seats is easy, and the seats fold relatively flat, but they're a bit heavy to lift back up into position.

Honda continues to impress with interior storage options. From rubber-lined hidden cubbies to various trays and pockets, both front and rear passengers should have ample room to store their personal items. Generous rear-seat space and easy-to-access anchors make installing car seats, even large ones, a breeze.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA's 38 mpg combined estimate is competitive, but real-world fuel economy in our experience is disappointing. On our standardized 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, the CR-V Hybrid struggled to clear 32 mpg, even with a light foot. We suspect the underpowered gasoline engine has to work too hard to keep up with traffic, and the boost from the electric motor simply isn't enough at speeds more than 45 mph.

In contrast, we had a much easier time getting close to the EPA estimates with the RAV4 Hybrid (an EPA 40 mpg combined). We even got better fuel economy on our test route with the regular non-hybrid CR-V.

Value

7.5/10

Is the CR-V Hybrid a good value? The CR-V Hybrid doesn't command much of a premium over the non-hybrid version, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. As is typical for Honda, the CR-V's build quality is unassailable, and the interior works and fits together in ways other manufacturers can't quite seem to match, especially at this price point.

The CR-V Hybrid's three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties are standard for the class. The hybrid components are warrantied for a strong eight years/100,000 miles, just like the RAV4 Hybrid. It's nice to see Honda offering roadside assistance to match the duration of the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Wildcard

7.5/10

If you value practicality and refinement with a touch of efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid will likely make for a good companion. The Hybrid goes about its daily duties with near exceptional smoothness and composure, so much so that it almost starts feeling like more of a luxury car than a small Honda SUV. It provides little thrill or driving enjoyment, but the CR-V's competence can take the edge off in its own way.

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid trim level differences

The 2021 CR-V Hybrid is offered in three trim levels: EX, EX-L and Touring. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid system combines to produce 212 horsepower. All three trims come standard with all-wheel drive. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid trim levels in-depth.

Which CR-V Hybrid trim does Edmunds recommend?

Value and efficiency are the name of the game here. That's why we recommend the base EX trim. You get a long list of standard equipment and advanced safety features for the money. The extras on the EX-L and Touring are nice but nothing that you can't live without.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$131/mo

$240/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Reliability

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

3 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 26V332000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: Refer to C
Manufactured from:: 2016-06-29 to
Number of vehicles affected:: 98892
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Defect Consequence:: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

Recall Number:: 24V064000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: XHP, VHQ
Number of vehicles affected:: 750114
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Defect Consequence:: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, and October 18, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

Recall Number:: 23V844000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: FGB
Number of vehicles affected:: 106030
Defect Description:: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The 12-Volt battery cable routed outside of the body frame is missing a fuse on the power circuit, which can allow the battery cable to short circuit or overheat during a crash.
Defect Consequence:: An overheated battery cable or short circuit can increase the risk of a fire or injury in a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the battery cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FGB.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Honda CR-V Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

46 reviews

5(59%)

4(22%)

3(4%)

2(11%)

1(4%)

See all 46 reviews of the Honda CR-V Hybrid

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid video

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review: One Year and 17K Miles in Our Honda Hybrid SUV | Long-Term Review

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a small hybrid SUV that we added to our long-term fleet and have spent the last year driving it around Southern California. In this video, Travis Langness from Edmunds reviews what it was like to live with the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid for the past year. Travis talks about all the things you should know about the CR-V Hybrid, including its mpg…

2021 CR-V Hybrid Features & Specs

Trim:

Est. Market Value	$25,748
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	38 MPG
Cost to Drive	$131/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the CR-V Hybrid models:

Collision Mitigation Braking System: Detects and warns of potential front impacts and automatically engages the brakes to mitigate or prevent a collision.
Lane Keeping Assist: Monitors the vehicle's position in its lane with a camera and automatically corrects your course to prevent an inadvertent lane departure.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow: Adjusts the speed to maintain a set distance from traffic ahead and can bring the vehicle down to a stop.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%