The Hybrid-Powered 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Is a Blended Bag on the Street

The driving expertise is a combined bag

We all know this powertrain is extra environment friendly within the metropolis, however sadly, our first drive was nearly totally on the freeway. And instantly, we encountered some dangerous mannerisms. The primary hill pressured the engine to dig deep, conserving the revs pinned and introducing a less-than-stellar engine observe into the cabin. Any time we have been met with an incline, the engine felt overworked to provide energy.

Issues did not get higher on the descents both. It is nice that Honda consists of variable brake regeneration with the hybrid powertrain, however when the battery is gathering energy (going downhill, for instance) the whine from the electrical motor is loud — actually loud. We truly thought it was the engine kicking again on, however certainly it was the e-motor making its presence recognized. A hybrid powertrain is meant to be seamless and quiet. Most of the time, the CR-V Sport Touring was neither of these two issues.

And that is unlucky as a result of the transient time spent on metropolis streets was a totally totally different story. From stoplight to stoplight the automotive was quiet and composed, spending a powerful period of time in electrical mode. Round city, this can be a nice automotive to drive, and the 13 additional miles per gallon (metropolis determine) over the gas-only mannequin is a big acquire.

Edmunds says

The excellent news is that Honda’s best-selling automotive is healthier, with a snug inside and a extra energetic exterior design. The dangerous information is that we nonetheless desire the fuel model to the hybrid. Our real-world gasoline financial system testing is likely to be compelling sufficient to change that quickly, however after this hybrid first drive, we do not see sufficient of a change to advocate it.