We’re spending 12 months with this Honda CR-V Hybrid, reviewing the full ownership experience with ongoing updates. Also, find out why we named the Honda CR-V the Best Buy in its class for 2020.
A year of reliability with the Honda CR-V Hybrid
by Frankie Rogers on December 15, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 10,492 miles
Latest MPG: 32.54 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 32.12 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $102.67
Days out of Service: 0
We spent a year with the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid. Here’s what we learned.
Fuel Economy
The CR-V Hybrid’s hard-working 212 horsepower, 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine averaged 32.12 mpg over 10,492 miles. There were a few road trips where the CR-V Hybrid returned 34 mpg, but it never reached Honda’s estimated 38 mpg during the 12 months we spent driving it.
Utterly reliable
In true Honda fashion, the 2021 CR-V Hybrid was the definition of reliable. No issues mechanically or otherwise. In fact, we spent more time washing the CR-V Hybrid to keep its beautiful White Pearl paint gleaming in the California sun. We did take it in for one scheduled maintenance visit at 8,690 miles, which consisted of an oil change and tire rotation, and spent just 57 minutes at the dealership. There wasn’t any downtime to speak of with the little SUV.
Comfortable convenience
The simple comfort of the Honda CR-V Hybrid made it feel like a favorite pair of jeans. Short trips and long trips were made tolerable by the fit and support of the seats. The infotainment system, with the one knob for volume, was intuitive and easy to use, especially when utilizing Apple CarPlay. Climate controls were within reach and laid out in a manner where you could focus on driving while making adjustments to cool or heat the cabin.
Along with Honda’s exceptional LED headlights, a notable convenience was the CR-V Hybrid’s Auto High-Beam Headlights. With the headlight control set in the Auto position, the system automatically turns on the high beams when no other cars are detected. Some roads in my neighborhood aren’t well lit at night and this feature helped illuminate the path ahead without the need to keep turning the high beams on and off.
Such utility
The Honda CR-V Hybrid proved to be quite spacious when needing to transport large items like furniture and hardware supplies. It swallowed up a coffee table (see March 14, 2021 post) with room to spare, as well as an 8 ft. PVC pipe, an appliance dolly, and shopping trips to Costco where everything is large and bulky.
Final Thoughts
Our year with the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid was pleasantly ordinary. The competent little SUV got us where we needed to go with ease and confidence. It went about its business of shuttling people and things, during an ongoing pandemic no less, without drama. Its reliability made it a vehicle to count on in a world that is anything but.
Honda Lane Keeping Assist – Helpful, yet sometimes troublesome
by Frankie Rogers on November 29, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 9,909 miles
Latest MPG: 30.35 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 32.14 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $102.67
Days out of Service: 0
The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) is a driver-assist technology and part of the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features. It helps keep a vehicle centered in a detected lane and uses mild steering torque to keep the vehicle from drifting outside of its lane. Lane Keep Assist (LKA), which can go by other names depending on the manufacturer, can be found in many vehicles today.
Honda’s LKAS uses a windshield-mounted camera that looks for lane markings and is able to see Botts’ Dots and some other lane markers as well. It operates at speeds between 45 mph and 90 mph. It works by steering the vehicle back into the center of the detected lane if it determines the vehicle is deviating and no turn signal has been activated by the driver.
While this system is useful, especially when driving through narrow high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes or older roadways, which feel compact, it does have some issues. There have been occasions when the lane is clearly marked and the vehicle is centered yet the LKAS “thinks” it needs to steer the vehicle back toward the center of the lane. Lately, this has been happening more often which makes us wonder if the system needs to be recalibrated. The LKAS can also get confused by lane markings that are further apart, almost as if the camera view isn’t wide enough to see the lanes. Still, with its visual warning and steering wheel jerk, you would have to be asleep at the wheel not to notice you’re drifting out of your lane.
Time for the CR-V Hybrid’s first service visit
by Frankie Rogers on October 27, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 8,690 miles
Latest MPG: 30.79 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 32.17 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $102.67
Days out of Service: 0
Do you know how sometimes you get a premonition that something is about to happen? You can just feel it. Well due to the Honda CR-V Hybrid’s mileage we knew it was getting close to the time we would need to take it in for its first service. Sure enough, the maintenance reminder popped up around 8,600 miles and displayed code “A1.” Code “A” indicates an oil and filter change is required, and code “1” indicates the tires need to be rotated.
We scheduled an appointment for our CR-V Hybrid with Spreen Honda in Corona. Once we arrived the check-in process was quick and we were told it would take about an hour and a half to complete the required service. We settled into one of the many chairs offered in the comfortable waiting area and thanks to complimentary Wi-Fi, got some work done. About 57 minutes later the service advisor informed us the vehicle was ready. It’s worth noting that a complimentary wash was included as well. Talk about quick service.
The total for the oil and filter change, replacing a crushed washer ($0.55), rotating the tires from front to back and back to front, plus a multi-point inspection came to $102.67. While we were not given the multi-inspection report card showing tire wear, brake levels, or battery condition we can confirm that our CR-V Hybrid passed all of its tests. We’ll be sure to ask for a printed report during our next service visit.
The joy of washing a small SUV
by Frankie Rogers on September 29, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 8,050 miles
Latest MPG: 33.33 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 32.24 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
One of the advantages of driving a compact SUV like the Honda CR-V Hybrid, is that when it comes time to wash it there isn’t a lot of sheet metal to clean up. The CR-V’s smallness means I can wash and dry it in about an hour, a little longer if it’s really dirty. I find that by washing your own vehicle you become familiar with the exterior and will notice imperfections, scratches, or small dents that come from daily use. During one of my first washes, I discovered the Honda CR-V’s front bumper has a corner that doesn’t snap in all the way. It’s annoying but nothing to be concerned about.
While cleaning the outside of a vehicle provides familiarity with its exterior, cleaning the inside will teach you about its features. Vacuuming the seats and carpet, and wiping down the interior surfaces is a good way to learn how everything works and is put together. The first time I had to clean the center console was when I realized the cleverness of Honda’s storage space. A clean car is a happy car.
The versatility of the CR-V’s center console
by Frankie Rogers on August 26, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 6,829 miles
Latest MPG: 34.77 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 32.14 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
Aside from the usual cup holders found in most cars these days, the Honda CR-V’s center console offers up a bounty of versatility. To begin with, the armrest slides back and forth for adjustable comfort. I find that resting my right elbow on the armrest while steering with my left hand to be quite comfortable during long drives. The armrest also opens up to allow access to the storage compartment below. The compartment tray easily slides back and forth for access to the inner storage area. In addition, while the tray is in the open position it can be flipped up and pushed back and out of the way allowing for storage of large items like a purse or small laptop computer. If you need access to power there is a 12V power outlet inside the compartment as well. Thank you, Honda.
The Driver Attention Monitor – How does it work?
by Frankie Rogers on July 19, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 5,529 miles
Latest MPG: 32.02 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 31.94 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
Recently while driving back from a visit with my parents KBB’s long-term 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid flashed a coffee cup symbol in the main display with a message stating the driver’s attention level was low. This caught me off guard because I felt alert and in control but apparently Honda’s monitor disagreed.
The 2017 CR-V was the first Honda to introduce the Driver Attention Monitor. According to Honda, the feature works by using an angle sensor that measures the amount of steering wheel corrections made by the driver to stay in their lane. Depending on the level of attention detected the system will flash a warning with two to four bars in the main display and a recommendation to take a break. The more bars displayed the higher the driver’s attention level. If the driver’s attention level gets worse the visual warning is heightened and the system will issue an audio alert and will vibrate the steering wheel.
While the monitor is always on in the background the warnings can be customized by accessing the settings menu. The warnings can be set to tactile and audible, tactile alert, or disabled completely by selecting off. Whichever setting is selected it’s a clever feature to have in any vehicle as a reminder for the driver to take a break.
Honda’s Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
by Frankie Rogers on June 28, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 5,229 miles
Latest MPG: 33.57 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 31.93 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
Honda’s rear cross traffic monitor has been very helpful when attempting to negotiate out of a parking space in tight and busy parking lots. It is designed to detect vehicles approaching from the side when backing out. Honda says its system can alert the driver of approaching vehicles within about 82 feet of the CR-V Hybrid. Like most rear cross traffic warning systems it alerts the driver with a specific type of notification, which in our hybrid SUV is a succession of loud beeps. Not all systems use the audible warning, some use visual or tactile warnings, like a vibrating steering wheel or seat.
While the rear cross traffic monitor helps by providing an added layer of awareness when backing out of a driveway or grocery store parking spot, there have been a couple of occasions when the Honda CR-V Hybrid did not detect an approaching vehicle. During two recent shopping trips, the CR-V Hybrid missed detecting cars that were backing up behind and to the side of the vehicle. Fortunately, I am one of those drivers who still look all around before moving. It only takes a few seconds for another car to enter your backup space while you turn around to look forward, which is what happened in my situation. The lesson, do not rely completely on the rear cross traffic monitor systems, be sure to use your head and eyes too.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid’s real-world mpg
by Frankie Rogers on May 15, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 3,828 miles
Latest MPG: 30.69 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 31.21 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
We’ve had our long-term Honda CR-V Hybrid for less than six months and during that time we have been averaging around 31 mpg. While that’s not bad it’s also not exactly meeting the EPA fuel economy rating of 38 mpg combined. This is probably due to our driving habits and highway speeds. It seems the CR-V Hybrid gets poor mileage when driving at speeds of 70 mph and higher, which we are guilty of. Between the mini road trips and visits to see the parents, we had to maintain average driving speeds of 80 mph to keep up with the flow of traffic. The CR-V Hybrid also returns poor mileage when you step on the accelerator to get around slow-moving cars, which we also do. It’s worth noting that when we have had to make a pass the CR-V Hybrid is quick to respond and get up to speed, albeit with quite a bit of noise from the engine as it seems to protest our power demand. With 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, the CR-V Hybrid exudes a confident and consistent feel on the road. We are still under work-from-home orders so we don’t have the daily commute to the office, which we feel would return better fuel economy. In the meantime, we’ll keep charting our fuel economy stats.
Kickin’ it with Honda’s Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate
by Frankie Rogers on April 18, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 2,709 miles
Latest MPG: 30.8 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 30.7 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
One of the Honda CR-V Hybrid’s useful features is its hands-free access power tailgate. With the key fob in your pocket or purse and one well-placed kick right under the rear of the vehicle and voila, the tailgate opens without having to touch it. While this feature isn’t new it is popular and can be found not only on SUVs but also on minivans, sedans, hatchbacks, and even some trucks. Some automakers, like Ford, require a wave of the foot under the rear bumper, while others, like Honda and Volkswagen, just require a kicking motion. Hyundai and Kia vehicles with hands-free power liftgates will open three seconds after detecting the key fob when standing near the rear of the vehicle, no foot dancing required.
Honda has the hands-free power tailgate dialed in so there isn’t any guessing as to where to place your foot when trying to open it. Just walk up to the rear of the CR-V and do what I call an “air kick” right under the middle of the bumper and it will beep and open. When your hands are otherwise occupied with grocery bags, boxes, or tools it’s a great attribute to have on any car.
Honda CR-V cargo area can swallow a coffee table
by Frankie Rogers on March 14, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 2,102 miles
Latest MPG: 31.6 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 30.6 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
What better way to test the capacity of the Honda CR-V Hybrid’s cargo area than with the purchase of a new coffee table. With the rear seats folded down the CR-V has 68.7 cubic feet of space, and 33.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up. With those dimensions, a boxed-up table should fit.
After finding a good deal on a new coffee table on Craigslist I prepped the CR-V for the transport of the table. This involved folding the rear seats to create space for my cargo. By pulling the small lever located on the top of each seat they fold over without effort, and without a sound too. Sometimes rear seats can make a loud thud when falling forward but not Honda’s seats. For extra protection, I laid down a moving blanket to protect both the CR-V’s carpeted rear, as well as the new table. Mainly I did this to capture any debris that might fall off of the shipping box the table was packaged in so I wouldn’t have to vacuum.
The box weighed about 68 pounds and measured 39. 5 inches by 40 inches. With the help of the seller, the box was slid into the rear of the CR-V fitting snugly between the rear wheel wells. Thanks to the compact SUV’s low liftover height of approximately 24.5 inches, which is from the ground up to just above the bumper, it was an easy maneuver to lift and slide. The Honda CR-V passed my cargo capacity test, now it’s time to assemble the table.
Why is there only one seatback pocket?
by Frankie Rogers on February 14, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 1,500 miles
Latest MPG: 31.7 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 30.3 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
I usually keep a couple of reusable shopping bags in the cars I drive and have found the seatback pockets the best place to store them. To my surprise, our 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid does not have a driver seatback pocket, just one on the passenger seatback. If I had passengers, like children or adults on a road trip, I would think both seatback pockets would come in handy. While I rarely spend time in the second row I still find both seatback pockets useful for my day-to-day excursions and shopping trips.
Research failed to reveal the real reason for the missing seatback pocket, but I did come across a few theories as to why it doesn’t exist. One theory is that the passenger seatback pocket is used the most, especially by the driver, and it’s much easier to reach. Another theory suggests a driver’s seatback pocket could be distracting for the driver when a passenger stores or removes items from the pocket. Yet another theory is that Honda left it off to save money.
Whatever the real reason is for only one seatback pocket, I do miss having a place for items that are easily retrieved from the driver side of the Honda CR-V.
Visiting Dinosaurs in the Desert
by Frankie Rogers on January 14, 2021
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 589 miles
Latest MPG: 32.3 mpg
Lifetime MPG: 29.5 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
Weekend driving excursions have become the norm as the pandemic rages on, especially here in Southern California. To get some seat time in our 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and as an escape from being stuck at home, we took a drive to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Located down in the southernmost part of the state, it derives its name from the Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word for sheep, borrego.
Our main reason for the visit was to see the metal sculptures in the Borrego Springs area, which reside outside of the park. The sculptures were the vision of local landowner Dennis Avery who commissioned artist and welder Ricardo Breceda to create the whimsical art forms. Easily spotted along Borrego Springs Road you can get up close to each sculpture by driving on the dirt trails that lead up to each. What better way to sample the Honda CR-V’s all-wheel-drive system than by taking it on some sandy driving paths. Like a sure-footed mountain goat, the CR-V Hybrid bounded over ruts and rocks with ease. Honda’s Real Time AWD uses an array of sensors to determine when to send torque to the rear wheels making such treks effortless.
Unbeknownst to us, the quiet hybrid system propelling the little SUV across the desert trails made it too easy to creep up on unsuspecting hikers who decided to walk instead of drive to the sculptures. We decided it was best to give them a wide berth so as not to scare them.
The sculptures were plentiful and varied. From birds of prey to bighorn sheep, Jeeps to serpents, and prehistoric creatures that once roamed the earth, it is an eclectic collection sure to please any visitor. We spent most of our time among the dinosaurs which seem to look normal in the desert landscape. We’ll have to return and explore more sculptures during another trip.
Introduction
by Frankie Rogers on December 28, 2020
Price: $37,470 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 53 miles
Latest MPG: N/A
Lifetime MPG: N/A
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0.00
Days out of Service: 0
We welcomed a 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid into the Kelley Blue Book fleet recently, assuring a year of economical fuel economy, utility, and effortless driving manners. Having won the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award a record five times the Honda CR-V has become the standard with which other models in its segment are measured.
The CR-V’s class members include the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape, and Subaru Forester, with each one vying for the top spot.
By opting to go with the top-level Touring trim, our Honda CR-V Hybrid is equipped with lots of options including leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated front seats, 12-way power for the driver and 4-way power for the front passenger, driver attention monitor, and dual zone automatic climate control. Also standard on the CR-V Hybrid is all-wheel drive, which boasts more power and better fuel economy than the standard model.
Our White Pearl CR-V Hybrid Touring is equipped with a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder that puts out 212 horsepower and is mated to an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission (eCVT). It’s a robust engine with more horsepower than the gas-powered version.
Our favorite feature is the Honda Sensing Safety Suite which is standard on all 2021 Honda CR-V models. Honda’s safety suite includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.
Since it just arrived we’ve only taken the Honda CR-V Hybrid on a few errands, most recently to the local Costco, and we came away impressed with the amount of rear cargo space behind the second row. We look forward to more shopping trips, especially to the Home Depot, to see what else will fit within 68.7 cu. ft. of cargo area. With a year of day-to-day driving duties and road trips on the horizon, we’ll have lots to share.
