With no major changes to 2022 MY, do not expect too much shuffling in the feature list which was already pretty good and it would be a mistake to change it. But yes expect an increase in a price range which should be from $32,000 to $38,000. As usual, the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid will come in three trim levels i.e. EX, EX-L, and Touring. These trims as always should be enough to cover a vast variety of buyers. 

Such as the base ‘EX’ trim comes with various luxury and tech features such as heated front seats including a power-adjustable driver seat, and a remote start. The EX-L upgrades over it by having a power-adjustable passenger seat, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a heated steering wheel. The ‘Touring’ trim tops out by having wireless smartphone charging, front and rear parking sensors, roof rails, and a hands-free liftgate.

Which Trim should you buy?

From all three trims, we would suggest you go for the mid-level ‘EX-L trim. Not only does it come with all the features from base trim such as heated front seats with power-adjustable driver seat with memory settings, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start. But it also upgrades the cabin’s luxury level by offering leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, ambient interior lighting, and a heated steering wheel. Not to forget the safety features such as a forward-collision warning system with an automatic emergency braking system, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring system.

Release Date

The 2022 Honda CR-V has been launched. Unfortunately, we do not see any changes with the current MY, however, a major overhaul is expected to be in place for the 2023 model. 

The 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid is powered by a combination of 2.0 Litre Inline-4 cylinder Atkinson cycle and two electric motors. The pair manages to produce 212 horsepower and a torque of 232 lb-ft. Power is sent to all four wheels via continuously variable-speed automatic transmission which we must say is smooth enough to stay enjoyable in every situation. As for the engine, it offers a memorable driving experience whether you take it to the rush hour or on a long route trip.

However, it is a bit slower for its segment when it comes to acceleration as it manages to reach 60 mph in 8.3 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile in 16.6 seconds. So flooring its pedal is not going to impress you but its behavior transforms once you get it moving. The smooth transition from the motor to the gas engine midway is impressive for its class. Even the steering system feels well-weighted and is immensely responsive. Body roll is well contained and even high-speed cornering does not seem to be a problem.

Sure, Honda CR-V Hybrid offers amazing ride quality, but when compared to its rivals. It easily falls behind both Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid that produce higher power outputs of 219 and 227hp. But it manages to surpass the Ford Escape, which is the least powerful and takes almost half a second more in both the 60mph and quarter-mile sprint. However, it bears distinction by being the only SUV to be equipped with an EVT unit and is also the only one to have an FWD setup.

The main reason behind going for a hybrid vehicle is the fuel economy, and we must say the 2022 CR-V Hybrid fully delivers that. The hybrid combination manages to offer a mileage of 38 MPG in the city, 40 MPG on the highways, and 35 MPG when combined. These numbers are decent for its segment but are the lowest when pitted against the direct competitors.

However, compare it to the non-hybrid version of CR-V and you will see a major difference as gasoline-powered Honda CR-V manages to offer a mileage of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highways. The difference is great and combined with a decently sized 14 gallons of the fuel tank and you get one of the best driving ranges varying from 532 to 560 miles. Even the instant transition from an electric motor to a gas engine is amazing when experienced on the road.

The Honda CR-V hybrid’s fuel economy is amazing which when compared to its rivals easily surpasses the Ford Escape Hybrid. However, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson in their hybrid variants, take the first spot here by offering better mileage of 38 MPG, fuel tank capacity, and driving range of over 500 miles.

With a premium and new-fangled look on the inside, Honda decided to keep the 2022 CR-V hybrid unchanged. It still continues to be an ergonomic setup with both practical and quirky features available to the buyers. As for the material, it looks and feels premium, and with a clutter-free dashboard design, we expect the SUV’s holistic interior to maintain its relevance with the new model as well.

For passengers, power-adjustable front bucket seats are available which are roomy and comfortable. For rear occupants, a 60/40 split-folding bench seat is available which is again wide and comfy. The dual-zone automatic climate control is pretty strong for this one and works efficiently from front to back. As for the cargo, the standard 33.2 cubic feet of capacity is pretty good for its segment and the inside of the cabin offers several storage spaces for small items.

The CR-V’s spacious cabin is adequate for maximum-sized occupants. However, when compared, its rivals offer even more room for front-row occupants. As for the rear row occupant, only Hyundai Tucson offers better legroom. The standard cargo capacity of CR-V is lesser than what Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Escape Hybrid offers. But one can easily compensate for that by folding down the rear row bench seat. Below are some of the key interior features.

• Leather upholstery
• Power adjustable front bucket seats
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Moonroof
• Heated steering wheel

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The biggest flaw CR-V had for a few years was its aging infotainment system. The 7-inch touchscreen it offered was good but it's the sluggish and complicated UI that made everything worse. Not anymore, as Honda is finally bringing an updated infotainment system for the 2022 CR-V Hybrid. Which is going to be a bit similar to what one will find in the latest models of HR-V and Civic. Expect a 9 to 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with updated UI which should be good enough.

As for the other features, CR-V seems fully loaded with features such as SiriusXM, Bluetooth streaming audio and hands-free link, Honda link, speed-sensitive volume control, and navigation system. The 330 watts 9 speaker audio system sounds decent but we would love to have an updated version. Moreover, multiple USB ports for front and rear occupants including a wireless charging pad are available. Below are some of its few key infotainment features.

• Apple CarPlay support
• Android Auto support
• SiriusXM
• Navigation system
• Wireless charging pad

The 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid continues unchanged even in this aspect. While the design feels premium and has an upmarket aura to it, it has started to show its age and can use a refresh. As per spy shots doing rounds, the CR-V can be revamped in 2023 to fall in line with the current design strategy of the brand and can adopt a similar sense of refinement as the new Honda HR-V and Honda Civic. 

As far as the new iteration goes, it looks the same. The LED lights upfront and at the back might not look as interesting as when they were first launched, but they still have a sense of easiness about them. From the side, it still looks large and imposing and the beefy appearance of the SUV still remains intact. 

Dimensions wise, the CR-V Hybrid is similar to its rivals, but it does offer 8.2 inches of ground clearance which is pretty good for its segment. It falls in a similar ballpark as its rivals when curb weight is concerned. It gets the shortest wheelbase of 104.7 inches, while the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid gets the longest of 108.5 inches. Moreover, it is one of the longest cars in the segment but is shorter in height and width, when compared with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid. Below are some of its key exterior features.

• Newly designed upright grille
• Updated headlights and taillights
• Power liftgate
• Roof rack rails

When it comes to safety, the 2022 Honda CR-V might not be rated yet but it should be safe enough on the road as Honda managed to load CR-V properly with adequate features. Aside from standard features such as stability and traction controls, and multiple dual-stage airbags throughout the cabin, advanced features such as blind-spot monitoring system, forward collision mitigation system, lane departure warning system, automatic emergency braking system, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are available. 

A backup camera including front and rear parking sensors is also available. All these are efficient enough to keep CR-V and its occupants safe. On top of that, the 2021 CR-V received full stars in crash test ratings by the IIHS and NHTSA. IIHS even rewarded it with the ‘Top safety pick’ title. So expect the 2022 model on the same level if not better. Below are some of its key safety features.

• Anti-theft alarm system
• Blind-spot monitoring system
• Lane departure warning system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The CR-V vs the RAV4 is an old rivalry, this time the RAV4 Hybrid comes out faster on the road and offers better fuel economy with the bigger fuel tank which results in a better driving range. On top of that, it offers more room for occupants and cargo. The CRV Hybrid on the other hand offers better braking power, sleeker design, and an impressive cabin.

2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

When stacked against the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, the CR-V hybrid manages to offer better braking performance, much better fuel economy and driving range, sporty visuals, and a controlled driving experience. The Tucson on the other hand manages to outrun CR-V easily on the road and offers a lot more room for both cargo and occupants.

2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid

When put against the Ford Escape Hybrid, the CR-V turns out to be the faster one on the road. It also offers much better fuel economy and a bigger cabin for occupants including more cargo capacity. The Ford Escape on the other hand offers better braking power and a lighter body which results in better control over the vehicle.

Time and time again, the CR-V has proved its worth in the market. Once again, Honda has done it by bringing the same good ol' CR-V but with a new appearance which certainly is going to attract the crowd. The only problem one can find in it is the slower acceleration. Despite this, it is still one of the best vehicles in its segment which offers a complete package. So if you can easily overcome that flaw then yes we think you should consider getting the new Honda CR-V Hybrid.