HONDA JUST RELEASED ITS NEW CR-V PLUG-IN FOR AMERICA // FINALLY A RAV4 PRIME RIVAL?

EV Channels Review

The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV is presented as America's first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, offering a 270-mile EPA range. However, the reviewer expresses significant skepticism, highlighting the severe lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the US, making it impractical outside of specific California regions. The vehicle's performance is also a point of concern, with its 174 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque being less than the standard CR-V Hybrid. The reviewer contrasts this unfavorably with the Toyota RAV4 Prime, which offers superior performance and a more practical plug-in hybrid gasoline option. While acknowledging the technological showcase, the primary takeaway is that Honda's true competitor to the RAV4 Prime, a gasoline plug-in hybrid CR-V, is still anticipated and likely delayed due to performance concerns. The reviewer suggests Honda needs to significantly increase horsepower and electric range to make a gasoline CR-V PHEV competitive.