IS THE NEW 2023 HONDA CR-V HYBRID A BETTER BUY THAN THE 2023 TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID?

EV Channels Review

The 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid is presented as a compelling option, particularly when compared to its arch-rival, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The reviewer highlights the hybrid powertrain's responsiveness and efficiency, noting over 40 MPG in city driving, though highway efficiency is slightly less than Toyota's. The Sport Touring trim, exclusively AWD, offers premium features like a Bose sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a kick sensor, but comes at a premium price point (over $40,000). The reviewer praises the CR-V's refined ride quality, quiet cabin, and driver-focused steering, describing it as near-luxury. However, for the top trim, the reviewer points out a lack of features compared to similarly priced RAV4 Hybrids, such as a 360-degree camera and a fully digital instrument cluster. The reviewer strongly recommends the hybrid powertrain over the non-hybrid turbo models due to its superior performance and fuel economy. The base Sport Hybrid is identified as a strong value proposition, offering much of the performance and technology for a significantly lower cost, with the front-wheel-drive variant providing even better fuel economy.