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The 2020 Honda CR-V is Honda’s first all-wheel drive hybrid and their first application of hybrid technology for their perpetually popular compact SUV. Kelley Blue Book’s Micah Muzio was one of the first to experience the new CR-V Hybrid and shares his review in this Kelley Blue Book First Drive video.

The Honda CR-V remains one of America’s hottest selling compact SUVs. Perhaps adding a hybrid to the lineup will make those sales even hotter.

This is Honda’s first swing at a hybrid CR-V and they smartly started from a strong foundation. Engineered around the same powertrain we love in the Accord hybrid, the CR-V hybrid combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine, an electric starter/generator motor, and a dedicated electric propulsion motor. In total there’s 212 system horsepower to exploit. Alright, this is a First Drive video. Let’s see how the electrified CR-V drives as we test off the line smoothness, acceleration, and braking feel.

Standard on all CR-V Hybrids is all-wheel drive that uses a drive shaft to send power mechanically to the rear differential, unlike the Toyota RAV’s electric rear motor setup. It’s a technical distinction that few CR-V buyers will notice or care about but just to verify the CR-V Hybrid’s AWD prowess how bout we drive a few dirt laps off-road around these barrels?

To customize the CR-V hybrid’s driving behavior there are a few different modes to choose from. Sport, econ, EV (up to a mile) modes. Another distinguishing feature of the CRV hybrid are these paddles used to control regenerative braking intensity. Left paddle for more, and right paddle for for more of a coasting feel.

Right now, you’re probably wondering, what does all this dual-motor hybrid tech yield in terms of fuel economy? The answer is 40 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. For those paying attention that’s lower than the EPA ratings for hybridized versions of the Toyota RAV4 (41city / 38hwy) and Ford Escape (43city / 37hwy). How all those numbers translate to the real world depends on a variety of factors but the folks at Honda seem very confident the CR-V can truly deliver its stated economy.

To quickly identify the CR-V Hybrid please note its blue Honda badges, its slightly revised rear fascia with hidden exhaust, and on EX trims and higher, these 5-LED fog lights. Inside you’ll find a hybrid-specific gauge cluster and Honda’s now familiar pushbutton gear selector that does not come on the petrol CR-V. Given the lack of engine noise at low speeds the hybrid also alerts pedestrian with a distinct noise that sounds like this. It looks like we’re CR-Ving in the key of B.

The Hybrid shares the gasoline CR-V’s fundamental strengths including an ample cargo hold with a conveniently low load floor (Text: 33.2 cu-ft behind 2nd row), outstanding passenger space, and a new more functional center storage bin. Look at that baby slide and flip. In addition to all that praise I do have some nitpicks including a steering position that’s too high, an uncomfortable arm rest and a somewhat stale infotainment interface.

With those minor quibbles aside let’s talk price. Slightly undercutting the base prices for both the Escape and RAV4 hybrid, a base CR-V hybrid LX trim can be yours for $28,870 including destination charges. That’s $1,200 more than an all-wheel drive LX gas model. Fuel prices definitely fluctuate but it won’t be hard to recoup the hybrid’s premium with fuel savings over an average ownership period. FYI, all CR-V hybrids include automatic AC, smart key access, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver assists like lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

At Kelley Blue Book we’ve long loved the Honda CR-V for its easy and predictable driving nature, spacious passenger cabin, and superior resale values. All those qualities are here, merely accompanied by a highly competent and reasonably priced hybrid powertrain. That’s a recipe for more sales hotness.