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About the Honda CR-V Hybrid
The CR-V Hybrid was originally demonstrated at the 2017 Auto Shanghai in China in April of 2017. It was later released with the 5th Generation CR-V, first appearing as a 2020 model.
The CR-V competes with other models such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid.
5th Generation Honda CR-V (2020-2022)
The 2020 Honda CR-V was the first CR-V to be sold in North America with a hybrid power-train. The vehicle is assembled at Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana assembly plant, which also produces the standard gasoline-only CR-V, and the powertrain is assembled in Anna, Ohio.
2020-2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid Trim Levels
- Honda CR-V Hybrid LX
- Honda CR-V Hybrid EX
- Honda CR-V Hybrid EX-L
- Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring
Understanding Honda Trim Levels
Across the Honda lineup, the LX is typically the base model, trading fewer features than EX models for a lower price tag.
The EX is the mid-range in the trim lineup, offering features that would check the majority of boxes for most consumers.
The EX-L expands on these features with luxury interior appointments and additional safety features.
The Touring trim level signifies the top tier for Honda models, featuring Honda’s most advanced features and even more luxury.
6th Generation Honda CR-V (2023+)
For 2023, Honda dropped the “Hybrid” badge for the CR-V Hybrid, now offering it’s top two trim tiers, “Sport” and “Sport Touring” in a hybrid powertrain by default.
2023+ Honda CR-V Trim Levels
| Trim Level | Hybrid Drivetrain | Drive Type |
| Honda CR-V LX | No | FWD Standard (AWD Optional) |
| Honda CR-V EX | No | FWD Standard (AWD Optional) |
| Honda CR-V EX-L | No | FWD Standard (AWD Optional) |
| Honda CR-V Sport | Yes | FWD Standard (AWD Optional) |
| Honda CR-V Sport Touring | Yes | AWD Standard |
Further Information
For current Honda CR-V Models and information, we suggest you take a look at the official Honda CR-V Hybrid website.
For information about the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid specifically, there is an independently-published 60 page manual that will tell you more than you ever wanted to know. Find a paperback version or a free version of “2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid: All You Need to Know About 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid” on Amazon.
For more backstory, check out the Honda CR-V Hybrid Wikipedia page.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Battery Specifications
Lithium Drive Battery Pack
The 2020 CR-V Hybrid has a 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack powering the drivetrain.
Honda CR-V Lithium Drive Battery FAQs
How long will the drive battery last in my Honda CR-V Hybrid?
Federal regulations require automakers to provide warranties for hybrid vehicles covering consumers for 100,000 miles or 8 years, whichever comes first. You can likely expect your Honda CR-V Hybrid to last at least this long.
How much does a Honda CR-V Hybrid lithium drive battery cost to replace?
An OEM replacement battery can cost you anywhere from $2,200 – $3,500, depending on condition. This estimate does not include shipping, tax, or labor for replacement.
Where do I find an Electric Car Battery Replacement for the Honda CR-V Hybrid?
Finding an electric car battery replacement can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is a list of vendors that may offer replacement electric car batteries for the Honda CR-V Hybrid:
The Dealership – Likely the best place to find a replacement drive battery for the Honda CR-V Hybrid is the dealer themselves.
eBay – One of the best places to find gently used batteries for the Honda CR-V Hybrid is eBay. Cars that have been wrecked or written off as a total loss can still have good batteries.
Check eBay for Honda CR-V Hybrid Drive Batteries
What can I expect when purchasing a replacement battery for my Honda CR-V Hybrid?
The process for purchasing a battery for your hybrid can include a few surprises:
- Core Charges – A “core charge” is where a vendor charges you a fee as collateral until you send them the part that you are replacing, in this case the battery pack. It is not unusual to see a core charge be the same price as your used battery, typically around $1000-3000.
- Shipping Charges – Batteries are heavy! You can’t exactly toss one in the mailbox. Some vendors will include the cost of batteries in your purchase. Others may charge you anywhere from $100 to $300 to ship. You may also be assessed an additional charge to deliver to a residential address.
- Packaging – If you need to ship your battery to a vendor, you may want to consider the cost of packaging. Typically if you are returning a core, you can simply put your old battery in the same packaging that your replacement battery came in, and ship it back. Be extra careful when packing your battery as most vendors require a core battery to be able to be refurbished, and you may not receive back your core charge if the battery is damaged in transit.
Where can I find an Inverter for my Honda CR-V Hybrid?
Honda CR-Vs use an inverter to convert mechanical energy to electric power. You can often find these inverters used on ebay:
Standard 12V Battery
A conventional 12 volt battery can be found under the hood of the CR-V Hybrid. A top-post Group 51R AGM battery is recommended by Honda if the OEM battery needs replacement.
- Find a replacement 12V Group 51R battery on Amazon
- Find a replacement 12V Group 51R battery on eBay
Key Fob Battery
Honda uses a CR2032 battery in their key fobs for the 2015-2021 model CR-Vs.
Shop CR2032 key fob batteries on Amazon
Key Fob Battery Replacement Instructions
To change the key fob battery
- Remove the valet key from the key fob
- Separate the key fob halves by inserting the key partially back into the slot and twisting and prying
- With the two halves apart, remove the old battery by pulling back on the tabs holding it in place.
- Reinstall the new battery in the same orientation
- Recombine the two halves and re-insert the valet key to complete the job.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Powertrain Specifications
Honda CR-V Hybrid Gasoline Engine
The CR-V Hybrid features a 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I4 gasoline engine with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Transmission
All hybrid CR-V’s use a CVT transmission and are available with FWD or Honda’s Real Time 4WD system.
Different Driving Modes
The Honda CR-V Hybrid has 3 driving modes to enable your CR-V to operate in different ways, depending on the way you are driving and the conditions:
- EV-Drive
The CR-V’s electric motor solely provides power to the front wheels. Saves on gasoline in stop-and-go driving or for short distances. - Hybrid Drive
This is where the engine powers the generator that eventually provides electrical power through your front wheels. This is typically great for driving around town. - Engine Drive
You guessed it, your engine exclusively powers your front wheels. This mode typically kicks in at freeway speeds.
The active driving mode is indicated in the Driver Information Interface, which also displays a power-flow meter that is unique to the CR-V hybrid.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Literature
Please consult your Honda CR-V Hybrid Factory Service Manual for all repair instructions and technical how-to. Don’t have one? Here are links to purchase replacement Honda CR-V Hybrid Owner’s Manuals.
2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Owners Manual on eBay
Honda CR-V Hybrid Community
You can find more CR-V enthusiasts like yourself by joining one of the many forums and other communities online. Check out the following links to find other people like you, who are passionate about Honda CR-V Hybrids.
- CR-V Owners Club
https://www.crvownersclub.com/ - Honda-Tech.com > CR-V & Element Forum
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-cr-v-element-156/ - SuperHonda.com > CR-V Forum
https://www.superhonda.com/forums/crv-forum.150/