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Honda CR-V PHEV: new photos.

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Of course, Honda has a plug-in Hybrid version of the new CR-V. In China…

This new version is powered by a 2.0 Liter engine and an electric motor. And the EV range is 45 miles in the Chinese test cycle. Which could still be between 35 and 40 miles over here, and could be very competitive. A few years ago I test-drove the Honda Clarity PHEV. It was an excellent car. I got 45 miles of pure electric driving. And averaged around 54MPG after that. Sure, the CR-V is taller and not as efficient. Still, why is this not sold in the US? They wouldn’t be the only ones. Toyota sells the RAV-4 Prime and it’s quite popular. Ford, Hyundai, and Kia also offer PHEV SUVs.

What is wrong with Honda? It seems they are following VW’s footsteps in making huge marketing mistakes in the US…

Why???

Conversation 8 comments

  2. My belief is that Honda is still struggling heavily with a real component limitation because they invested a lot in China and then got stung when production units there for parts manufacture closed with COVID (and the Chinese are still doing that bcuz they dont want to admit their Chinese researched/produced vaccines are ineffective, so they continue to have mandatory closures). Honda signalled this in three ways: 1) statements of supply shortages, and much lower units produced than comparable manufacturers, 2) a recent “retirement” of a supply chain leader in NA, 3) Honda has recently re-intro’d the ‘LX’ trim to the Civic, CRV, Pilot. These take a lot less chips where those features (multi zone climate control, safety tech, electric seats, etc…) are deleted. And notice that February units sold was down again. So, I get why they’ve held the PHEV off in NA. They’re putting those units they can manufacture to markets where its a necessity to compete. Do they need to bring it here? Yeah, they do! But they’re still struggling to get on their feet. It will be a missed opportunity here if they dont get this resolved and bring it here. In the meanwhile, I think Honda’s real missed opportunity is not selling better accessories to improve their transaction prices at the dealers – and this is a good example. Look at the CRV you’re driving, and look at this PHEV. Those painted lower body cladding would make great visual statements that a lot of people will like if they find the CRV too plain. Also, a decent set of fog lights and wheel options. Honda’s leaving money on the table.

  3. Also, Honda mentioned they would be bringing some critical component manufacture back to Japan. But Yes, they need to move quickly or they’re not going to recover their lost marketshare, and dealership become more heavily stocked with other brands.

  5. This CR-V looks great. We own a Lux SUV, but want a less expensive car for running chores: where you won’t feel nuts to load mulch or plants. We currently have an RDX. It’s a very good car w/o much to complain about. It feels a little tight. The load space is small. The Sun Visor can only be moved by bowing your head (I’m only 5’8”). Then touchpad takes a l-o-n-g learning curve & the center console space is small. It is fun to drive. This C-RV looks like it might fit the goals … I am concerned about engine options ??

  6. based on the interior pics, the Chinese version of the CRV gets a larger infotainment screen as well as full LCD screen for the digital dash, unlike the one for the US market where you only get partial digital. I wonder, why the Chinese market gets better tech than the US?

  7. based on the interior pics, the Chinese version of the CRV gets a larger infotainment screen as well as full LCD screen for the digital dash, unlike the one for the US market where you only get partial digital. I wonder, why the Chinese market gets better tech than the US?

  8. based on the interior pics, the Chinese version of the CRV gets a larger infotainment screen as well as full LCD screen for the digital dash, unlike the one for the US market where you only get partial digital. I wonder, why the Chinese market gets better tech than the US?

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