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Owning a Hybrid SUV for a Year
When a new car arrives, the first months are a mix of excitement and routine. For the past thirteen months, the 2024 Honda CR‑V Sport Touring Hybrid has been the family’s daily driver, and the experience has been surprisingly uneventful—except for a few honest observations that paint a fuller picture of what owning a hybrid SUV really means.
First Impressions and Practical Upgrades
After buying the CR‑V in December 2024, the owners added a few practical touches. The first upgrade was the Kumo HA32 Soloulless all‑weather tires, chosen for their grip in cold, snowy conditions and quiet ride. The owners noted that the tires performed as well as the stock set, with a slight drop in fuel economy that they accepted for better traction.
Next came floor protection. The leather seats held up well, but the standard floor liners were thin. The owners installed Real Truck’s Husky units, which fit perfectly and kept snow melt and landscaping debris from damaging the carpet. The cargo area, already spacious, became even more functional with these reinforced liners.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
On the road, the CR‑V feels smooth and refined. The steering is responsive, and the hybrid system delivers a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. The owners compared it to other compact SUVs—Mazda CX‑50, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, and the older and newer RAV 4 models—and found the CR‑V to be the most comfortable and quiet behind the wheel.
However, the vehicle is “a little bit down on power, I guess, but” the owners admit, especially on open highways where the hybrid’s electric motor rarely engages. The all‑wheel‑drive system, while providing confidence in slippery conditions, adds weight and complexity that can limit pure electric range.
Fuel Economy Reality Check
The hybrid’s advertised fuel economy falls short of expectations. Over 9,000 miles, the owners averaged just over 31 MPG, far below the EPA’s highway estimate of around 50 MPG. Cold weather and highway driving keep the gasoline engine running, preventing the vehicle from operating in EV mode. The owners attribute this to the hybrid’s design, which relies on a small battery that rarely reaches optimal temperature, and the all‑wheel‑drive system that forces the engine to work harder.
For daily commutes—about 100 miles a day—the owners find the fuel economy acceptable, especially compared to their previous 4Runner, which delivered only 17 MPG. Yet, for long‑distance, open‑road driving, the hybrid’s efficiency is noticeably lower than that of front‑wheel‑drive hybrids or even some electric vehicles.
Interior, Tech, and Cargo Space
The interior is spacious, with rear seats among the largest in the segment and a cargo area that rivals the RAV 4’s. The owners appreciate the comfortable leather seats and the generous tailgate opening. However, the tech package feels dated compared to competitors: no panoramic roof, 360‑degree cameras, or heated rear seats. The infotainment system occasionally loses Android Auto connectivity, but a software update resolved the issue.
Despite the tech gaps, the owners find the cabin quiet and well‑isolated. The lack of a “cooling seat” feature is a minor annoyance, but the overall comfort remains high, even on long trips with dogs and family members.
Maintenance, Reliability, and Future Plans
Maintenance has been minimal: a single B17 service covering tire rotation, brake fluid, and oil change, and no additional repairs in the past year. The owners have not experienced rattles, squeaks, or other mechanical issues, underscoring the CR‑V’s reliability.
Looking ahead, the owners plan to keep the vehicle for at least another six months, while considering a Ford Maverick hybrid pickup for landscaping work. The Maverick’s bed would offer more utility for moving mulch and trees, but the CR‑V’s cargo space already meets most needs.
Overall, the 2024 Honda CR‑V Sport Touring Hybrid delivers a comfortable, well‑built family SUV experience, with practical upgrades that enhance daily use. The main drawback remains fuel economy on highways, but for city and suburban driving, the hybrid remains a solid choice.
For those weighing a hybrid SUV, the CR‑V offers a blend of comfort, reliability, and modest efficiency—though it may not satisfy the most demanding fuel‑economy enthusiasts.