How long do Honda CR-V hybrids last? (12 Important Facts) - Mechanical Patrol (2023)

Honda released the hybrid version of the CR-V in 2020, about 25 years after its launch.

It's the most powerful, fuel-efficient and refined CR-V to date and is available in the same four trims as its gasoline-only counterpart.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the average lifespan and long-term reliability of the CR-V Hybrid.

Here's the short answer to how long the Honda CR-V Hybrid lasts:

The Honda CR-V Hybrid can last 250,000 – 350,000 miles with proper maintenance and good driving habits. Based on driving 15,000 miles a year, the CR-V Hybrid should last at least 16 years before repair costs become uneconomical; Its battery should last 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced.

How many miles can you expect from a Honda CR-V Hybrid?

The Honda CR-V has been a bestseller for over 20 years and there are still plenty of late '90s first generation models on the road today.

They are highly reliable vehicles capable of covering hundreds of thousands of kilometers and the hybrid variants are just as durable.

Honda has been producing hybrid cars, starting with the Civic Hybrid, for just over two decades now, and they have proven to go the distance.

A well-maintained CR-V Hybrid should last 250,000 to 350,000 miles, at which point the cost of repairs can start to outweigh the vehicle's value.

Honda has officially stated that its hybrid batteries should last 6-10 years or up to 100,000 miles.

Though based on what we've seen on different internet forums, Honda Accord and Civic hybrids tend to need a new hybrid battery after around 200,000 miles.

The CR-V Hybrid's battery might even last a little longer than that, as it's much newer and probably better designed.

Honda hybrids also receive an 8 year/100,000 mile hybrid battery warranty, but this can go up to 10 years/150,000 miles depending on where the vehicle is registered.

After the battery warranty expires, aftermarket hybrid battery replacements and repairs are not very expensive compared to EV batteries.

You can get a replacement battery for around $2,500, and installation costs around $1,000.

To make the most of the lifespan of your Honda CR-V Hybrid:

• Use smooth, controlled driving.
• Follow the maintenance schedule outlined by Honda.
• Slow to a stop instead of stopping suddenly to extend battery life.

Does the Honda CR-V Hybrid rust easily?

Honda CR-Vs are heavily used as daily drivers in cold climate regions. Even when exposed to a lot of road salt, they don't have a reputation for excessive rusting as long as they are washed regularly. The CR-V Hybrid benefits from the most modern anti-rust techniques.

You may have a little surface rust in 5 years if you live in the Rust Belt or on the coast where there is a lot of salt in the air, but this is normal for most vehicles.

Remember, a little surface rust shouldn't affect the CR-V Hybrid's handling or its structural integrity.

Honda offers a 5 year/unlimited mile rust puncture warranty in case you see excessive corrosion in the CR-V's first few years of life.

It is generally not advisable to have aftermarket rust protection on a new CR-V Hybrid simply because the factory-installed level of protection is more than adequate.

Just be sure to wash your car regularly, including the underside to keep it free of salt, dirt, and grime that can hasten rust.

Related:6 Most Common Honda CR-V Hybrid Problems (Explained)

What is high mileage for a Honda CR-V Hybrid?

A CR-V Hybrid with 100,000 miles on the odometer is considered high mileage. While the vehicle may still have a lot of life left, it may require a new battery sooner or later and will have experienced some degree of wear and tear on major components.

The hybrid battery's warranty has also already expired at 100,000 miles, but Honda's warranty tops out at 150,000 miles in some states.

If the price is right and you budget for minor repairs and the cost of a new battery, you can still get a good deal.

Even a high-mileage CR-V Hybrid will require less maintenance than most other SUVs sold today, simply because of Honda's great build quality.

When buying a used Honda CR-V Hybrid, always consider the following:

• Check that the car has been properly repaired and that the owner can provide proof of this.
• Have the car inspected by a mechanic who understands hybrids.
• As a general rule, fewer previous owners are better. More owners usually means more wear and tear. A single-owner car that is serviced regularly on time is less likely to have problems and unpleasant surprises.
• If you plan on keeping the car for a long time, you should consider whether the savings you get are worth spending a little more on something newer and more reliable.
• Examine the interior – The condition of the interior tells the story of how the car has been maintained and cared for.

How long does the CR-V Hybrid last compared to other hybrid SUVs?

In this section, we'll compare the CR-V Hybrid to its closest competitors.

Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has been available since 2016 and its second generation model was released in 2019.

Toyota hybrids have an excellent reputation for reliability and the RAV4 shares many parts with other models such as the Camry and Highlander.

You can get 300,000+ or ​​20+ years with the RAV4 Hybrid and it's expected to last longer than the CR-V Hybrid.

• RepairPal gave the CR-V a higher reliability rating of4,5/5compared to the RAV44/5.
• According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for both vehicles is about the same with the cost of the CR-V$ 407while the RAV4 costs$ 429per annum.
• The Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating Index gave the CR-V Hybrid a reliability rating of4,6/5which is much larger than the RAV4 Hybrid3,6/5. It's worth noting that the RAV4 has 10 times more reviews, and there are a lot of 1-star reviews unrelated to reliability.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 CR-V Hybrid an overall rating of4.2/5which is almost the same as the RAV4 Hybrid4.1/5.
• J.D. Power gave the Honda CR-V a Quality and Reliability rating of84/100which is much higher than the RAV4's rating of74/100.

Honda and Toyota have excellent reputations for reliability and you really can't go wrong with either.

There are many more Toyota hybrids on the road, and their reputation is unrivaled in the alternative fuel segment.

In non-CARB states, the CR-V Hybrid has a shorter 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty compared to the RAV4's 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The CR-V Hybrid might handle slightly better, but reviewers have also complained about its engine being noisier at highway speeds.

You may also be interested in our article:How long do Toyota RAV4 hybrids last?

Honda CR-V Hybrid x Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a new model for 2022.

Hyundai only started producing hybrid vehicles in 2010 with the Sonata Hybrid. Hyundai's reputation for reliability over the past decade has been pretty solid.

We estimate the average lifespan of the Tucson Hybrid to be slightly lower at 200,000 – 300,000 miles or 13 – 20 years when compared to the CR-V Hybrid

• RepairPal gave the Hyundai Tucson a reliability rating of4/5while the Honda CR-V got a little higher4,5/5.
• According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for both vehicles is about the same with the cost of the CR-V$ 407while the Tucson costs$ 426per annum.
• The Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating Index gave the Tucson Hybrid a reliability rating of4,4/5while the CR-V Hybrid won4,6/5.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 CR-V Hybrid and Tucson Hybrid the same overall rating of4.2/5.
• The J.D. Power gave the Hyundai Tucson a Quality and Reliability rating of88/100which is higher than the CR-V classification of84/100.

Reliability ratings for both SUVs are very close, but Honda has a longer, more established track record with hybrid vehicles.

That's why we give the CR-V Hybrid a slight advantage over the Tucson Hybrid when it comes to longevity.

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has a longer 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a slightly better 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.

Honda CR-V Hybrid vs. Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid SUV when it was first released in 2005 and returned to Ford's lineup in 2020 after being discontinued in 2012.

The new Escape Hybrid should last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or 15 to 17 years.

• RepairPal gave the Ford Escape a reliability rating of4/5while the Honda CR-V got a little higher4,5/5.
• The average annual cost of repairing a Ford Escape is much higher in$ 600compared to the CR-V$ 407.
• The Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating Index gave the entire Ford Escape lineup a reliability rating of4,4/5while the CR-V Hybrid won4,6/5.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid an overall rating of4.1/5while the CR-V Hybrid won4.2/5.
• The J.D. Power gave the Ford Escape Tucson a Quality and Reliability rating of72/100which is much lower than the CR-V rating of84/100.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is capable of lasting hundreds of thousands of miles, but tends to have higher maintenance costs than the CR-V due to lower reliability.

We predict the CR-V will hold up better after 10 years of use - Honda's generally last longer compared to similar offerings from Ford.

Related:How long do Ford Escape Hybrids last?

comparison chart

* Ratings for the entire model range (not specific to hybrid models)

Is the Honda CR-V Hybrid reliable?

The Honda CR-V Hybrid may be new to the market, but we anticipate that it will be a reliable vehicle that will require minimal maintenance. Honda has over 20 years of experience developing hybrid vehicles, so the CR-V's hybrid components are already proven.

The gas-only CR-V has a great history of reliability and Honda is known for making durable engines that keep running, so there are no worries about that.

The CR-V Hybrid has the same engine and shares many hybrid components with the Honda Accord Hybrid, which has a great reputation for reliability.

Reviews of the new CR-V Hybrid were also very favorable among experts and car owners:

• Kelley Blue Book owners have given the CR-V Hybrid a4,6/5for reliability that is the highest in the hybrid compact SUV segment.
• The CR-V Hybrid also earned an overall rating of4.2/5of owners that is greater than what the competition has received.
• RepairPal gave the Honda CR-V an excellent rating of4,5/5for reliability and ranks it2ºthan 26 other compact SUVs.

Reliability compared to other SUVs

Includes gas and hybrid.

The Best and Worst Years for the Honda CR-V Hybrid

The CR-V Hybrid was only released a few years ago, so the differences between model years aren't that much.

However, let's take a quick look at its best and worst model years so far.

Worst Model Year

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid has 9 complaints on the CarComplaints website and will likely be the worst model of the year down the road. Complaints so far have only consisted of minor problems that do not affect the car's handling.

CarComplaints does not have data for newer model years at the time of writing, although newer models always tend to be the most problematic.

Some owners have complained about an overly noisy AVAS that cannot be turned off.

Vehicle Acoustic Alert System: A feature designed for inherently quiet vehicles such as electric cars. The feature produces an audible alert to pedestrians that an electric car is approaching them.

A frustrated owner posted:

AVAS is very noisy and annoying. My neighborhood is affected by this noise pollution to the point where I am embarrassed to drive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Several noted “What is that noise”. It's also quite annoying and distracting in "normal" driving.

I've owned 5 hybrid cars in the last decade mainly because. They went quiet, so it was an absolute nightmare to find that it can't be turned off. I was not informed prior to the purchase that they had made this strategic modification.

Best Model Year

The 2022 model should be the best year yet for the CR-V Hybrid. Any major issues found in previous model years should have been resolved.

It's more refined and more economical than the gas model, and some standard features on the 2022 CR-V Hybrid include:

• blind spot monitoring
• dual zone climate control
• heated front seats
• One electrically adjustable driver's seat
• 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,

E os recalls do Honda CR-V Hybrid?

The CR-V Hybrid has had 3 recalls so far.

You can always check to see if your CR-V Hybrid has been recalled by entering your VIN on Honda's website on their recall page.

Recalls are manufacturing defects repaired at no cost to the consumer.

Here is the total number of recall campaigns for each CR-V Hybrid model year:

• Honda CR-V Hybrid 2022: 2º
• 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid: 0
• Honda CR-V Hybrid 2020: 1º

Honda CR-V Hybrid Model Year List

The first CR-V Hybrid only became available when the fifth generation CR-V received a facelift and updates during its mid-cycle refresh in 2020.

Although the CR-V has had several generations over the last 20 years, the CR-V Hybrid is still in its first generation.

First Generation (2020 – present):

• 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid
• Honda CR-V Hybrid 2021
• Honda CR-V Hybrid 2022

Is Honda CR-V Hybrid expensive to maintain?

According to RepairPal, the Honda CR-V has one of the lowest average annual repair costs for a compact SUV, so we expect the CR-V Hybrid to be even cheaper to maintain. with annual maintenance costs of about $400.

In general, Hondas are very low maintenance vehicles.

How long do the brakes last?

The brake pads on the Honda CR-V Hybrid should last over 100,000 miles and the brake rotors should last even longer.

Unlike its gas variants, the CR-V Hybrid uses regenerative braking that charges the battery and also helps to slow the vehicle down.

This means you don't have to use your brakes as much, which significantly increases the life of your brake pads and rotors.

If you live in the rust belt, your rotors may break down sooner due to rust, so watch out for excessive corrosion if you want to extend their lifespan.

You may also be interested in our article:How long do Toyota Venza hybrids last?

How long do tires last?

Honda CR-V Hybrid tires should last around 30,000 to 40,000 miles per set or around 2 to 3 years.

Tire life for the CR-V Hybrid should be similar to non-hybrids and older CR-V generations.

Based on what we've seen on different Internet forums, CR-V owners tend to change their tires after around 30,000 miles.

Here are some tips that will help you preserve the life of your tires:

• Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure they are at the correct pressure.
• Have wheel alignment checked every 6 months.
• Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.

How long do broadcasts last?

The CR-V Hybrid uses an eCVT or electronic CVT that should last at least 250,000 miles and may even outlive the life of the vehicle.

eCVTs last much longer than automatics and traditional CVTs.

Failures with eCVTs are almost non-existent despite being widely used in many other hybrids.

How long will the Honda CR-V Hybrid's electric motors last?

Honda's hybrid engines can easily provide over 500,000 miles of service.

Many older Honda hybrids like the Insight have passed half a million miles using their original electric motors.

You'll replace the CR-V's hybrid batteries several times before having to deal with the electric motors.

How long do spark plugs last?

The Honda CR-V Hybrid only needs replacing every 100,000 miles.

The CR-V Hybrid uses iridium spark plugs which have a much longer lifespan than traditional spark plugs.

It also doesn't use a turbocharged engine, so frequent spark plug changes aren't necessary.

How long do Honda CR-V hybrid batteries last?

The Honda CR-V's high voltage batteries can easily last 200,000 to 300,000 miles.

Several older Honda hybrid owners have reported needing a new hybrid battery at around 200,000 miles.

In most cases, battery failures can be resolved by Honda's 100,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.

If you need to replace your out-of-warranty hybrid batteries, there are many replacements available in the aftermarket that only cost around $2,000.

What about insurance costs?

According to Insuraviz estimates, the Honda CR-V costs an average of $1,214 per year or about $107 per month to insure.

It is one of the cheapest to hold in the compact SUV segment.

Insurance costs can vary from person to person, so be sure to do your research to find the best possible deal for your CR-V Hybrid.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Honda CR-V Hybrid

• Practice smooth and safe driving habits.
• Stay current with factory recommended maintenance.
• Use quality parts and fluids.
• Stay up-to-date on repairs to prevent them from escalating into bigger problems.
• Regularly wash your CR-V Hybrid to remove dirt and grime to protect the paintwork and chassis from rust.
• Keep your Honda CR-V in a garage to help protect it from extreme heat and cold.
• Read your owner's manual to learn the location of important components, what your SUV needs and in what quantities, and to understand the dashboard symbols and warning lights.

Sources

https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/cr-v-2022

https://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/cr-v

https://www.kbb.com/honda/cr-v-hybrid/2021/

https://www.edmunds.com/honda/cr-v-hybrid/2021/consumer-reviews/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/honda/cr-v

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/CR-V_Hybrid/

https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/honda/honda-cr-v-insurance/