The CR-V Hybrid or Non-Hybrid? That Is the Question!

Car shopping today is nothing like what it used to be. Back in the day, the only questions we had to consider revolved around size and brand. Honda or Ford? Minivan or Sedan? Today, the choices are not quite as simple, which is why Honda of Newnan, your Atlanta CR-V dealer, is here to help. Today, one of the many things we need to consider when vehicle shopping is whether or not we want a hybrid option. In the last decade, hybrids have gone from being only for extremists trying to do their part for the environment with the limited options available to being sophisticated choices for those who want to save money. But does that mean a hybrid CR-V is for everybody? How do you know if the hybrid or the non-hybrid CRV-option is best for you?

Should You Get the 2021 Hybrid or Non-Hybrid CR-V?

When hybrid vehicles first came out, they were limited to smaller cars like the Prius, but now we are lucky enough to live in an age where SUVs and even pickup trucks come in hybrid options. But is the Honda CR-V hybrid option for you? Let’s take a look at some of the differences between the hybrid and non-hybrid CR-V.

The biggest difference between the two options is, of course, going to be fuel economy. The regular 1.5L gasoline engine CR-V gets an impressive 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway for a combined 30 miles per gallon with front-wheel drive. Opt for all-wheel drive, and you’ll get 27 miles per gallon city, 32 miles per gallon highway, and 29 miles per gallon combined. Not bad for an SUV model by any means, but the hybrid model does get better mileage. With the all-wheel drive only hybrid model, you’ll get up to 40 miles per gallon in the city, 35 miles per gallon on the highway, and 38 miles per gallon combined. If you want to save on fuel costs and consumption, the hybrid is the way to go.

A Look at the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid achieves a combined 212 horsepower, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing power just because you’re driving a hybrid. Each hybrid CR-V comes with all-wheel drive allowing you to traverse any conditions with ease. Just like with the non-hybrid option, the CR-V Hybrid makes it easy to get anywhere you want to go.

This hybrid all-wheel drive technology is unique to Honda. It can automatically detect which wheel is struggling to gain traction and sends all the needed power to that wheel so you can quickly and efficiently gain control. No more worrying about snow or rain-covered roads or struggling on dirt-covered inclines.

The Hybrid CR-V actually comes with three trim options, so you don’t have to worry about limiting your customizations just because you opted for the hybrid. The lowest trim option, the Hybrid EX, comes with all of Honda’s standard safety features and entertainment technologies because Honda believes every driver should have access to safety and happiness at every level. The mid-range hybrid trim, the Hybrid EX-L, adds on little comforts such as a heated steering wheel and an automatic dimming rearview mirror that make your travels even more enjoyable. And of course, the highest trim option, the Hybrid Touring CR-V, adds on parking sensors, wireless charging ports, and a hands-free power tailgate that even the most discerning of drivers will appreciate.

What About the Non-Hybrid Honda CR-V?

Honda’s non-hybrid CR-V is as impressive as ever. It is able to achieve up to 190 horsepower, which, while not quite as much as the hybrid model, is still pretty good for an SUV. The non-hybrid CR-V comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options, so you can choose based on the type of conditions you tend to drive in. If you are always in the city, save money by opting for the front-wheel drive or if you drive on roads that are sometimes unpredictable, upgrade to the all-wheel drive CR-V.

The non-hybrid CR-V comes with four basic trim options, so you’ll have plenty of room for customization. The lowest trim, the LX, comes with all of Honda’s standard safety features, so you don’t have to worry about sacrificing safety just because you wanted to save money. The Eco Assist System also helps drivers get optimum fuel efficiency, so you don’t need to worry about wasting too much money on gas even though you didn’t opt for the hybrid.

In addition to all of Honda’s standard safety features, the Honda CR-V EX adds on blind spot detection, which makes your drive even safer. It also comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration services so you can enjoy your favorite apps hands-free while in the car. The EX-L adds a leather-trimmed interior and a power liftgate, among other things, including the two-position memory driver’s seat, which enables the two most frequented drivers to jump right to their favorite settings with the click of a button.

The highest trim option, the Honda CR-V Touring, adds on beloved features that make your CR-V feel like a luxury SUV. All the highest tech and conveniences are included in the Touring package, whether you opt for the hybrid or the non-hybrid option. And at a starting price of $33,650, this highest trim is a steal, especially compared to the high-end SUVs it competes with.

So Which Should You Choose?

The bottom line is that both the hybrid and the non-hybrid CR-Vs are fantastic choices. Both have multiple trim options that allow for unique safety features, technological integrations, and conveniences. The biggest difference between these two vehicles is the use of gasoline. So, you should choose the model that you think will fit your lifestyle best.

When you’re deciding between these two vehicles, you must ask yourself one question – how important is saving money on gasoline to you? The CR-V Hybrid averages an MSRP of about $5,000 more than the non-hybrid CR-V, but your fuel savings over the time of your ownership will help balance that gap out. Would you rather save that money upfront on the initial cost, or would you rather save that money over time through fuel savings?

If you are still unsure, we can walk you through more distinct advantages of choosing one option vs the other, but as an overall whole, this is our conclusion. If you drive more than the average driver, especially while staying within the city, the CR-V Hybrid is going to be the best option for you. If most of your driving is done on the highway or you like to buy a new car every 3-5 years, then the non-hybrid CR-V will be your best choice. You can’t really go wrong with either vehicle as both the CR-V options are top-notch in our books.

Why Honda of Newnan?

If you’re on the hunt for a new Honda CR-V, Honda of Newnan is a prime Atlanta CR-V dealer. We’ve got multiple CR-V vehicles in stock for you to take a look at, including hybrid vehicles and non-hybrid vehicles. Come on down and see for yourself why everybody’s talking about the new Honda CR-V. We’re conveniently located just off of Newnan Crossing Bypass in Newnan, Georgia.

What makes Honda of Newnan the best CR-V dealer in Georgia? Besides our huge inventory, we’ve also got the best Honda service center in the area. Our mechanics are highly trained, making them a top choice for your vehicle’s service checks. At Honda of Newnan, we believe a great customer experience should extend beyond just the car shopping adventure. We’ve got your back each and every day of the year. Don’t just take our word for it. Contact us or come visit us and test drive a new 2021 Honda CR-V today!

*28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 27 city/32 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. 40 city/35 highway/38 combined for Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L and Hybrid Touring trims. Based on 2021 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.