It is eyeing the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
In September, we were presented with the new Honda CR-V hybrid and the refreshed model for 2020. The pricing of the standard SUV is known for some time, but Honda has revealed the pricing for the hybrid. It is very similar to the hybrid Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda’s only competitor in this segment.
What is the price of that hybrid CR-V Hybrid LX? The entry-level CRV Hybrid LX costs $27,750. This is a $2700 increase over the standard CRV. Honda’s hybrid is $500 cheaper than the Toyota or Ford entry-level hybrids. The CR-V Hybrid Touring is the most expensive of the four CR-V trims at $35,950.
Toyota offers a hybrid powertrain in all four RAV4 trims, while Ford offers only the Escape Hybrid SE Sport trim. Below is a quick comparison of the starting MSRP for various trim levels, power, mileage. Prices do not include delivery or destination charges.
Although Ford offers the Escape with hybrid powertrains, it is clear that Honda wants to be Toyota’s. The CR-V as well as the RAV4 both offer all-wheel drive in their hybrid lineup. All four trims are also competitively priced. The power is comparable, but Ford and Toyota have better overall fuel economy.
This segment is a fiercely competitive one with Toyota and Honda. At 448,071 units the RAV4 was fourth, while the CR-V was fifth at 384,168. It remains to be seen if the new CR-V Hybrid will propel Honda past Toyota in 2020, especially considering that Toyota now offers a hot plug-in Hybrid version of the RAV4 with 302 horsepower. However, it won’t be available until the summer and will likely have a higher price than what we see.