2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the lineup’s fuel economy leader

An unchanged CR-V Hybrid for 2022 doesn’t suggest Honda is resting on its laurels, though this eco-oriented compact SUV has been so well-received Honda can chill awhile.

The steadfast 2022 CR-V has an oversized interior, pleasantly firm ride and handling, solid construction, excellent styling, and great fuel economy (27/32/29 mpg with all-wheel drive). The 2022 CR-V Hybrid matches it trait for trait, but beats the fuel economy rating by many miles: 40/35/38 mpg. The hybrid model comes only with AWD.

Two electric motors and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine power the CR-V Hybrid capably with 212 total horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. They are joined by a single-speed direct drive transmission whose controls are just like a conventional automatic transmission with push button gear selection. The hybrid ensemble is the automotive equivalent of Pacific Northwest Ballet in its graceful performance.

A spacious cargo area in the CR-V Hybrid provides 33.2 cubic feet of stowage behind the rear seats, and 68.7 cubic feet with the 60/40 rear seatbacks folded. For optimum cargo carrying, the seats fold fully flat.

Every 2022 CR-V Hybrid model comes standard with an abundance of beneficial safety and driver-assistance systems. They include collision mitigation braking with forward collision warning and pedestrian sensing capability, road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and lane keeping assist.

The 2022 CR-V Hybrid is available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels. In a standard-features setup not often seen in the automotive world, the base CR-V Hybrid EX model contains nearly everything found on the top-of-the-line Touring. The only exceptions that might be must-haves rather than indulgences are a power tailgate with programmable height, front and rear parking sensors, HomeLink, four-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat, navigation, and a wireless phone charger.

A less than stellar infotainment system touchscreen is the CR-V’s only weak link. It isn’t heinous, but it does unwittingly encourage you to use an alternate means of operation such as the steering-wheel-mounted controls. There’s a partially redeeming physical knob for volume control on the screen, but none for tuning.

The 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid is competitively priced at $32,185 for the EX; $34,775 for the EX-L; and $37,975 for the Touring. A destination charge of $1,225 is included in these prices.

2022 HONDA CR-V HYBRID TOURING

Base price, including destination charge: $37,975

Price as driven: $37,975

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.