• Honda Civic Hybrid

    Specs and pics on the HCH-II, as it's affectionaly known as to enthusiasts.
September 2nd, 2008

2009 Honda CR-V Hybrid

honda-ima-system Honda hasn’t yet announced such a vehicle, but they should.  Rather than wait for Honda to make the announcement, I’ve decided to give my take on what the 09 CR-V Hybrid should be all about.  The opportunity is huge, and the potential ridiculous.  Read on to get the specs.

2009 Honda CR-V Hybrid Specs

  • 125 HP 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine
  • 30 HP electric motor
  • Combined 150 HP IMA System
  • Curb weight: 3640 lbs
  • EPA Ratings: 33 MPG city / 34 MPG highway

The Civic Hybrid ( the only other vehicle currently using Honda’s excellent IMA hybrid system ) gets a 60% city MPG boost and a 25% highway MPG boost over the gas only civic.  Translating those numbers over to the CR-V hybrid gets us a whopping 33 MPG city and 34 MPG highway.  Realistically those numbers are extremely conservative.  For the 09 CR-V hybrid I chose to use the Civic 1.8 liter engine, rather than the conventional 2.4 liter engine in the CR-V.  Why, you ask?  Well, the current 166 HP is an awful lot, and the CR-V has no problem getting up and going.  It has power to spare, without a doubt.  Using the smaller 1.8 liter engine will not reduce the power to a dangerous level, and it will improve efficiency.

Also, given the larger size of the CR-V, I accounted for a 50% larger battery pack ( reflected in the weight ), and a 50% more powerful electric motor.  A special lightweight, aerodynamic 16″ rim will replace the regular 17″ alloys as well.  Leaving out the sunroof will also help keep the weight increase in check.

Estimated pricing for the 2009 CR-V Hybrid will start at $27450.  That’s $4500 more than the CR-V EX – a reasonable premium given the huge MPG increase.  For comparison, the Escape Hybrid starts at $26,640.

To jump from 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway all the way to 33 MPG city and 34 MPG highway is a huge feat.  The price jump of $4500 is just an estimate, but it could well be way too high.  As Honda builds more hybrids and begins to enjoy an economy of scale, IMA parts will begin to cost less.  Within a short time, the premium could be down as low as the $2500-$3000 range.  Honda – you’ve had a huge amount of success with the CR-V.  Don’t keep us waiting for a CR-V Hybrid.  I’d be in line to buy one as soon as you announce it.

Filed under: Honda

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