2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L Review: Comparative Sweet Spot

Fifty percent makes a lot more sense now.

That’s the split Honda was targeting for hybrid models as part of this generation of CR-V. There was just one problem when the model launched last year: only the higher trims saw electrification. For 2024, the hybrid choices increase, one of which is the 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L you see here (EX-L Hybrid in Canada). The new model puts the better powertrain in reach of more folks—but it’s still a little rich.

This trim’s available hybrid powertrain. It’s the same one we’ve seen in the rest of the CR-V lineup, but at a different—and more affordable, in Canada—price point. With an electric motor and a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, combined system figures are 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. A small 1.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack provides the juice, though it trims cargo space by a little less than 10 percent versus the gas-only model.

Beyond that, and a few price increases to the hybrids in particular, the ’24 is all but identical to the ’23. This particular model bakes in some added personality with blacked-out trim pieces and orange contrast stitching inside. The new-shape CR-V is already ubiquitous up in these parts, but it’s a shape with more presence than the old, rounded model.

American buyers still get the choice of front- or all-wheel drive for the electrified model, similar to Korean competitors. Canada, as is often the case, is an AWD-only affair, for every CR-V bar the base model.

In the vast lineup of mainstream family SUVs, the latest CR-V has a more mature feel, like the Mazda CX-5 but without the penchant for driving fun. The Honda is buttoned-down and confident on the highway and in the city, where its well-judged suspension smooths over crackled pavement. The steering is is clean and crisp: light on weight because of the CR-V’s target demo, but consistent and accurate.

It’s the same story with the power delivery: mature, metered, and lacking in fuss. Most of the time, it’s only the 181-horsepower electric motor that is handling acceleration duties, with the gasser acting as a sort of along-for-the-ride generator. Sure, you’ll hear the thing wake up now and again, and it will join in the action when there’s a call for full power. The 2.0-liter will also be the main motive source on steady-state highway cruising, where its efficiency is best. Honda’s novel approach to hybrids makes for an altogether quieter electrified commute than the droning you’ll find in a Toyota RAV4, however. It can take a while to get used to the rev fluctuations not actually aligning with the momentum of the vehicle, mind you. Another perk: selectable levels of regenerative braking.

That same sense of maturity applies to the CR-V cabin. The pared-back dashboard design we saw debut in the Civic works just as well here, all horizontal lines to emphasize the width of the cabin. There are a handful of changes for SUV duty, namely a switch to a more subtle hidden-vent mesh along with flatter armrests. It’s an altogether classy space with a classic, quality feel that might not hit Mazda levels, but certainly isn’t far behind.

It’s spacious, too. Honda has a knack for carving out passenger space, thanks to low-mount (and comfortable) seats and wide-opening doors. The rear seats recline plenty too, so anybody looking for a quick snooze back there shouldn't be disappointed.

Despite being the penultimate step on the trim walk, this Sport-L (EX-L Hybrid) tester is missing out on quite a few features. The standard safety kit is quite good, but the complete lack of a 360-degree camera, on any trim, is a strange omission. Same goes with ventilated front seats. This Canadian-market tester has rear outboard heated seats, but that’s not even an option in America. A panoramic moonroof of any sort is another, likely more divisive, miss.

The 9.0-inch touchscreen is mid-pack. There’s nothing exceptional about it, neither good nor bad; it does the job and no more. We do appreciate the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an easy-access button to swap between that and the native setup. Speaking of the latter, the color coding makes it a cinch to use without taking eyes off the road. Smart move, Honda.

On either side of the border, price remains the biggest sticking point with the 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L (EX-L Hybrid). It’s a great all-around package that asks for a significant amount of extra cash compared to competitors. While that’s worked for the Civic, the CR-V’s relative lack of features against a talented segment—one more focused on family use—hurts it. This is the pick of the CR-V litter, but prospective buyers should check out what else their money could get them.

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