Demand for hybrid automobiles is skyrocketing within the U.S. market, as extra customers require improved effectivity to curb the ever-increasing gasoline costs. They’re additionally proving to be a way more financially viable choice
in comparison with totally electrical autos
, that are significantly dearer and depreciates at a a lot quicker fee. The primary cause why you’d need to contemplate a hybrid automobile possession expertise is to save lots of in your month-to-month gasoline bills. Over the past 12 months, the general EV market has grown thanks to a couple compelling choices, however this progress fee has not been as a lot as we have seen with the brand new HEV market, which reached new gross sales heights in 2024. An enormous cause for this success is due to noteworthy progress in battery and electrical motor applied sciences, which have helped make HEVs extra accessible and environment friendly.
The hybrid sedan market shouldn’t be a extremely represented one within the U.S., however there are a number of very compelling choices out there from each Japanese and South Korean producers. Regardless of Japanese manufacturers
promoting HEVs that high the gross sales charts
, they generally miss the mark relating to making a hybrid configuration that goes towards the norms. There’s one comparatively sporty HEV that sources inspiration from a really iconic moniker that struggled to get gross sales off the bottom all through its brief lifespan. Granted, it isn’t probably the most thrilling or aspirational mannequin, however the model has carried out a fantastic job at placing collectively an inexpensive and high-quality product that’s comparatively enjoyable to drive at low speeds. Regardless of not being out there, it advantages from a distinct segment and devoted following that caters to hypermilers who’re completely satisfied to sacrifice efficiency for gas effectivity and vary.
With a view to provide the newest and correct data doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Honda’s web sites and different authoritative sources, together with the EPA, Client Reviews, and J.D. Energy.
The Honda CR-Z Is A Effectively-Saved Secret Hybrid
The Honda CR-Z was an enormous disappointment when it launched in 2011 as a result of it fully did not match the pleasing persona that the unique CR-X put out so properly. Regardless, it matches into the fashionable world of hybridization fairly properly,
regardless of it solely being an MHEV
. It is also one of many only a few hybrids which you can get with a six-speed handbook transmission. Naturally, the principle cause why you’d need to contemplate one is to get pleasure from its extremely favorable gas consumption returns.
2016 Honda CR-Z EPA Gas Consumption Estimates
Transmission
Six-Pace Handbook
CVT
Fuel Consumption (metropolis/freeway/mixed)
31/33/37 MPG
35/38/36 MPG
Vary
350 Miles
382 Miles
5-12 months Gas Financial savings
$1,250
$2,000
Annual Gas Price
$1,450
$1,300
Price To Drive 25 Miles (EV/Fuel)
$2.39
$2.19
Price To Fill The Tank
$33
$33
Tank Capability
10.6 Gallons
10.6 Gallons
The EPA estimates that the ultimate 2016 mannequin 12 months with the six-speed handbook transmission returns 31/33/37 MPG on town/freeway/mixed cycle and covers 350 miles from its 10.6-gallon tank with some assist from a compact 0.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Over the course of 5 years, you’ll be able to count on to save lots of $1,250 on gas and spend $1,450 on gasoline yearly. This quirky fastback prices $2.39 to drive 25 miles and $33 to refuel. Choosing the much less aspirational CVT mannequin improves consumption estimates to 35/38/36 MPG and vary to 382 miles. You will save $2,000 on gasoline over 5 years and spend $1,300 on gas yearly. You will end up spending $2.19 to drive 25 miles.
The Honda CR-Z Produces 130 Horsepower
The Honda CR-Z options Honda’s L-Collection naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a mixed 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet, which is not actually a lot to get enthusiastic about. That is solely out there as a front-wheel drive mannequin, and can cowl 0-60 MPH in 8.8 seconds earlier than hitting its restricted 130 MPH high velocity. The electrical motor produces 13 horsepower when operation in isolation, which does not occur incessantly, as that is formally an MHEV. Honda utilized a purposeful replace to the vary in the midst of its life-cycle, which features a bump in energy to 130 horsepower and 140 pound-feet, however this did not do a lot for the claimed acceleration instances.
2016 Honda CR-Z Efficiency Specs
Powertrain
1.5-Liter 4-Cylinder And One Electrical Motor
Horsepower
130 HP @6,000 RPM
Torque (CVT)
140 LB-FT @ 1,000 RPM (127 LB-FT @ 1,000 RPM)
Transmission
Six-Pace Handbook or CVT
Driveline
Entrance-Wheel Drive
Battery
0.6 kWh
0-60 MPH
8.8 Seconds
Prime Pace
130 MPH
The American market was so enraged by the truth that the CR-Z produced so little energy, that Honda U.S. needed to step up and
launch a restricted HPD mannequin
, that includes a bolt-on supercharger and retuned ECU. This was solely out there for the handbook fashions and produces 197 horsepower and 176 pound-feet and included a manufacturing unit powertrain guarantee if you happen to had it fitted on the dealership. Worldwide markets additionally had entry to specialised fashions, comparable to Japan’s supercharged Mugen RZ, though this solely produces a mixed 156 horsepower. The Spoon CR-Z solely options some weight refinements.
How A lot A Honda CR-Z Prices In 2025
In 2016, the Honda CR-Z was a comparatively dear choice for its time, with the bottom LX costing $21,780 and the flagship EX-L $25,952. As of as we speak, you’ll be able to decide one up for as little as $10,525 to $12,100, relying on mileage, specification, and general situation. At this value, it is a compact and impractical HEV, however its customary specification listing is impressively complete. The bottom LX comes customary with automated local weather management, cruise management, manually adjustable entrance seats, and material upholstery. This by-product solely will get the six-speaker audio system with a 160-Watt amplifier, in addition to a 7.0-inch Electrostatic touchscreen infotainment system.The EX provides LED daytime operating lights, heated aspect mirrors, HID headlights, foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, textured aluminum pedals, ambient console lighting, and a Kind R-esque aluminum shift knob with a leather-based accent. It additionally will get the 360-Watt premium seven-speaker audio system. Choosing the Navi bundle provides leather-based upholstery, entrance seat heating, satellite tv for pc navigation, and HD radio.All fashions profit from a complete security degree, with customary inclusions consisting of the next:
Honda’sAdvanced Compatibility Engineering Physique Construction
Twin-stage and multiple-threshold entrance airbags
SmartVent entrance aspect airbags
Facet curtain airbags
Honda LaneWatch (EX solely)
Why The Honda CR-Z Missed The Mark
The Honda CR-Z failed globally as a result of it tried to be each a sporty coupe and an environment friendly hybrid however ended up excelling at neither. Honda marketed it as a
religious successor to the CR-X
, promising light-weight agility and driver engagement, however the hybrid Built-in Motor Help left fans upset. Weighing greater than anticipated and producing a lot lower than the promised near-200-horsepower output from the idea mannequin, it lacked the thrilling efficiency anticipated from a compact sports activities automobile.
In the meantime, hybrid consumers who prioritized effectivity over driving dynamics discovered higher choices just like the Toyota Prius C, which supplied superior gas financial system. Its 2+2 seat format and compromised practicality additional restricted its viewers, and by the point Honda improved its efficiency with a higher-output hybrid powertrain, the market had already moved on.
Honda CR-Z U.S. Gross sales Figures
12 months
Unit Gross sales
2010
5,249 Copies
2011
11,330 Copies
2012
4,192 Copies
2013
4,550 Copies
2014
3,562 Copies
2015
3,073 Copies
2016
2,338 Copies
2017
705 Copies
2018
38 Copies
Honda’s upcoming Prelude seeks to right these errors by embracing electrification with out sacrificing efficiency. Not like the CR-Z, which was a half-measure, the
new Prelude
is predicted to characteristic a extra highly effective hybrid system, possible derived from
Honda’s e:HEV lineup
, providing each robust acceleration and effectivity. It’s going to additionally return to a extra conventional sports activities coupe type issue, making certain it appeals to a broader viewers fairly than isolating itself with a two-seater format.
Honda has realized that fans need partaking dynamics with real efficiency fairly than a compromised hybrid system, and with a quickly evolving market that’s now extra accepting of hybrid efficiency automobiles, the Prelude has an actual probability at success. If Honda delivers a correctly sorted chassis, aggressive energy figures, and an electrified drivetrain that enhances fairly than hinders driving enjoyment, the Prelude might redeem Honda’s sporty hybrid ambitions the place the CR-Z failed. Pricing and positioning will probably be key, because the market now calls for compelling alternate options to pure EVs.
