This Hybrid Would possibly Be the Finest-Saved Secret In The Used Automobile Market

Demand for hybrid vehicles is skyrocketing within the U.S. market, as extra shoppers require improved effectivity to curb the ever-increasing fuel costs. They’re additionally proving to be a way more financially viable choice

in comparison with absolutely electrical autos
, that are significantly costlier and depreciates at a a lot sooner price. The primary motive why you’d need to take into account a hybrid automobile possession expertise is to avoid wasting in your month-to-month fuel bills. During the last 12 months, the general EV market has grown thanks to some compelling choices, however this development price has not been as a lot as we have seen with the brand new HEV market, which reached new gross sales heights in 2024. A giant motive 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 is just not a extremely represented one within the U.S., however there are a couple 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 often miss the mark relating to making a hybrid configuration that goes in opposition to 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 quick lifespan. Granted, it isn’t essentially the most thrilling or aspirational mannequin, however the model has completed an excellent 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 glad to sacrifice efficiency for gas effectivity and vary.

In an effort to provide the most recent and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Honda’s web sites and different authoritative sources, together with the EPA, Client Stories, 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 didn’t match the pleasing persona that the unique CR-X put out so nicely. Regardless, it matches into the fashionable world of hybridization fairly nicely,

regardless of it solely being an MHEV
. It is also one of many only a few hybrids you can get with a six-speed guide transmission. Naturally, the primary motive why you’d need to take into account one is to take pleasure in its extremely favorable gas consumption returns.

2016 Honda CR-Z EPA Gas Consumption Estimates

The EPA estimates that the ultimate 2016 mannequin yr with the six-speed guide 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 anticipate to avoid wasting $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-Sequence 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 often, as that is formally an MHEV. Honda utilized a useful 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

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 guide fashions and produces 197 horsepower and 176 pound-feet and included a manufacturing facility powertrain guarantee should you had it fitted on the dealership. Worldwide markets additionally had entry to specialised fashions, similar 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 expensive choice for its time, with the bottom LX costing $21,780 and the flagship EX-L $25,952. As of right now, you’ll be able to choose one up for as little as $10,525 to $12,100, relying on mileage, specification, and total situation. At this worth, it is a compact and impractical HEV, however its commonplace specification checklist is impressively complete. The bottom LX comes commonplace with automated local weather management, cruise management, manually adjustable entrance seats, and material upholstery. This spinoff 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 working 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 package deal provides leather-based upholstery, entrance seat heating, satellite tv for pc navigation, and HD radio.All fashions profit from a complete security degree, with commonplace inclusions consisting of the next:

• Honda’sSuperior 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

non secular successor to the CR-X
, promising light-weight agility and driver engagement, however the hybrid Built-in Motor Help left fans disillusioned. 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 patrons who prioritized effectivity over driving dynamics discovered higher choices just like the Toyota Prius C, which supplied superior gas economic system. Its 2+2 seat structure 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

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 anticipated to characteristic a extra highly effective hybrid system, possible derived from

Honda’s e:HEV lineup
, providing each robust acceleration and effectivity. It should additionally return to a extra conventional sports activities coupe type issue, guaranteeing it appeals to a broader viewers reasonably than isolating itself with a two-seater structure.

Honda has realized that fans need participating dynamics with real efficiency reasonably than a compromised hybrid system, and with a quickly evolving market that’s now extra accepting of hybrid efficiency vehicles, the Prelude has an actual likelihood at success. If Honda delivers a correctly sorted chassis, aggressive energy figures, and an electrified drivetrain that enhances reasonably than hinders driving enjoyment, the Prelude might redeem Honda’s sporty hybrid ambitions the place the CR-Z failed. Pricing and positioning can be key, because the market now calls for compelling alternate options to pure EVs.