The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the market, offering a spacious cabin, a smooth ride, a fuel-efficient hybrid option, and a range of advanced safety and technology features. For 2024, Honda has added a new Sport-L trim level to the CR-V lineup, which bridges the gap between the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims. The new Sport-L trim is only available with the hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce 204 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The Sport-L trim also comes with many premium features, such as leather seats, a wireless charging pad, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and front and rear parking sensors. In this article, we will look closer at the 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L trim and see how it compares to other competitors in the segment.
What’s New for the 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L Trim?
The 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L trim is a new addition to the CR-V family, which already includes the LX, EX, EX-L, Sport Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid trims. The Sport-L trim is based on the Sport Hybrid trim, which means it shares the same hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive system, and black exterior accents. However, the Sport-L trim adds several luxury and convenience features that make it more appealing to buyers who want a more upscale experience. Some of the key features of the Sport-L trim are:
- Leather seats with four-way power adjustment for the front passenger and driver’s seat memory
- A wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones
- A 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system
- Front and rear parking sensors that alert the driver of nearby obstacles
- Traffic sign recognition that displays speed limit and other road signs on the instrument cluster
- A hands-free power tailgate that opens and closes with a kick of the foot under the rear bumper
The new Honda CR-V Sport-L trim also comes with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L trim has a starting price of $36,645 for the front-wheel drive version and $38,145 for the all-wheel drive version, which is $2,000 more than the Sport Hybrid trim and $2,000 less than the Sport Touring Hybrid trim.
How Does the 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L Trim Compare to the Competition?
The 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L trim faces some tough competition from other compact SUVs that offer hybrid versions, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and the Ford Escape Hybrid. Here is a comparison table that shows how the CR-V Sport-L trim stacks up against these rivals in terms of price, performance, fuel economy, and cargo space.
Model | Price | Horsepower | Torque | MPG (city/highway/combined) | Cargo Space (cu ft) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Honda CR-V Sport-L Hybrid AWD | $38,145 | 204 | 232 | 40/35/38 | 76.5 |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE AWD | $31,425 | 219 | 163 | 41/38/40 | 69.8 |
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SEL AWD | $32,835 | 226 | 258 | 37/36/37 | 74.5 |
Ford Escape Hybrid SE AWD | $30,745 | 200 | 155 | 43/37/40 | 60.8 |
As you can see, the CR-V Sport-L trim is the most expensive of the bunch, but it also offers the most torque, the most cargo space, and a competitive fuel economy rating. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the cheapest and the most fuel-efficient, but it has the least torque and cargo space. The Tucson Hybrid is slightly cheaper and more powerful than the CR-V Sport-L trim, but it has a lower fuel economy rating and less cargo space. The Ford Escape Hybrid is the second cheapest and the second most fuel-efficient, but it has the least power and cargo space.
Is the 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L Trim Worth It?
The 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L trim is a great choice for buyers who want a hybrid compact SUV that balances performance, efficiency, comfort, and technology. The Sport-L trim adds some desirable features that enhance the CR-V’s appeal, such as leather seats, a wireless charging pad, a larger touchscreen, and parking sensors. The Sport-L trim also benefits from the CR-V’s strengths, such as its spacious cabin, smooth ride, refined hybrid powertrain, and comprehensive safety suite. The Sport-L trim is not cheap, but it is not overly expensive either, considering what it offers. The Sport-L trim is a good middle ground between the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims, and it is worth considering if you are looking for a well-rounded hybrid compact SUV.