2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs Rivian R2
Compare the 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid and 2027 Rivian R2 on performance, price, range, and features to find the right next-gen hybrid SUV for you.
The $46,485 R2 is the concrete number, Honda’s price is not
Rivian lists the rear-drive 2027 R2 Standard from $46,485, before destination, taxes, registration, insurance, charging equipment, and financing. The Performance model with its Launch Package reaches $59,485 before those same costs. [3]
Honda has announced the next CR-V, but not its U.S. MSRP. The seventh-generation model arrives during 2027 as a 2028 CR-V, not as a 2027 model, and every version will use a hybrid powertrain. [10][12]
That makes this an unusual comparison. The R2 is an available, defined electric alternative with published range and output figures, while the Honda is a forthcoming mainstream hybrid with several critical specifications still withheld.
Honda’s current 2026 CR-V Hybrid starts from a much lower price band than the Rivian, but that does not establish where the redesigned 2028 model will land. Wait for an actual sticker before comparing monthly payments.
A long loan can disguise that gap. Dealer incentives on the 2026 CR-V Hybrid have included 2.99 to 4.99 percent APR programs with 10 percent down, but those offers do not promise anything for the new generation. [4]
The wider market is already leaning too hard on extended loans. The Week reported that 25.5 percent of new-car buyers financed for 84 months or longer, while 30.9 percent of trade-ins carried negative equity. [5]
Powertrain and driving range
Honda’s 2028 CR-V gets a fifth-generation two-motor hybrid system, pairing an Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas engine with electric drive hardware. Honda says the system will bring a substantial increase in power and efficiency, but has not released final numbers. [10][12]
Do not carry the outgoing model’s claims directly into the new one. The 2026 CR-V Hybrid makes 204 horsepower, with EPA combined ratings ranging from 35 to 40 mpg depending on drivetrain and trim. [12]
Honda has said the redesigned CR-V’s hybrid system targets an efficiency improvement of more than 10 percent over the outgoing version. That is a target, not an EPA label, so it should not decide the purchase. [10]
The R2’s output is much less ambiguous. Single-motor rear-drive versions produce 350 horsepower, while the dual-motor AWD Performance model produces 656 horsepower. [3]
Rivian lists estimated range from more than 275 miles for the Standard battery to 345 miles for the Standard Long Range. Those figures give the R2 a useful day-to-day range, but public charging availability will still shape how easy it is to own. [3]
The CR-V has the simpler travel routine. Put gas in it anywhere, let the hybrid system reduce fuel use around town, and keep driving. The R2 can cost far less in energy if you charge at home, but we found no published electricity costs.
Ride, handling, and the road underneath you
The outgoing CR-V Hybrid has built its reputation on being composed and quiet. Savagegeese, beginning a long-term test of a 2026 CR-V Touring, called the hybrid drivetrain refined and found the Honda more comfortable than several compact-SUV rivals.
Their impression was that the CR-V rides better than the Toyota RAV4 and many Korean and American competitors, with notably good visibility, seat comfort, and little head toss. That is encouraging context, not a guarantee for the all-new platform.
Honda says the 2028 CR-V moves to a new modular platform engineered for greater stiffness and lower weight. Parts sharing may help manufacturing efficiency, but it does not tell you yet how the vehicle will ride on worn pavement. [10]
MotorTrend found the R2 unusually broad in its abilities. It reported that the Rivian rode well, handled with sports-sedan composure even on optional all-terrain tires, and remained capable off pavement with road-focused tires.
The R2 has 9.6 inches of ground clearance, so its shape and suspension priorities favor usable dirt-road clearance over maximum highway efficiency. MotorTrend found its real-world range and efficiency average for an EV, not class-leading.
For a commuter crossing broken pavement and winter roads, these are close in a different way. Honda’s likely advantage is familiar, low-effort refinement. Rivian’s is much stronger acceleration, better ground clearance, and a wider performance envelope.
Cabin, cargo, and controls
The CR-V remains a two-row family SUV, and the existing model has a straightforward cabin layout. Savagegeese praised its low dashboard, strong outward visibility, physical climate vents and controls, and generally gimmick-free operation.
That same 2026 interior shows where Honda needs to catch up. Savagegeese criticized the weak wireless phone charger, lack of a 360-degree camera, limited color and material contrast, and the absence of features such as ventilated seats.
Honda has confirmed all-new exterior sheetmetal and has indicated a thoroughly redesigned cabin, but it has not published the actual layout, screen arrangement, seating features, cargo measurements, or available options for the 2028 CR-V. [10][12]
MotorTrend found the R2 spacious for tall passengers and rear-facing child seats, helped by wide-opening rear doors. It also highlighted cargo room behind the rear seats, under the cargo floor, and in what it called the segment’s largest front trunk.
Rivian’s cabin brings more tech and more dependence on it. MotorTrend liked the interface overall, personalization, voice assistant, and driver-assistance behavior, but some judges disliked using the screen to control the air vents.
That is the divide in plain language. The Honda looks likely to suit someone who wants controls where their hands expect them. The Rivian gives you the richer, more flexible digital system, with the risk that more routine tasks live in a screen.
Safety and ownership risk
MotorTrend said official R2 crash-test ratings were unavailable during its SUV of the Year evaluation. It did find comprehensive standard active and passive safety equipment, including cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors, while matrix LED headlights are optional.
Rivian’s larger R1S earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus, but the R2 is on its own platform. Do not use the R1S result as an R2 crash rating.
The 2028 CR-V has no published crash-test result either, because it is not yet on sale. Its safety equipment list also remains unpublished, so this category is currently a wait-and-see tie.
The longer-term Honda case is stronger in reputation than in confirmed 2028 evidence. Consumer Reports predicts generally good reliability for the current 2026 CR-V Hybrid, though that does not establish reliability for the redesigned platform and hybrid system. [6]
There are no published maintenance-cost figures for the 2028 CR-V Hybrid in the material, and Honda has not released service intervals. Ask for the maintenance schedule, battery coverage, hybrid-component coverage, and replacement-part pricing before signing.
Rivian’s EV removes oil changes and the gas engine, but it adds a different ownership question: software, charging access, service availability, and resale uncertainty. Kiplinger reports that used EV prices have been falling, which can benefit a used buyer but may concern a first owner. [7]
Head-to-head comparison
| Criteria | 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid | 2027 Rivian R2 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Arrives in 2027 as a 2028 model. [10] | 2027 model with published specifications and pricing. [[3]](https://www.cars.com/research/rivian-r2-2027/ "2027 Rivian R2 - Specs, Prices, Range, Reviews & Photos |
| Powertrain | Hybrid-only, new two-motor system and Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder. Final output is unpublished. [10][12] | EV, from 350-hp rear-drive to 656-hp dual-motor AWD Performance. [[3]](https://www.cars.com/research/rivian-r2-2027/ "2027 Rivian R2 - Specs, Prices, Range, Reviews & Photos |
| Starting price | Not announced by Honda. | $46,485 Standard, excluding taxes, registration, insurance, charging, and financing. [[3]](https://www.cars.com/research/rivian-r2-2027/ "2027 Rivian R2 - Specs, Prices, Range, Reviews & Photos |
| Range or fuel economy | EPA rating not published. Current 2026 hybrid is rated 35 to 40 mpg combined. [12] | More than 275 to 345 miles estimated, depending on battery and configuration. [[3]](https://www.cars.com/research/rivian-r2-2027/ "2027 Rivian R2 - Specs, Prices, Range, Reviews & Photos |
| Road behavior | Current CR-V is praised by Savagegeese for quietness, comfort, visibility, and refinement. | MotorTrend found a comfortable ride, confident handling, and meaningful off-road ability. |
| Cabin controls | Current model favors physical controls and low-distraction layout. 2028 interior remains unknown. | Intuitive overall interface, but screen-based air-vent adjustment may frustrate some owners. |
| Family and cargo use | Two-row layout, final 2028 cargo figures unpublished. | Wide rear doors, room for child seats, rear cargo area, underfloor storage, and a large front trunk. |
| Safety | Ratings and equipment list unpublished. | Comprehensive equipment reported, but crash-test ratings were pending during MotorTrend evaluation. |
| Ownership unknowns | New hybrid system, maintenance costs, warranty terms, and resale data remain unpublished. | Charging routine, service access, and EV depreciation are the main unknowns. |
| Our pick | The lower-stress long-distance choice, if pricing and EPA numbers remain competitive. | The choice for home charging, performance, cargo versatility, and more demanding roads. |
Who each option suits
The 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid suits the owner who keeps an SUV for years, drives long distances without planning charging stops, and wants a calm family vehicle with conventional controls. We would buy the hybrid, not an older gas-only CR-V, but only after Honda releases price, EPA figures, and warranty terms.
The 2027 Rivian R2 suits the owner with dependable home charging, a higher purchase budget, and a real need for strong acceleration, front-trunk storage, ground clearance, or occasional unpaved-road capability. MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year result makes a strong case that it drives and works like a premium SUV, not a stripped-down EV.
They are not especially close on price or propulsion, but they are close in mission: both aim to be the one two-row SUV that handles family duty without feeling dull. We would choose the R2 if home charging is easy and the budget comfortably absorbs its price, otherwise we would wait for the final 2028 CR-V figures and likely take the Honda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the 2027 Rivian R2?
The 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a mainstream hybrid SUV focused on dependable long-distance flexibility and lower fuel stops without relying on charging infrastructure. In contrast, the 2027 Rivian R2 is a technology-heavy, all-electric two-row SUV with higher horsepower and off-road capability, best suited for owners who can charge at home or public stations. Pricing is established for the R2 but not yet for the CR-V, and the R2 offers quicker acceleration and more ground clearance.
Which is better for long-distance driving: Honda CR-V Hybrid or Rivian R2?
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is better suited for long-distance driving where charging infrastructure is limited, as it uses gasoline and hybrid technology to reduce fuel stops and extend range. The Rivian R2 has a useful electric range of 275 to 345 miles depending on the battery, but its practicality for long trips depends on access to charging facilities.
How do the prices of the 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid and Rivian R2 compare?
The 2027 Rivian R2 has a clear starting price of $46,485 for the Standard rear-drive model and up to $59,485 for the Performance trim before taxes and fees. The 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s price has not been published yet, though the current 2026 CR-V Hybrid starts at a lower price point than the Rivian. Buyers should wait for official pricing before making direct comparisons.
What are the driving range and powertrain specs of the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Rivian R2?
The 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid will use a fifth-generation two-motor hybrid system combining a four-cylinder gas engine with electric motors, targeting improved power and efficiency, but exact horsepower and EPA ratings are not yet released. The 2027 Rivian R2 offers 350 horsepower in the single-motor rear-drive version and 656 horsepower in the dual-motor AWD Performance model, with an EPA-estimated range of over 275 miles for the Standard battery and up to 345 miles for the Long Range battery.
What safety features are available on the 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid and Rivian R2?
Specific safety features for the 2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the 2027 Rivian R2 are not detailed in the available information. However, both vehicles are expected to include modern safety and driver-assistance technologies typical for their classes.
How we researched this
This article was assembled from 2 video sources across 2 channels, 4 published articles, 12 cited references.
Nothing here is based on hands-on testing. Where a figure or finding appears, it belongs to the source cited beside it, and the writing says so rather than implying otherwise. Every source is listed below so you can check it.
Sources
2027 Honda CR-V Hybrid | Long Term Test Begins, savagegeese
The Rivian R2 is the 2027 MotorTrend SUV of the Year, MotorTrend Channel
Next-Gen 2028 Honda CR-V Follows the Toyota RAV4 as a Hybrid-Only SUV, Car and Driver
Next-Gen Honda CR-V Goes Hybrid-Only, Lands in 2027: TDS, The Drive
2028 Honda CR-V Hybrid, Car and Driver
View Interior Photos of the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S680, Car and Driver
Rivian R2 vs. Tesla Model Y, an Edmunds electric SUV showdown
2027 Rivian R2 - Specs, Prices, Range, Reviews & Photos | Cars.com
Used EV Prices Are Falling - Here's How They Compare to Gas Cars Now
I drove the Toyota Prius and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid for a week - here's the hybrid I'd actually buy
2028 Honda CR-V: Hybrid-Only Redesign, Release Date, Reports
Watch Next-Gen Hybrid SUVs: Honda CR-V and Rivian R2 on Youtube
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