I drove Honda’s $43,000 CR-V Hybrid. These 17 features that make it one of the best SUVs money can buy

Unlike many hybrids, which place an electric motor on the rear axle to create a virtual all-wheel-drive system, the CR-V Hybrid uses Honda’s Real Time AWD system with a physical linkage to the rear wheels.

The system, available on all trim levels, can send up to 50% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels when it detects a loss of traction.

The CR-V boasts a remarkably quiet cabin thanks to a host of noise-reduction features Honda built into the SUV. These include new noise insulators in the wheel wells, additional insulating panels under the vehicle’s floor, extra foam insulation in the body, acoustic glass, and an improved active noise cancellation system.

The CR-V’s active noise cancellation system, which emits soundwaves that neutralize road noise, has been updated with a broader range of volume and frequencies as well as an additional dedicated speaker that improves coverage inside the cabin.

In front of the driver is an analog speedometer paired with a helpful seven-inch TFT information display. The digital display can be configured to display the CR-V’s tachometer, power flow meters, multimedia, and driver assistance features.

The CR-V can be started remotely by holding down a button on the key fob. The feature is standard on all CR-V trim levels except the base LX.

The CR-V has one of the roomiest cabins in the segment, and this is especially evident in the second row.

The CR-V has 41 inches of second-row legroom, which is on par with the rival Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and beats the Toyota RAV4 by more than three inches.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all CR-Vs. However, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are only available on the higher-end EX-L, Sport-L, and Sport Touring trims.

A metal honeycomb mesh accent spans the width of the CR-V front dash. It’s a cool design element that artfully conceals the CR-V’s air vents. The metal honeycomb mesh originally debuted on the Civic a couple of years ago.

Behind the CR-V Hybrid’s rear seats, you’ll find a solid 34.7 cubic feet of storage space. Although it falls short of its rivals by a few cubic feet, the low, flat cargo floor and square shape of the compartment make what room there is very usable.