I’ve had 2 hybrids before when I lived in a very cold area same as what you’ve described and both hybrids have been very reliable. This is my 3rd hybrid now and I live in a much milder winter area. Since you have the winterized package, that should help like plugging the engine block heater when it’s minus 20deg C and below and when it’s not driven for extended period, ensure to plug the battery maintainer (trickle charger low amp like 1-2). Also, the other drawback for a hybrid in extreme cold is that the ICE portion runs most of the time (to warm the cabin and hybrid battery) so your mpg drops. However, this is only the case during winter and it only runs for few months while rest of the year, you’re mpg is better.

I am also somewhat wary of the fuel injector issue but it doesn’t appear to be a huge % of the vehicles out there for Honda to issue a recall so I’d say, just deal with it when it happens as Honda will stand by their products. Who knows, it may not even appear with your vehicle.

EOD, your call on whether to trade that in but you could be taking financial loss and it‘s still brand new being a ‘24 MY and too early to give up on it only because of few potential issues that may not even arise. Best of luck on your decision but if I were you, I’d keep it as Honda has a pretty good warranty coverage including the 8yrs on hybrid components and battery. I’ve had a few ICE that were even less reliable than the hybrids!

 

 

Based on OP concerns about the 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L Hybrid in extremely cold climates, some insights and recommendations:

Cold Climate Reliability

1. The hybrid system in the 2024 CR-V is generally reliable, even in cold climates. Honda has made improvements to address previous issues with cold weather performance.
2. The winterization kit installed on your vehicle helps protect critical components from extreme cold.
3. However, extremely cold temperatures (-30°F/C) can still impact battery performance and overall efficiency.

Battery and Starting

1. If the 12V battery dies, you can jump-start the CR-V using a battery pack jumper or another vehicle, similar to a conventional car.
2. The high-voltage hybrid battery is designed to operate in cold temperatures, but its capacity may be temporarily reduced in extreme cold.

GDI System and Injectors

1. The gasoline direct injection (GDI) system can be more susceptible to issues in cold climates, particularly with short trips that don't allow the engine to fully warm up. [SHORT TRIPS ARE GENERALLY REALLY REALLY BAD]
2. Cold temperatures can exacerbate potential problems with fuel dilution in the oil, a known issue in some Honda engines.
3. Regular oil changes and following Honda's recommended maintenance schedule are crucial in cold climates. [PERHAPS BEST USE SEVERE SERVICE INTERVAL]

Recommendations

1. Use the engine block heater (if equipped) when temperatures drop below -20°F (-29°C) to help with cold starts.
2. Allow the engine to warm up briefly before driving, but avoid extended idling.
3. Consider using synthetic oil, which performs better in extreme temperatures.
4. Monitor your oil level regularly, especially during winter months.
5. Park in a garage or use a car cover to protect the vehicle from extreme cold when possible. [THIS IS IMPORTANT]

While the 2024 CR-V Hybrid is designed to handle cold climates, your concerns about reliability in extreme conditions are valid. If you're not confident in the vehicle's ability to perform in your climate, trading it for a model with a proven track record in similar conditions might provide peace of mind. However, it's worth noting that many CR-V owners in cold climates report satisfactory performance with proper maintenance and precautions.

 

The 12 Volt battery does nothing more than allow systems to communicate and maybe interior lights. The engine itself is started with the high voltage battery. Unless the car hasn’t been driven for months the HV battery should have more than enough power to start the engine. Given the very modest demands made on the 12V battery it’s hard to see cold weather being an issue.

 

Welcome to the asylum. Where are you that hits -30? Post a pic when you get a chance.

 

Welcome to the asylum. Where are you that hits -30? Post a pic when you get a chance.

Welcome to the asylum. Where are you that hits -30? Post a pic when you get a chance.

I'd go with Alaska?

 

1. How has your cold climate reliability been? Any issues with the hybrid system?
2. If 12v battery dies, does one jump start this with a battery pack jumper as usual?
3. Does cold climate possibly interfere with injectors even more with the GDI system?

I am considering trading this in before winter sets in. I am not convinced right now that this may be a reliable car for the -30 F/C temps we get here consistently. Thanks for assistance!

I live in Sask Canada and have our share of -30 temps.
I make sure the block heater is plugged in for -30 temps? Suggest a remote timer for the block heater, only need 4 hours of on time for block heater. Have had no problems when C-RV has been plugged in -30 temps.

12V battery can be jump started with a Li-ion jump starter. In order to minimize 12v battery discharge invest in a battery maintainer for -30 temps. I installed a Noco D2 onboard battery maintainer and plug it in along with the block heater. I also have a battery blanket heater. Battery maintainer and battery blanket power use is equivalent to a 60 watt light bulb, so cheap insurance for -30 temps.

I have never had any issue with injectors in -30 temps or with the hybrid in general.

I plan ahead and make sure I am prepared for -30 temps. Maintainer and battery blanket are cheap insurance instead of down time, 12v battery replacement, aggravation and tow boost etc.

 

Hello from another Saskatchewanian!

I have a 2024 Hybrid Touring model. The only cold weather addition was the block heater, that my dealer installs on every vehicle they sell.
I'm spoiled because I park in a heated underground lot (plus 15C year round). But, I have driven it in the coldest weather we've had this winter, which has been minus 34C. I have no problem with heat in the cabin, and have discovered that using the climate control on auto and dialing in a temperature of 24C, everything is great. The ICE runs quite a bit, although by dropping it down to 22C, there is more frequent 'E' mode used.

I've had the Honda inspection of the high pressure fuel pump completed (nothing wrong with the one I have), and have absolutely no issues with the fuel injectors. I do tend to use top tier fuels.

Every Thursday night, I have to park outside at my sons house for several hours. Before driving away at the end of the evening, I use the built-in remote start feature, which warms the cabin to 21C, turns on the heated steering wheel as well as the drivers side heated seat.
Now here's the interesting part. This draws a fair bit of power from the battery, which is replenished from the high voltage battery pack, however, doing this remote starting, then driving short trips does not really give the rather small 12V battery time to recover. I have a small electronic battery monitor connected to the 12V battery, and via bluetooth to my phone, so can see just what's going on.
I've never experienced the orange dash warning, that comes with low temperatures in the high voltage battery - you know the one - "possible reduced power until the system warms up".

In those extreme low temperatures, the 12V battery is not getting fully recharged, and my short trips are not helping. I have a Honda Optimate battery tender I connect to the vehicle when I get home, and this brings the 12V up to snuff. And then, once a week I take a highway run for about 30 minutes, to get the engine up to operating temperature, for a decent period of time. This seems to help me avoid any fuel dilution/crankcase contamination issues, as well as keeps both batteries in good condition.

All in all, I am rather pleased with this vehicle, my 12th new Honda.

 

Considering a new 2025 CRV Hybrid. I live in a cold winter climate. I have heard rumors that this vehicle has difficulty suppling sufficient heat to the cab in some situations. My 2018 CRV 1.5 had problems in this regard particularly during urban driving. Any truth to this?? Thanks.

 

We have had our 25 sport touring hybrid since late August. We have only had a couple nights and mornings where we’ve had sub zero temps, but the cabin heat has not been a problem so far. It actually heats up pretty quick. I have an engine block heater but haven’t used it yet since it hasn’t been cold enough, but I do use the remote start and run the car for as few minutes before hitting road.

 

We have the same question about cabin heat. Our 2018 Touring has insufficient winter cabin heat and yet we are considering a 2025 hybrid Touring. Winters here in North Dakota can be bitterly cold! Any advice appreciated!

 

Never had any -30 Sask temp problems with our 2014 CRV that we had before getting our 24 EX-L Hybrid. When it was -30 I always made sure it was plugged in.

The OP was asking about brand new Hybrids in cold weather.

 

The Honda ICE in the current generation hybrid is one of the most thermally efficient engines on the market. That means there is less waste heat to scavenge for the cabin heat. Using the seat heaters is one option in very cold weather, but yeah, these are not the best cold weather vehicles.

 

Heated wheel really helps they should offer it on more models in colder US climates. Canadian CR-V 😍