How to Use the Paddle Shifters on Honda CR-V Hybrid?
3 Answers
First, shift the gear lever to the "D" position, then use the paddle shifters to upshift or downshift when the engine speed is appropriate. The hybrid CR-V is equipped with a multifunction steering wheel, which refers to the function buttons set on both sides or below the steering wheel, including audio controls, hands-free calling, etc. It is a shifting device installed for the car's semi-automatic clutch, allowing gear changes without stepping on the clutch pedal, directly by pulling the paddle shifters.
I've been driving the CRV hybrid, and those two paddles on the steering wheel are magic for adjusting regenerative braking. A gentle pull on the left paddle increases the braking recovery force, and you can clearly feel a stronger drag when decelerating, almost like lightly pressing the brake to recover electricity. Pressing the right paddle reduces the intensity, making deceleration smoother. During my daily commute in traffic jams, I often use the left paddle to set it to the highest level—the car decelerates significantly on its own, reducing the need to constantly brake, which saves brake pads and energy. After a few months of driving, my average fuel consumption dropped by more than 10%, especially useful in congested areas. When shifting gears or accelerating, the paddles don’t interfere with driving—they automatically reset to standard settings after a few seconds. New drivers shouldn’t worry about complexity; just treat them as simple assistive tools to play with.
Hybrid car enthusiasts know that the CRV's steering wheel paddles actually control the energy recovery level: pulling the left minus paddle once enhances regenerative braking, causing the motor to reverse-drag the wheels and generate electricity into the battery; pushing the right plus paddle reduces the intensity, approaching normal coasting. I've tested it in various road conditions—lightening the setting on highways to avoid abruptness, and strengthening it downhill for safe energy recovery. The principle behind it is simple: when the motor acts as a generator, the paddles adjust the recovery intensity, with step-by-step changes clearly visible on the dashboard display. Combined with different driving modes, such as Sport mode, adjusting regeneration enhances the sense of control. I recommend practicing a few times to find the settings that best suit your driving style.
