What type of rear suspension is the Honda CR-Z?
The Honda CR-Z uses an independent rear suspension, configured as a double-wishbone-style setup, designed to deliver a balance of ride comfort and agile handling in a compact hybrid hatch.
Technical design and layout
The CR-Z's suspension architecture pairs a MacPherson-strut front with an independent rear suspension. The rear setup is commonly described in spec sheets as a double-wishbone-style arrangement with upper and lower control arms, coil springs, and dampers mounted to a rear subframe. This configuration supports a lower roll center and more precise wheel control during cornering, a nod to the car's sporty intent despite its hybrid powertrain.
What the layout means for ride and handling
Manufacturers often emphasize independent rear suspension in small performance-oriented cars because it helps maintain tire contact and reduce body roll. In the CR-Z, the rear suspension is designed to complement the front MacPherson arrangement, contributing to a balanced ride that appeals to drivers seeking engaged handling without sacrificing efficiency.
Context within the Honda lineup
The CR-Z debuted in 2010 as a lightweight, two-seat hybrid coupe intended to blend efficiency with a touch of sport. Honda aimed to deliver a more dynamic chassis feel than typical economy hybrids, and the rear independent suspension played a role in achieving that objective by improving wheel control over uneven pavement and during cornering, compared with a simple torsion-beam arrangement found on some compact hybrids.
Reliability and maintenance considerations
As with other independent rear suspensions, the CR-Z's rear arms and linkages require periodic inspection for wear, particularly the bushings and shock absorbers. Replacement parts are generally accessible through Honda's parts network, and the design is in line with other Honda platforms from the era of the model's production run (2010–2016).
Summary
In short, the Honda CR-Z relies on an independent rear suspension with a double-wishbone-style layout to deliver better ride comfort and handling dynamics for a compact hybrid. This choice aligns with Honda's focus on chassis performance in a lightweight, fuel-efficient package, and it remains a point of distinction versus simpler rear suspensions in some competing hybrids.
