Honda CR-V cars

About the Honda CR-V

When the Honda CR-V first arrived on the market, it was one of the first compact SUVs. It's always been a popular model in the UK and has seen many facelifts since its inception in the mid-90s.   

Newer models aren't available with diesel engines because they don't fit in with Honda’s pledge to become more environmentally friendly, which is why there’s now a hybrid variant on offer.  

Two things we really like about the CR-V are that it's available with four-wheel drive, and that some come with seven seats.  

You can also choose from a range of trims, including the top-level Touring models and the entry-level LX. 

The CR-V's main rivals are the Toyota RAV4, Peugeot 3008 and Hyundai Tucson. In recent years, however, the mighty Honda has gone on to challenge more premium SUVs such as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Volkswagen Tiguan. 

What features does the Honda CR-V have?

Inside, the Honda CR-V features a very sensible layout with all the mod-cons you’d expect to find inside a modern compact SUV.  

Options available include leather and wood finishes, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a speaker system, and a digital instrument display that comes as standard.  

The top-spec Touring trim level offers extras like larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated leather steering wheel, and an upgraded audio system.  

The CR-V's boot size changes depending on the layout – of which there are three. The smallest configuration is when all three rows of seats are up (should yours be the seven-seat variant). When two rows of seats are up, this offers 497 litres of space.  

However, fold all the seats down and you get a staggering 1,697 litres of available boot space. Not too bad for something Honda calls a ‘compact SUV’. 

What's the Honda CR-V like to drive?

Because the Honda CR-V has been around for so long, it has many different engine options, although current models feature two different ones.  

The first is a 173hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, and the second is a 184hp 2.0-litre petrol hybrid unit. Honda’s 1.5-litre unit is available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and the choice of either a manual or automatic gearbox. The hybrid, however, is available only with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.  

Overall, if you crave fuel efficiency, then you would probably be happier choosing the hybrid, and the four-wheel drive offers great grip on the roads.  

Older iterations of the CR-V came with the choice of a 1.6-litre diesel engine and non-hybrid 2.0-litre units.