Honda CR-V Review (2017-2023)

What is the Honda CR-V?

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V is a large SUV that rivals seemingly countless mainstream offerings, including the Ford Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4 and Skoda Kodiaq.

Overall, the Honda offers a lot that makes it an appealing and sensible choice for those after a practical, safe and relaxing family SUV. It’s not a stand-out option, though, as the competition is so competitive in this sector. A Skoda Kodiaq, for comparison, has a slightly lower starting price, a wider array of refined engines and the option of a dual-clutch automatic, which is more enjoyable to use than the Honda’s CVT. For some buyers, however, the availability of the hybrid option may give the Honda an edge over its rivals.

The fifth-generation model was replaced by an all-new Honda CR-V in 2023

How practical is it?

Few will have complaints about interior space, as the cabin of the CR-V is vast; the second row can comfortably accommodate three adults, and they’ll enjoy more space than in most rivals. There are practicality compromises if you opt for the seven-seat model, though. The cramped rearmost row will only be tolerated by most for short journeys. What’s more, the seven-seater has a smaller boot than the huge one you get in the five-seater due to the fact that the rearmost seats fold down onto the boot floor, rather than into it, meaning the floor is higher. Lift up seats six and seven, and the boot is reduced to almost nothing. In terms of pure numbers, there's 497 litres of space in the five-seat configuration and 1,694 litres with all the rear seats folded down.

Compared to its predecessor, the fifth-generation CR-V has a more ergonomic cabin that uses better materials. It’s not as stylish as in some alternatives, however, and the infotainment system is dated. Fortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available in most models, so you can avoid having to interact with it much.

What's it like to drive?

On the driving front, there’s quite a lot to like about the Honda. Its steering is heavier than some rivals, which helps make the CR-V feel more reassured and easy to control, while its smooth ride and capable suspension make it a refined and composed companion, even on twisty country routes. The engine options are good, too, but it’s worth opting for the more powerful and flexible variants if you’re regularly going to be carrying lots of luggage or passengers.

At launch, the only engine option was a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol. A six-speed manual transmission was standard but a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is automatic in its operation, was also available. Customers could also opt for all-wheel drive. A frugal five-seat hybrid CR-V was introduced shortly after the initial launch, and it’ll be this version that’ll appeal to most buyers.

Technology, equipment & infotainment

The CR-V range is straightforward, with four trim levels, dubbed S, SE, SR and EX. Equipment levels are generous, with even the base model getting automatic LED headlights, DAB and Bluetooth, single-zone climate-control, start-stop, adaptive cruise control and a vast array of safety systems.

All that safety equipment, which includes lane-keeping assistance and a forward-collision warning system, is among the reasons the CR-V performs so well in crash testing. It scored the maximum five-star rating from crash testing experts Euro NCAP and achieved adult and child occupant protection scores that were better than or almost equivalent to many a more expensive alternative.

Honda CR-V running costs

A Honda CR-V won’t cost a tremendous amount to run, regardless of which version you go for, but there are a few things worth bearing in mind. For starters, there’s no diesel version, so if you’re doing starship-like mileages each year, a CR-V might not be the best option.

Even the most efficient model, the 2WD hybrid, averages a best of 40.9mpg on the more stringent WLTP test cycle, whereas some diesel alternatives can average over 50mpg. There are so many variables, though, that you’ll need to consider the type of driving you're doing to land the most efficient choice. If you’re doing lots of urban driving, then the hybrid CR-V might prove more efficient than a conventional petrol or diesel alternative.

The hybrid is the best option if you’re otherwise just looking for a comparatively clean and efficient SUV, because it averages up to 40.9mpg and emits 156g/km of CO2 on the WLTP cycle. Some owners have also reported matching, if not exceeding, the claimed economy figure.

The standard petrol models aren’t terrible on the economy front, however. The base 1.5 VTEC Turbo, in two-wheel-drive manual form, is reputed to average 38.7mpg and emit 166g/km of CO2. Expect them to be a little less frugal in the real world, though.

The all-wheel-drive and CVT variants are thirstier and less clean, which won’t come as a surprise; the 1.5 VTEC Turbo CVT AWD model of the CR-V averages 32.5mpg and emits a minimum of 196g/km of CO2.

To help keep costs manageable, Honda also offers both fixed-price and tailored service plans. The fixed-price plan, for cars up to eight months old with no more than 8,000 miles on the clock, costs £895 and covers five years or up to 62,500 miles of servicing. The plan is transferable, too, should you sell your car to someone else.

The tailored service plan is for cars outside the mileage and age range required for the fixed-price scheme, and can run for one to four years. As the name suggests, however, the cost will be dependent on the age, use and condition of the car in question. But, in any case, it’ll allow you to get a fix on upcoming costs and budget accordingly.

Honda CR-V reliability

When new, the CR-V was covered by a three-year, 90,000-mile warranty. It’s a fairly average warranty, compared to those on many rivals, with Toyota, Hyundai and Kia offering longer and more comprehensive cover. So, if minimal fuss is a deciding factor in your family SUV purchase, you may want to consider alternatives such as the RAV4, Tucson or Sportage.

That said, you can extend the Honda warranty on a CR-V by up to two years. Honda quotes around £500 for year four alone, or £900 for years four and five together. If you’re considering long-term ownership, it could be worth investing in for peace of mind.

Beneficially, Honda generally has a very good reputation for customer satisfaction and reliability. It also has an extensive dealer network, so if a problem occurs then it shouldn’t prove difficult to get it resolved. in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, this generation of CR-V finished 4th out of the 24 cars in the large SUV class. Honda as a brand meanwhile finished 6th out of the 32 brands included.