Used Honda CR-V for sale nearWatford

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 700
Average Price: Around £11,000

Honda CR-V Mk4 (2011-2016) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comfortable ride and composed handling	Not as enjoyable to drive as a Mazda CX-5
Lots of passenger and boot space	Some reports of clogging diesel particulate filters
Efficient 1.6-litre diesel	Pre-facelift cars lack some modern kit and safety features

Quick Summary

The Honda CR-V Mk4 (2011-2016) is an excellent family SUV that prioritises comfort and practicality over driving excitement. This generation offers one of the roomiest cabins in its class, with generous passenger space across all five seats and a 559-litre boot that expands to 1,648 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior features high-quality materials and solid assembly, though the dashboard layout with numerous buttons can feel cluttered. Honda's legendary reliability reputation provides reassurance when buying used, and the plush, cosseting ride makes it a relaxed and civilised car to drive.

The engine range is modest but effective, with the standout 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel available in 118bhp or 158bhp variants, delivering impressive efficiency of 62-64mpg and mid-fifties respectively. The earlier 2.2-litre diesel offers around 50mpg with manual transmission, whilst the 2.0-litre petrol struggles to reach 40mpg. Handling is secure with responsive steering and decent grip, though body roll in corners is noticeable due to the tall frame and soft suspension—a worthwhile trade-off for comfort. Four trim levels (S, SE, SR, EX) provide varying levels of equipment, with SE offering excellent value for its Bluetooth, parking sensors, and reversing camera.

Best for: Families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and reliable SUV with practical features and low running costs, particularly those prioritising comfort over driving dynamics.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting an engaging driving experience comparable to a Mazda CX-5, or those concerned about diesel particulate filter issues on higher-mileage examples.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CR-V if: You're seeking a spacious, comfortable, and reliable family SUV with practical features, low running costs, and Honda's renowned dependability.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging driving dynamics comparable to a Mazda CX-5, or wish to avoid potential diesel particulate filter issues on higher-mileage examples.

Competitive Position: The Honda CR-V Mk4 is a strong all-rounder in the compact SUV segment, offering exceptional practicality, comfort, and reliability. Whilst it may not match the Mazda CX-5 for driving enjoyment, its spacious interior, efficient engines, and Honda's legendary build quality make it an excellent choice for families. The Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4 offer comparable ratings and value, but the CR-V's combination of comfort, space, and dependability provides outstanding value for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical family vehicle.

Read our full Honda CR-V Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.