Honda CR-V
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family SUV that ticks all the practical boxes without breaking the bank? The Honda CR-V might be exactly what you need. This well-established mid-size SUV has built a reputation for reliability, practicality, and value that’s hard to beat. It’s the car for families who want space, efficiency, and peace of mind without paying premium prices.

From the outside, the CR-V presents a confident, modern appearance that’s evolved tastefully over the years. Its clean lines and purposeful stance give it road presence without being flashy or aggressive. Step inside and you’ll discover one of the most thoughtfully designed interiors in its class. Everything feels well built and logically arranged, with controls that make sense from day one. The cabin feels airy and spacious, with excellent visibility all around.

What really sets the CR-V apart from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage is its blend of efficiency and practicality. The hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy while the interior offers genuine space for five adults plus their luggage. It’s a car that makes family life easier, whether you’re doing the school run or heading off on holiday. While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, it excels at being dependable, comfortable, and surprisingly economical for its size.

What's the Honda CR-V Like to Drive?

The Honda CR-V focuses on smooth, efficient performance rather than sporty thrills. The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric motors to produce around 184 horsepower. This setup provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving, with 0-60mph taking about 8.8 seconds. The electric assistance gives useful low-speed torque, making city driving and parking manoeuvres feel effortless.

Where the CR-V really impresses is in its refined driving experience. The CVT automatic transmission is smoother than in previous generations, and the family SUV rides comfortably over most road surfaces. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, becoming more weighted and secure at motorway speeds. While it won’t set your heart racing on country roads, it feels stable and predictable in all conditions. The hybrid system’s ability to run on electric power alone at low speeds makes it whisper quiet around town, adding to the premium feel that families will appreciate.

How Comfortable Is the Honda CR-V?

Open the door and the CR-V immediately feels like a quality product. The dashboard design is clean and functional, dominated by a clear infotainment touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Materials throughout feel solid and well chosen, with soft-touch surfaces where your hands and arms naturally rest. The fit and finish is exemplary, with panel gaps that remain tight and controls that operate with satisfying precision.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment to help drivers of all sizes find their ideal position. What really stands out is the spaciousness throughout the cabin. Rear seat passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, while the elevated seating position gives everyone a great view out. Road noise is well controlled, making conversation easy even at motorway speeds. Higher trim levels add heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and premium audio systems that enhance the already impressive comfort levels.

The Honda CR-V remains one of the most sensible choices in the competitive family SUV market. Its hybrid powertrain delivers genuinely impressive fuel economy while maintaining the space and practicality that families need. The interior is thoughtfully designed and built to last, with materials and construction quality that feel premium without the premium price tag.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Honda CR-V Expensive to Run?

The CR-V’s hybrid powertrain is the star when it comes to running costs. Real world fuel economy typically sits between 38-42 MPG, which is excellent for such a spacious family SUV. This efficiency means fewer stops at petrol stations and lower monthly fuel bills. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, typically falling into groups 20-25 depending on trim level and specification.

The initial purchase price positions the CR-V competitively against mainstream rivals, though it commands a small premium over some alternatives. However, Honda’s reputation for reliability helps justify this cost, as does the comprehensive warranty coverage. Servicing costs are reasonable, and Honda’s dealer network provides good coverage across the UK. When you factor in the strong residual values and car finance options available, the total cost of ownership becomes very attractive for families prioritising reliability and efficiency.

Honda CR-V Practicality & Boot Space

For family use, the CR-V excels in almost every practical measure. The 497-litre boot easily handles the weekly shopping, holiday luggage, or sports equipment. The loading lip is reasonably low, and the square shape makes the most of the available space. Fold the rear seats and cargo capacity expands dramatically, making furniture shopping or tip runs straightforward.

Inside the cabin, Honda has thought carefully about everyday storage needs. There are plenty of cupholders, door bins, and smaller storage compartments scattered throughout. The rear seats offer genuine space for three adults, though the middle passenger will find the floor tunnel slightly intrusive. For families with children, the wide-opening doors and high seating position make fitting child seats much easier than in a conventional car. Compared to other used Honda cars, the CR-V maximises interior space while remaining easy to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

The Honda CR-V continues to set the standard for practical, reliable family SUVs. It combines Honda’s legendary build quality with modern hybrid efficiency and genuinely useful space for both passengers and cargo. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it excels in the areas that matter most for real-world family use. The hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy without compromising on performance or practicality.

You choose the CR-V because you want a family SUV that will serve you reliably for years to come. Its spacious interior, excellent safety record, and efficient running costs make it ideal for families who cover high mileages. Whether you’re looking at nearly new examples or considering car finance calculator guide options, the CR-V represents solid value in the competitive SUV market. It’s a car that makes family life easier without drama or fuss.