Honda Crf
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a family SUV that delivers on both reliability and refinement? The Honda CR-V might be exactly what you’re looking for. This popular mid size SUV has earned its reputation as one of the most dependable family vehicles on the market, offering Honda’s famous build quality wrapped in a practical and comfortable package. It’s the car for families who want peace of mind without sacrificing style or capability.

From the moment you see it, the CR-V commands attention with its bold, imposing design. The latest generation features sharp lines and a confident stance that sets it apart from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage. Honda has created something that looks premium without being ostentatious. The interior continues this theme with a spacious, well thought out cabin that feels more expensive than its price tag suggests.

Driving the CR-V reveals its true strengths. The hybrid powertrain delivers smooth, efficient performance that makes both city driving and long motorway journeys effortless. It handles predictably and comfortably, inspiring confidence whether you’re navigating tight car parks or cruising on the open road. While it commands a premium price compared to some competitors, you’re investing in Honda’s legendary reliability and a vehicle that will serve your family faithfully for years to come.

Honda CR-V Performance & Engine Options

The Honda CR-V is designed around efficient hybrid technology rather than outright performance. The e:HEV hybrid system combines a 2.0 litre petrol engine with electric motors to produce around 184 horsepower total. This setup delivers smooth, refined acceleration that feels effortless in everyday driving. The 0-60 mph time of around 8.5 seconds provides adequate performance for family use, with plenty of torque available for overtaking or merging onto motorways.

Where the CR-V truly excels is in its driving manners and refinement. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making urban manoeuvring easy despite its SUV dimensions. At higher speeds, it weights up nicely to provide confidence and control. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and stability, soaking up road imperfections while keeping body roll well controlled through corners. The hybrid system operates almost silently much of the time, creating a serene cabin environment that rivals more expensive luxury SUVs.

How Comfortable Is the Honda CR-V?

Step inside the CR-V and you’re greeted by one of the best interiors in the family SUV class. The dashboard design is clean and intuitive, dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Material quality feels premium throughout, with soft touch plastics on key surfaces and solid, well damped controls. The seats are supportive and comfortable, offering excellent adjustment range to help you find the perfect driving position.

Space is a real strength of the CR-V. Front seat passengers enjoy generous head and legroom, while the rear seats easily accommodate three adults on longer journeys. The cabin is exceptionally quiet thanks to excellent sound insulation, creating a refined atmosphere that makes every journey more pleasant. Storage solutions are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior, with plenty of cubbyholes, cup holders, and door pockets to keep family essentials organised. Higher specification models add features like heated seats, panoramic sunroof, and premium audio systems that enhance the upmarket feel.

The Honda CR-V stands out in the competitive family SUV market by delivering exceptional reliability wrapped in a refined and practical package. It successfully combines Honda’s legendary build quality with modern hybrid technology and a spacious, comfortable interior. The driving experience is smooth and confidence inspiring, making it ideal for both daily family duties and longer trips. The main trade offs are a higher purchase price and slightly less boot space than some rivals. However, these compromises are easily justified by the CR-V’s superior reliability record and lower long term running costs. If you want a family SUV that will serve you faithfully for many years with minimal fuss, the CR-V is hard to beat. It proves that sometimes paying a little more upfront delivers better value in the long run.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Honda CR-V?

The CR-V’s hybrid technology delivers impressive fuel economy that helps offset its higher purchase price. Real world fuel consumption typically ranges from 42 to 50 MPG depending on driving conditions, which translates to meaningful savings at the pump compared to traditional petrol SUVs. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, though they reflect the car’s higher value and advanced safety systems.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which starts around £33,000 for new models and £25,000 for quality used examples. This places it at the premium end of the family SUV market, but you’re paying for Honda’s renowned reliability and superior build quality. Servicing costs are competitive, and Honda’s excellent reputation for dependability means fewer unexpected repair bills. The CR-V also holds its value exceptionally well, making it a smart long term investment. Car finance options are widely available to spread the cost, making this premium SUV more accessible to family budgets.

Is the Honda CR-V Practical for Everyday Use?

For a family SUV, the Honda CR-V delivers excellent everyday usability. The 497 litre boot provides ample space for the weekly shop, holiday luggage, or sports equipment. The rear seats fold flat to create a generous cargo area when you need to transport larger items. The wide opening and relatively low loading lip make it easy to lift heavy objects in and out.

Inside the cabin, the CR-V excels at family life. The rear doors open wide for easy child seat installation, and there’s plenty of space for car seats and growing children. The high driving position gives excellent visibility in all directions, boosting confidence in busy traffic or tight parking situations. While some rivals offer seven seat options, the CR-V’s focus on five seat comfort means everyone gets more space and luxury. For families who prioritise quality over maximum seating capacity, the CR-V strikes the perfect balance compared to other used Honda cars.

The Honda CR-V continues to set the standard for family SUVs by combining proven reliability with modern efficiency and comfort. It packages Honda’s excellent hybrid technology, spacious interior, and refined driving manners into a practical and desirable family vehicle. While it may cost more than some alternatives, it delivers superior long term value through lower running costs and exceptional dependability.

You choose the CR-V because you want a family SUV that won’t let you down. Its combination of hybrid efficiency, premium interior quality, and legendary reliability makes every journey more enjoyable and stress free. It’s perfectly suited for modern family life, whether you’re tackling the school run or embarking on weekend adventures. If you’re looking for a family SUV that offers peace of mind and lasting satisfaction, the Honda CR-V should be at the top of your list.