- For: Practicality, refinement, good to drive
- Against: No diesel, cramped third row
- Verdict: Impressive SUV with a premium feel and hybrid option
Honda was an early adopter of the compact SUV formula, with the first CR-V arriving in the mid-1990s.
Today, there are effectively two CR-V models available in the UK: hybrid and non-hybrid.
The big news is that there’s no diesel, so if you’re looking for maximum economy, the hybrid is the CR-V for you. It pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver 40.9mpg: around 2mpg more than the standard CR-V, which uses a less powerful 1.5 petrol engine.
Up to seven seats are available, but the CR-V works best as a five-seat SUV with the third row reserved for occasional use.
It’s by far and away the best CR-V to date, with a terrific blend of practicality, build quality and surprisingly good road manners.
The absence of a diesel engine is a big miss, but the CR-V scores highly for its level of equipment.
KEY INFO
- Launched: 2018
- Facelifted: TBC
- Due for replacement: TBC