Name: Honda CR-V Review
Item: Honda CR-V
Author: Gumtree.com

Launched in 1996, the Honda CR-V is a smart-looking yet subdued SUV that’s perfect for short journeys and city driving. It’s a practical, flexible family car that offers a smooth ride for passengers and comes in spacious five- and seven-seat options. Only available as a petrol model, the CR-V handles well and is easy but fairly unexciting to drive – ideal for everyday use. It underwent a big remodel in 2007, which led to some big improvements for the interior and the overall comfort for drivers and passengers, so be aware of this when considering older models.

Ready to find out what the Honda CR-V has to offer?

What we think about the Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a practical, efficient mid-size SUV that’s perfect for everyday family use – just don’t expect too many thrills.

Pros

Good for city driving

Cheap to run for its size

Available in five- and seven-seat options

Cons

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Acceleration is a little sluggish on the motorway

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Well-used models are prone to clutch issues

The 2015 Honda CR-V RE is a five-door SUV that seats five (seven-seater options are also available). With its petrol engine and automatic transmission, the 2015 CR-V averages a reasonably efficient 28 mpg. This set up is standard across its four trims: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring.

Driving performance of the Honda Cr V

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

Well-tuned brakes and easy cornering ensure that the Honda CR-V is a smooth and comfortable ride for all passengers. Both front- and all-wheel-drive options handle well, even on wet or rough surfaces – this good handling makes it easy to park, too. Driving the CR-V is rarely an exciting experience, which is great if you’re after a practical vehicle but less-suited to drivers seeking more fun. Engine noise is low even at high speeds. While perfect for city driving, the it’s a little underpowered on the motorway, with an overtake that’s acceptable but a little sluggish.

Safety and reliability of the Honda Cr V

Our Safety Rating6 / 10

The CR-V received a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2019 and 2013, but only four in 2007 – for models from 2012 or earlier, check you’re happy with the safety features. In 2007-2012 models, these include anti-lock brakes, emergency braking assistance and electronic stability control, as well as ISOFIX points for car seats and front and side airbags. Later models add in more features – the 2017 model has automatic emergency braking, lane assist and additional airbags. The CR-V is a fairly reliable vehicle, however several models have been recalled for airbag issues, so be sure to check the year and service history. It’s also prone to clutch issues as it gets older, and 2017 models have some known fuel injection issues.

Under the bonnet of the Honda Cr V

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

Although only available as a petrol vehicle, the Honda CR-V has several options for engine size, and is available with manual or automatic transmission. It also comes in front- and all-wheel-drive options. The most common models from 2007-2012 offer 2.4-litre petrol engines with 5-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, and can put down 180 horsepower and reach a top speed of 112 mph. The 2015 model with the same engine size is a little more powerful with 185 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 8.8 seconds – fine for heading off from the traffic lights but a little underpowered for the motorway. A towbar rated to 680 kg can also be fitted to the Honda CR-V if desired.

What you'll find in the Honda Cr V

Our Design Rating7 / 10

Smart yet subdued, the Honda CR-V is there to get the job done without turning heads. It’s available in eight colour options, and the differences between the three trim levels (Standard, Sport and Luxury) are most noticeable on the inside. The CR-V comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, which blend in well with the subtle exterior. Dimensions vary slightly with year and trim; the 2016 model is 2m wide, 1.8m high and 4.7m long, and all other models are fairly similar. Roof rails are also available as an option with some trims.

Comfort and interiors in the Honda Cr V

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The interior is spacious, with handy door pockets and plenty of central storage between the front seats. Practicality is the priority, with leather and semi-leather seats available on models with Luxury trim. Honda CR-VTi L models have a third row of seats, taking passenger capacity up to seven. The seats in this row are best suited to kids, however, as passengers will have to climb over the main back row to get in and won’t get much legroom. Having the rear row of seats up also takes up most of the CR-V’s normally spacious boot, and seven-seater models have slightly reduced boot space, even with the rear row folded. Thankfully, the main back row can slide on runners to adjust boot capacity and legroom, too.

What features you'll find in the Honda Cr V

Our Features Rating8 / 10

All models of the Honda CR-V come with a full-size spare wheel, though this can be swapped for a space saver or inflation kit to increase boot space. Bluetooth connectivity has been standard on all models since 2012, and is available on the fancier trims for earlier years. This was also when the touch-controlled infotainment screen was introduced, though it’s at the lower end of in-car touchscreens in terms of quality. Pre-2012 models are equipped with CD players, with the Luxury trim also offering parking sensors. These have been standard since 2012, and newer models add even more features, such as USB and HDMi connectivity and a pull-down backseat divider.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Honda Cr V

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The Honda CR-V has a 57-litre tank, giving it plenty of driving range. It’s reasonably efficient, and this has only improved with newer models. The 2011 2.4-litre petrol is rated at 25 mpg, while the 2017 model offers 32 mpg and carbon emissions of 160 g/km. The CR-V weighs in at 1500 kg, though this is slightly higher for versions with seven seats or roof rails.

Running costs of the Honda Cr V

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

The CR-V is cheap to run relative to other mid-size SUVs. Its relatively small engine and lower power put it in insurance groups 22-25, which is much lower than most similar cars. Older models are known to run into some clutch issues which can become expensive, so be sure to check the service history if you’re considering one. In general, the Honda CR-V is fairly reliable and inexpensive to keep on the road, provided it’s serviced at the recommended intervals.

Our verdict of the Honda Cr V

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Honda CR-V is family-friendly, practical and efficient – perfect if you're after a no-fuss, easy-to-drive everyday vehicle.

Honda CR-V Review