Review - Honda CR-V

Offering a large, family-friendly platform packed with entertainment and safety features, the CR-V retains its value-for-money proposition in the face of a tonne of competition in the midsize SUV segment, where it remains one of the yardsticks to which its rivals are measured. 

The question remaining, though, is just how good is the latest CR-V platform compared to its major rivals, and with prices rising in recent years, is it still a good value option for Australian families? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $35,500

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Honda CR-V - VTi L7 (2WD) 7 SEATS Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Honda CR-V car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

Drive-away prices for the Honda CR-V lineup kick off from $35,500 for the entry-level CR-V Vi, while the CR-V VTi is priced at $38,600, and the seven-seat VTi 7 is priced at $40,500. 

Moving to the CR-V VTi X comes at a cost of $41,500, while the VTi L all-wheel-drive is priced at $45,800, and the VTi L7 is priced at $48,900. Finally, Honda’s range-topping CR-V VTi LX all-wheel drive is priced at $53,500. 

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What Features Does the Honda CR-V Have?

Honda’s entry-level CR-V Vi comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, and receives a set of halogen headlights, cruise control, a reversing camera, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a pair of USB ports and a full-sized alloy spare tyre. 

Stepping up to the Honda CR-V VTi or VTi 7 adds an adaptive cruise control system, keyless entry and start, automatic door locking, four USB ports and a rear luggage cover, as well as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alerts and lane-keep assistance. 

Moving to the Honda CR-V VTi X adds a set of 18-inch alloys, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and rear-mounted parking sensors, satellite navigation, camera-based blind-spot monitoring, a powered boot lift and automatic headlights, while the VTi L AWD receives leather upholstery and heated front seats. 

Opting for the CR-V VTi L7 adds a set of LED headlights and fog lights, a panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers, wireless smartphone charging and rear privacy glass, while the flagship VTi LX AWD receives 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, DAB+ radio and heated door mirrors. 

Range Features: 

• 17-inch alloys 
• Reversing camera
• Halogen headlights 
• Cruise control 
• Dual-zone climate control 
• 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Full-sized alloy spare tyre 
• Adaptive cruise control (VTi & VTi 7)
• Keyless entry & start (VTi & VTi 7)
• 18-inch alloy wheels (VTi X)
• Powered boot lift (VTi X)
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel (VTi X) 
• Front & rear parking sensors (VTi X)
• Leather upholstery (VTi L AWD)
• Heated front seats (VTi L AWD)
• LED headlights (VTi L7)
• Panoramic sunroof (VTi L7)
• Wireless smartphone charging (VTi L7) 
• 19-inch alloys (VTi LX AWD)
• DAB+ radio (VTi LX AWD)
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror (VTi LX AWD) 

Honda CR-V Colours 

The Honda CR-V range is available in a variety of colours, including Platinum White Pearlescent, Luna Silver metallic and Meteorid Grey Metallic, Ignite Red, Cosmic Blue, Crystal Black and Brilliant Sporty Blue. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

A large part of what’s made the CR-V an icon is the comfortable platform that lends itself perfectly to daily driving, school runs and long-distance road trips alike, and we’re glad to report that in its latest generation, Honda has continued to refine this recipe. 

One thing to take note is that the base CR-V receives a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 113kW of power and 189Nm of torque, while the rest of the range gains a smaller 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that produces 140kW of power and 240Nm of torque. 

While the base model’s engine is more than adequate, the added power and torque from the turbocharger makes the 1.5-litre powertrain the pick of the bunch, offering smooth and perky acceleration. 

Power is put to the ground via a CVT automatic, which makes driving the CR-V a silky-smooth affair that eliminates any sudden movements from a traditional gearshift, and makes the car extremely easy to pilot. 

Around town, the CR-V gets up to speed without a problem, while the ride quality is fabulous thanks to its suspension system that irons out small and medium-sized bumps on the road. Complimented by a lightweight steering rack and a surprisingly compact turning circle, piloting the CR-V in any tight-quarters environment in the city is a simple task that is accommodating and user-friendly for drivers. 

For anyone living out in the countryside, the CR-V features a clever damping system that bounces over large bumps and remains extremely comfortable on long distance road trips which minimises body roll and adds to the overall adaptability of the CR-V’s platform. 

As a complete package, then, it takes only a few minutes behind the wheel of the CR-V to realise just how competent and refined the platform is, making it perfectly suited to the needs of a variety of Australian families - not just those living in the confines of the city. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

The CR-V is designed primarily for families in mind, and rose to prominence thanks to its large, practical cabin. In its latest generation, we’re pleased to report that the CR-V’s family-friendly nature has only been improved upon by Honda’s clever team of designers and engineers.

Up front, the driver and front passenger are positioned nice and high off the road, with a great view out of the windscreen adding to the sense of space inside. The cabin features a relatively straight-forward design with some premium contrasts that remain within easy reach. 

Practicality is obviously one area that Honda directed its attention, with the driver and front passenger receiving a huge amount of storage options in the front of the cockpit. 

With large door bins either side, a two-tiered folding armrest with additional storage in the central console, a pair of cupholders and additional storage in the tray behind the gear lever, the CR-V is a beast when it comes to swallowing up the loose items that families accumulate. 

Moving to the rear of the cabin, you’ll find a comfortable bench seat with a heap of legroom available, even behind the driving position of a tall driver. Better still, the tall platform offers a heap of headroom in the second row of the cabin, which is wide enough to comfortably seat three people, and remains a great place for the kids on a trip to the shops or even a long distance road trip. 

For the families out there, the CR-V features two ISOFIX anchors on either side of the second row, with three top tether mounts accommodating three child seats across the second row, while the seven-seat L7 allows you to squeeze an extra set of legs in the third row, making the CR-V a genuine seven-seater. 

In terms of boot space, the CR-V’s platform accommodates up to 522L of cargo in the rear of a five-seat configuration, while the seven-seat L7 has a boot rated at 150L. Fold-down that third row and you’ll find 472L of boot space, while folding the second row down expands boot space to 936L in the L7 and up to 1,084L in the five-seat configuration. 

Is it Safe? 

The Honda CR-V has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, returning an overall score of 35.76 out of 37. 

Unfortunately, though, the base CR-V does not receive autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assistance, while a number of its main rivals receive these features. It does, however, come with front, front-side and curtain airbags that reach all the way to the third row in the seven-seat L7 variant, making it a safe and family-friendly option. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Honda’s CR-V VTi is rated at 7.0L/100km on a combined cycle, which increases to 7.4L/100km in the VTi 7 variant and up to 7.6L/100km in the base model Vi, making the smaller-capacity turbocharged engine the pick of the fuel economy bunch. 

Our Verdict: Is the Honda CR-V Worth it?

The Honda CR-V remains one of the best options for families looking for a comfortable, practical and feature-packed value-for-money proposition within the crowded midsize SUV market. 

The platform drives fabulously around town, on rough country roads and long-distance road trips alike, while the user-friendly design makes it an ideal option for those looking for an easy car to drive with some added ride height. 

As a complete package, it’s difficult to fault the latest Honda CR-V, which is why we encourage you to add it atop your shortlist of midsize SUVs and take it for a test drive.

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty 
2. First five services are capped at $125
3. Front-wheel drive as standard; all-wheel-drive available 
4. Two engine options available 
5. 1,500kg braked towing capacity; 1,00kg for seven-seat L7

Pros 

• Smooth, comfortable platform
• Spacious, family-friendly and practical cabin
• Impressive engine performance and economy
• Full-sized alloy spare standard 

Cons

• Base model misses out on key safety equipment 
• Underwhelming infotainment system 

OnlineAuto Rating: 9/10

Honda CR-V Competition