1 / 4Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Honda CR-V
America's compact SUV benchmark, refined again
Honda CR-V review
The sixth-generation Honda CR-V plays it smart rather than flashy. Roomier and cleaner-looking than before, it pairs a familiar 1.5-liter turbo with a genuinely strong hybrid option that finally gets all-wheel drive on upper trims. Honda focused on the basics buyers actually care about: rear-seat space, an easy-to-use cabin, a big cargo hold and a comfortable, unflappable ride. It is less an excitement machine than a dependable family tool that does almost everything well.
On the road the CR-V is calm and predictable, which is exactly what most compact-SUV shoppers want. The 1.5-liter turbo makes 190 hp through a CVT, and while it never feels quick, it pulls cleanly around town and merges without drama. The hybrid is the one to seek out: its two-motor system delivers an extra shove of low-end response, runs smoother, and returns notably better economy in stop-and-go traffic. Ride quality is a clear strength, soaking up broken pavement while keeping body motions tidy through corners.
Inside, Honda has done its usual trick of making space feel effortless. The rear seat reclines and slides, legroom is generous for the class, and the boot is among the largest here, swallowing strollers and a weekly shop with ease. The dashboard layout is refreshingly logical: real climate knobs, a clear digital cluster on higher trims, and a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most variants. Materials are solid if not plush, and the honeycomb air-vent trim adds a touch of character.
Where the CR-V is less convincing is value and personality. Base prices have crept up, and you need to climb the range to unlock the hybrid powertrain and the nicer interior, which pushes the sticker toward $40,000. The gas engine can drone under hard acceleration, and rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson offer plug-in options the CR-V lacks. It is also a conservative thing to drive and look at, so anyone wanting flair should shop elsewhere.
For families, though, the trade-offs make sense. Honda Sensing safety tech is standard, reliability expectations are high, and resale value tends to hold up better than most. It is the kind of vehicle you buy with your head, then quietly grow to appreciate over years of trouble-free use.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Spacious, flexible rear seat and cabin
- Large, easy-to-load cargo area
- Efficient and responsive hybrid option
- Comfortable, composed ride
- Standard Honda Sensing safety suite
What could be better
- Gas engine drones under load
- Hybrid locked to pricier trims
- Base prices have climbed
- Conservative styling and driving feel
Honda CR-V price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| LX FWD Best value | PetrolAutomatic | $30,100 |
| EX AWD | PetrolAutomatic | $33,200 |
| EX-L AWD | PetrolAutomatic | $35,700 |
| Sport Hybrid AWD | HybridAutomatic | $36,500 |
| Sport-L Hybrid AWD | HybridAutomatic | $39,200 |
| Sport Touring Hybrid AWD | HybridAutomatic | $42,000 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Honda CR-V colours
Platinum White PearlExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
The hybrid pays for itself
I went for the Sport Touring Hybrid and I'm averaging close to 37 mpg on my mixed commute, which is far better than my old SUV. It's quiet, the back seat fits my kids' car seats easily, and the ride is really smooth on rough roads.
Practical but not thrilling
There's nothing exciting about driving it, and the engine gets loud when I push it on the highway. That said, it has never given me a single problem, the cargo space is huge, and visibility is excellent. A solid, dependable family car.
Great space, wish it were cheaper
Honestly the interior room surprised me, my teenagers have plenty of legroom in back. My only gripe is that I had to step up several trims to get the features I wanted, so the final price was higher than I expected.
Alternatives to the Honda CR-V
Hyundai Palisade
4.4$37,000 – $54,000Starting MSRP
Rivian R2
4.3$45,000 – $68,000Starting MSRP
Audi Q5
4.2$45,000 – $58,000Starting MSRP
BMW X3
4.4$50,000 – $65,000Starting MSRP
Honda CR-V — frequently asked questions
Is the Honda CR-V available as a hybrid?
Yes. The hybrid uses a two-motor system paired with a 2.0-liter engine and comes standard with all-wheel drive, but it is only offered on the Sport, Sport-L and Sport Touring trims.
How much cargo space does the CR-V have?
It offers roughly 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and around 76 cubic feet with them folded, putting it near the top of the compact-SUV class for luggage room.
Does the CR-V come with all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive is optional on the gas trims and standard on every hybrid. Front-wheel drive is the default on the base LX and EX gas models.
What fuel economy can I expect?
Gas front-drive models return about 30 mpg combined, while the hybrid is rated around 37 mpg combined, making it the better choice for high-mileage drivers.
Is Honda Sensing standard?
Yes, every CR-V includes Honda Sensing, which bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and traffic-sign recognition.
How reliable is the CR-V?
The CR-V has a long-standing reputation for dependability and strong resale value, and the current generation continues to score well in owner-satisfaction and reliability surveys.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.