In the previous generation, Honda moved away from diesel and traditional petrol engines, opting instead for a standard hybrid setup with the CR-V e:HEV. The latest model takes it a step further by introducing a petrol plug-in hybrid option, known as the CR-V e:PHEV. This marks Honda's first PHEV in the European market. While it appears to be off to a strong start, there are numerous competing PHEV family SUVs to consider, including versions of the Kia Sorento, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Lexus NX.

Equipment, options and extras

The CR-V lineup begins with the Elegance trim, which comes well-equipped with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, electrically folding and heated wing mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and a powered tailgate, among other amenities. Next up is the Advance trim, which enhances the standard equipment by adding heated rear seats, electric memory front seats, adaptive high beam headlights, and an upgraded sound system, along with a head-up display. At the top of the range is the Advance Tech trim, exclusive to the e:PHEV model. This trim includes all the premium features, along with unique exterior styling, bespoke interior details, and additional extras.

Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2

The Honda CR-V certainly has a premium price tag, particularly the e:PHEV, as it’s only available in the top trim level. When compared to rivals like the Citroën C5 Aircross, Kia Sportage, and VW Tiguan, the e:HEV is more expensive to purchase outright. However, the CR-V comes with significantly more equipment than these competitors.

On the efficiency front, the CR-V helps justify its price. The e:HEV delivers a real-world fuel economy of 38 mpg on our test route, outpacing the petrol Volvo XC60 B5, which returned just 29.6 mpg on the same day. For company car drivers, the plug-in hybrid e:PHEV is particularly appealing due to its potential for reduced BIK tax.

The CR-V e:PHEV has a maximum charging rate of 6.8 kW, allowing it to reach a full charge from a 7 kW home charger in about two and a half hours. This is roughly an hour quicker than the Kia Sorento PHEV, which has a maximum charging speed of 3.3 kW, but slower than the Land Rover Discovery Sport PHEV, which can charge at 32 kW.

Safety and security

The Honda CR-V received a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP during its 2024 safety test, particularly excelling in protecting adults in the front seats and children in the rear. 

All CR-V models come equipped with an extensive range of standard safety features, including 11 airbags and Honda's latest Honda Sensing 360 system. This system monitors the vehicle's surroundings and includes blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts for both the front and rear. 

Additional safety features include standard automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver attention monitor, enhancing overall safety for all passengers.

Reliability

Honda offers a standard warranty of three years or 90,000 miles, which includes breakdown assistance. While this is fairly typical for the family SUV segment, it falls short of the five-year unlimited mileage warranty provided by Hyundai and the seven-year warranty offered by Kia.

The Car Planet verdict

The Honda CR-V boasts sharp driving dynamics and a comprehensive standard equipment list, but it struggles to take the top spot in the family SUV class due to elevated noise levels on the motorway, a relatively basic interior given its price, and limited rear headroom. For private buyers, the e:HEV version in Elegance trim is the most sensible option, while the e:PHEV stands out as the best choice for company car users.

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