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The Honda CR-V range is about to get refreshed with a wider lineup of hybrid variants.
Good news That’s a good thing to say about the fuel crisis, and an excellent move by Honda since we have just spent two months behind wheel of the only petrol-electric hybrid variant available up until now, range-topping CR-V eHEV R.
Our long term fleet is characterized by the CR-V’s genius in all of driving environments, from everyday family duties such as suburban errands and fully loaded weekend runabout; to regular highway commutes (along with a long distance getaway)?
We’ve even put some genuine Honda accessories that make the mid-size SUV more cargo-carrying and we’re through the process of having it serviced as part of its regular maintenance schedule.
I think it’s like we’ve owned it. It is a long-term garage, and it’s now empty except for . And so, here’s what we learned about the CR-V in our day.
How much does the Honda CR-V cost?
We have our eHEV RS, the only variant of the soon-to–be-superseded CR-V lineup powered by a hybrid powertrain and therefore sits at the top of range.
| Model | Drive-away pricing |
| — | — |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi X+ | $40,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi L | $46,300 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi X7 | $47,300 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi L AWD | $51,800 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi L7 | $53,500 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS | $56,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi LX AWD | $57,500 |
It used to cost $59,990 drive-away but remaining showroom stock has been discounted by $3000 to $56,990 drive-away.
Unless you wait for the new model, you’ll pay much more – but also get all-wheel drive with the next CR-V (advised) RS at $64,400 drive-away.
Even with the discounted run-out price, the RS hybrid sits among the top end of the mainstream mid-size SUV market segment, alongside the likes of similarly hybrid-powered flagship models such as the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Elite 2WD Elite 2WD ($48,350 plus on-road costs), Kia Sportage GT-Line HEV 2WD ($57,370 plus ORCs), Nissan X-Trail Ti e-Power ($54,415 plus ORCs), Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring Hybrid Touring ($55,990 plus ORCs) and Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2WD ($56,990 plus ORCs).
And it’s arguably the most competitive segment in Australia with so many options for families shopping for an electrified medium SUV.
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
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What is the Honda CR-V like on the inside?
There’s a lot to like about the CR-V’s cabin, even if it isn’t the flashiest in terms of design.
In its place, it focuses on the perfecting of the family-first principles with plenty of room for each person’s front and rear seat seats and an open design which is used in light work to carry heavy loads or perform regular activities.
Super-supportive The front seats are just the right side bolstering, comfortable cushioning and an excellent (electric) adjustment to fit with a myriad of sizes.
There’s heaps of headroom for taller occupants and excellent vision through the extensive glasshouse.
All of the driver’s controls are easy to access and use, from the start/stop button to the traditional gear shifter buttons on the steering wheel that activated and adapted cruise control settings, adjusted volume of audio (and enabled by Google Assistant voice control) and turned off all their cruise-control settings.
The 10 paraphrasing The. It is a 2-inch digital instrument cluster that has an accurate and crisp sound structure with logical layout of information, which means it’s less likely to be exposed to harsh sunlight under its cowl than those who follow the modern trend of ‘floating’ screens.
Various themes can change the display from traditional round gauges to rising bar graphs on either side of speed and energy deployment.
What the 9 ? 0-inch central infotainment touchscreen is smaller (and wow factor for the children) and more than compensates by being easier to use, with physical controls on the audio volume and track forward/backward; buttons at home and back one step.
Its menu structure is also simple, incorporating telephone style widget-style widgets for all of the main functions such as its array of Google Built-in elements like Map (advanced), Apps and Assistant.
And it also has wireless smartphone mirroring for both Apple and Android devices, which connects seamlessly every time, a wireless phone charger in the large tray at the centre console; crystal-clear audio system Bose is well staged throughout the cabin.
There are two cupholders just right in the centre console, large door pockets for one-litre water bottles, a decent glovebox and deep lidded bin between front seats.
For those in the back, there is generous legroom for passengers in outboard seats with adjustable air vents, two USB-C power outlets and a flip-down arm rest with cupholders. Super-spacious for two but the raised transmission tunnel in the centre limits the middle seat to small ones and a few of its seats are at least limited by it.
The boot is also a large 581 litres of cargo carrying capacity behind them, more than enough for everyday family work and can expand to 1636L with the 6040-split/folding seatback down.
The top of our CR-V long-termer was given an array of genuine accessories including a cargo organiser in the boot with three storage areas to separate items and keep them safe.
I think it’s a simple, convenient piece of kit that folds flat and is quick to install or remove as well as quickly installing. Despite its presence, it is still placed through strong Velcro tabs that attach to the carpet on the boot floor and has clip-down covers on outboard boxes. This is a genius addition for $200 to s, and it was.
| Dimensions | Honda CR-V e:HEV RS |
| — | — |
| Length | 4704mm |
| Width | 1866mm |
| Height | 1681mm |
| Wheelbase | 2701mm |
| Cargo capacity | 581L |
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
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What’s under the bonnet?
The only variants of the outgoing CR-V range with a hybrid powertrain are the eHEV RS, which connects ‘2hr. The four-cylinder petrol engine, 0-litre (400 liter) model with an automatic transmission that is continuously variable (CVT), which includes two electric motors. Unlike other competitors, the system only drives the front wheels of the car as it does.
| Specifications | Honda CR-V e:HEV RS |
| — | — |
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl hybrid |
| System outputs | 135kW 335Nm |
| Battery | 1.05kWh |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1771kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 5.5L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 5.6L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 57L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane regular unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 125g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b |
| Braked tow capacity | 750kg |
But all that changes with the new model, which is being introduced in showrooms this month, as four of the six variants now have the same hybrid setup; range-topping LX and RS versions also gain all-wheel drive.
Unlike the combustion engine and electric motors, Honda does not provide separate power output or torque output but states mixed figures of 135kW (and 345Nm) respectively.
Additionally, the hybrid CR-V has combined fuel consumption of 5 per cent (including its synonyms), it also says that “the combination” is used for driving in an automobile. I’m a front-driver with 5L/100km and 5 L/ 100km as if I am driving for the longest time. 7L/100km all-wheel drive, . The tank of 57L fuel is just over 1000km between refills, which means that has only been in the tank for more than 1000litres.
The average figure sat just under Honda’s claim for the majority of our long driving time, where we drove over 2600km in two months – between 5 and 5 miles. 2 and 5 . 4L/100km – after mostly suburban driving where it uses the electric motor more often.
And yet a couple of long-distance drives at highway speeds near the end of our loan agreement bumped it up to just over the claimed number with ‘final readouts 5’. 6L/100km – ? But for a car of its size and weight, that’s still pretty impressive.
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
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How does the Honda CR-V drive?
Almost immediately, the Honda CR-V became familiar and user friendly to childcareman.xyz family members and has left a hole in our driveway since its departure.
It’s a brilliant example of modern family motoring that is as practical to use as it is enjoyable to drive.
Certainly not as much as it is, but in some ways you can be sure of Honda’s sports car heritage and engineering expertise in its bones the positive-sounding steering, good body control (and safe handling) or even well-equipped engine.
Any situation requires use of ; no hard electronic suspension settings or other drive modes to find its best driving character; jump in, start the engine, select a gear and go.
Similarly, you don’t need a degree in science to make the powertrain work. When you need something, just leave the computers to do what you want and find the best mix between the petrol engine & electric motors; whatever you’re asked for.
Most of the heavy lifting around town and in stop-start traffic is done by electric motors, which provide seamless acceleration away from a standstill and at low speeds.
It has a very small battery pack, but in the tank it always gets enough juice to use the main electric motor alone as often as possible.
It’s a smart hybrid setup-up that employs an additional electric motor (in the CVT transmission) which is mostly used as an on-board generator to replenish energy in the battery even under light acceleration, not just by regenerative braking like most other hybrids.
The switch from electric-only propulsion to both power sources is hardly perceptible as for the petrol engine, and the end result is an extremely refined powertrain that feels stronger than its peak power output.
A smooth CVT auto doesn’t immediately flare up in the rev range like some others do if you just roll your toe on the throttle and then turn it off. Instead, it works in a similar way with the petrol-electric system to deliver exactly what you asked for.
Its natural brake feel is another feature that stands out as one of the most notable elements in paraphraring. Unlike the pedals in other hybrid-types, where it is slightly two-stage when switching between conventional brakes and using the electric motor to slow down and harvest energy back into an battery, the CR-V has much more consistent feel through the entire range of the stroke of that brake pedal.
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
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What do you get?
Honda CR-V eHEV R comes with a generous standard kit as you’d expect the range-topping variant.
2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS equipment highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Acoustic windscreen and windows
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Sequential front turn signals
- Power-operated tailgate
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Dual-zone climate control
- Leather-appointed trim
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- 10.2-inch colour digital instrument display
- 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Google Built-in functions including Google Maps, App Store and Assistant
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB+ digital radio
- Bose premium 12-speaker audio system with active noise cancelling
Adding some extra features beyond all-wheel drive to hybrid variants are the newer CR-V update, which includes a head up display, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats and cooled steering wheel.
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
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Is the Honda CR-V safe?
The current CR-V, which was launched in late 2023 under the banner of Honda Sensing technology, has been given a four-star ANCAP rating in 2024 even though it’s equipped with an extensive range of safety features.
| Category | Honda CR-V |
| — | — |
| Adult occupant protection | 88 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 88 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 76 per cent |
| Safety assist | 68 per cent |
The Honda CR-V is equipped with an extensive range of driver aids and crash avoidance systems under the banner of Honda Sensing in its title.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Traffic jam assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Driver attention monitoring
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Multi-angle reverse parking display
But, while none of this is exclusive to the CR-V and nearly all its competitors have the same level of active safety systems, the Honda really stands out for how it is all calibrated and integrated into an entire car.
The most recent new models these days have functions such as the lane-keeping assistance, speed limit detection and adaptive cruise control systems. In worst cases, so annoying and overzealous that you immediately deactivate them when you start driving (which obviously makes them useless) to be in the first place.
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The CR-V’s systems act like the safety net they are intended to be and only intervene when needed. It’s a refreshing character trait in modern day society, which highlights the quality of Honda’. The engineering capability and increasing the sophistication of the CR-V’S dynamic performance is well known for its high level performances.
It has eight airbags in the cabin, including a driver’d knee bag (and centre air bags between front-occupants), ISOFIX and top-tether points for child restraints of children in outboard rear seats.
The Honda Connect telematics system, which automatically calls the customer care hotline in case of a collision, also provides customers with five years of free access to their service and can help emergency services find out where you are located if necessary.
Honda Connect also allows users to use vehicle functions via a smartphone app, such as remote-activating the climate control system that can cool down the cabin before leaving, turn on the headlights or activate the car alarm and lock and unlock the doors.
If they’re driving a car with another family member, friend or colleague, and the vehicle is being driven by another person (or other parameter), they can also set geofence and speed limits for it when that parameter is violated.
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
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How much does the Honda CR-V cost to run?
Using class-leading running costs, Honda pays for its high purchase price. This is usually a standard five-year, unlimited km warranty with free roadside assistance for the CR-V. runout vehicles, which cover an extended period of eight years for a long time under but run out cars.
| Servicing and Warranty | Honda CR-V e:HEV RS |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 8 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 8 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years, $199 each |
| Total capped-price service cost | $995 |
For scheduled servicing, the CR-V is maintenance every 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), with the first five visits being limited to $199 each. The first visit to the dealership for the 10,000km service was a fuss-free, easy exercise and long term CR-V that we had in our loan period.
The Honda website or at their nearest – or preferred – service centre, allows customers to book their next service online. For us, it was Hunter Honda in Maitland which welcomed the people and offered a warm-hearted and modern space to sit with free tea, coffee or water while we were waiting for our drinks.
It was the first car in the day, so our service had only taken more than an hour to complete a full-time check of all mechanical components, tyre rotation, oil and filter replacement (and diagnostic systems test for any electronic faults and software updates).
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
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childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS
A lot of love is there for the Honda CR-V eHEV, especially the last one of these models model variants given that it has been significantly increased in cost to replace its replacement.
As a member of our long-term fleet, we’ve done it at the paces of everyday ownership running around town, completing ‘weekly weekend getaway to Canberra and loading up with children and cargo.
We’ve even gone through the process of having it serviced.
The quality, practicality, convenience and refinement of the CR-V has impressed with its quality in every respect to . It’s a very easy car to live with and – in plain sight – if you can see the five star family car.
Certainly, there are some less expensive alternatives to the highly saturated and ultra-competitive mid-size SUV segment – but the C-V is more than the long term product thanks to its efficient yet well-being powertrain, low service regime (and relatively high price) of sale.
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