While not quite the undisputed king it once was, the all-new Honda CR-V has swiftly ascended to the throne as the brand’s top seller Down Under, proving the Japanese automaker still has a few compelling tricks up its sleeve.
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The Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Mazda CX-5 are dominating the medium SUV battlefield, fueling the country’s insatiable appetite for these vehicles. But the CR-V? It’s a mere blip on the radar, capturing less than 3% of this fiercely competitive market.
Yet, even with a somewhat rareinitsclass threerow configuration, exemplified by the <strong > 2025 Honda CRV VTi L7</strong> we’re evaluating today, complete with transparent nationwide driveaway pricing and an unexpectedly budgetfriendly service plan, success has been elusive.
Is it the missing hybrid variant for budget-conscious buyers, or are Australians simply too tethered to convention to embrace the CR-V’s undeniable appeal?
Positioned at the premium end of the seven-seater SUV spectrum, the Honda CR-V commands a price point mirroring top-tier Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail models, a bold move considering it forgoes the option of all-wheel drive.
WATCH: Paul’s video review of the Honda CR-V VTi L7
The CR-V swerves away from the pack with a turbocharged engine, leaving its naturally aspirated rivals in the dust. Think Japanese minimalism meets German efficiency with a dash of Swedish practicality. Its design is a thoughtful blend of form and function.
Looking for a spacious family SUV? Should the new CR-V be top of your list, or are its rivals – think Japanese ingenuity or even the European flair of a Volkswagen Tayron or Skoda Kodiaq – a smarter choice for your 5+2 seating needs?
How much does the Honda CR-V cost?
At $53,500 drive-away, the CR-V VTi L7 isn’t just a seven-seater; it’s the flagship of the CR-V family, commanding the top spot with its price tag.
| Model | Drive-away pricing | | — | — | | 2025 Honda CR-V VTi X+ | $41,900 | | 2025 Honda CR-V VTi X7 | $47,300 | | 2025 Honda CR-V VTi L | $49,300 | | 2025 Honda CR-V VTi L AWD | $51,800 | | 2025 Honda CR-V VTi L7 | $53,500 | | 2025 Honda CR-V VTi LX AWD | $57,500 | | 2025 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS | $59,900 |
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
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What is the Honda CR-V like on the inside?
Honda interiors offer a familiar embrace, especially welcoming if you’re graduating from a Civic or HR-V. Call it consistently clean or perhaps predictably practical, but the cabin prioritizes user-friendliness above all else. The design may not shout "adventure," but its intuitive layout whispers, "welcome home."
Forget walls – this space breathes. The eye stretches along confident horizontal lines, then soars upwards, drawn by the generous roof. An open plan amplifies the effect, creating an atmosphere that’s not just spacious, but liberating.
The interior favors a shadowy palette, foregoing the theatrics of brighter competitors. Yet, this understated approach is executed with precision; every surface you touch whispers quality.
Say goodbye to the CR-V’s dated displays and Honda’s notoriously clunky software. In their place, a sleek, intuitive infotainment system emerges, boasting seamless connectivity and a full suite of features designed for effortless user experience.
Unlocking your new CR-V ignites a world of connectivity! Enjoy five years of seamless access to Honda Connect, included standard, along with a host of other models. Stay connected, stay in control, and experience the road like never before.
The instrument cluster ahead is a blend of digital and traditional, and I’m drawn to its minimalist aesthetic. The sharp, European-inspired font is a welcome touch of class. Still, I can’t help but feel a pang of envy for the top-tier VTi LX, which boasts a more expansive 10.25-inch display a feature that would truly elevate this grade.
At the heart of the all-digital cockpit, a playful animated CR-V springs to life. It’s more than just eye candy; this virtual twin mirrors your every move, its lights winking with each turn signal and braking hard in sync with your foot. Watch closely, and you’ll see the magic as driver-assist systems engage, a subtle ballet of icons illuminating the CR-V’s digital silhouette.
Forget sprawling maps or radical redesigns. Customization here boils down to tweaking the widgets nestled within each dial’s center. Think of it as a minimalist approach, a far cry from Volkswagen’s immersive navigation display or the fluid layout options found elsewhere.
Sink into the driver’s seat – you’ll find it’s more like a throne. An eight-way power adjustable command center awaits, ready to mold itself to your every whim. Long drives? Consider them conquered. Say goodbye to backaches and hello to blissful, butt-pampering comfort, mile after glorious mile.
Forget fiddly touchscreens. This car treats you to the pure, satisfyingclick-clackof meticulously crafted switchgear. Climate and volume dance at your fingertips via exquisitely knurled rotary dials – a tactile symphony reminiscent of Audi’s renowned cabin artistry. You half expect the buttons to whisper, "Welcome home."
Forget clunky interfaces of the past! This generation leaps ahead with a vibrant 9.0-inch touchscreen that’s a joy to use. Borrowing the best from its siblings, it boasts crisp graphics, lightning-fast responsiveness, and a feature-rich experience capped off with the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay.
Worried about drowning in a sea of infotainment options? The CR-V’s system is a breath of fresh air, proving that advanced tech doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s a masterclass in seamless integration and user-friendly design, offering modern functionality without the complexity.
The physical shortcut buttons and volume knob are a welcome oasis from the touchscreen desert. My one minor gripe? While competitors flaunt sprawling 12-inch displays, this feels a tad… modest.
Being one of the larger entrants in the mid-sized SUV segment, the CR-V’s second and third rows are highlights.
Stretch out and sigh – the backseat isn’t a penalty box! Legroom and knee space are genuinely impressive, placing it near the top of its class. That panoramic sunroof? It cleverly carves out extra headroom, preventing the claustrophobia often found in rivals (though taller passengers might still graze the ceiling). Think spacious comfort, not sardine can.
Outboard seats boast user-friendly ISOFIX anchors, while all three positions get the added security of top-tether points. However, the centre seat’s archaic ceiling-mounted seatbelt feels like a blast from the past in an otherwise modern setup.
The backseat passengers aren’t forgotten either. Expect them to fight over features like dedicated rear air vents, perfect for keeping cool on long journeys. Stash your road trip essentials in convenient map pockets, and let the fold-down center armrest transform into a personal cupholder oasis. Thirsty? Bottle holders in the doors are ready for action, while USB-C ports at the rear of the center console keep devices charged. Seven-seat adventurers? Prepare for ultimate comfort with a third climate control zone and refreshing roof-mounted vents.
Tucked away in the back, the third row unveils a clever escape hatch: a one-touch lever that magically folds the second-row seats out of existence. But fair warning – the rearmost seats are truly a kids-only zone.
With all seven seats upright, the cargo area offers a modest 150 liters, but hides a space-saver spare tire beneath the floor. A minor inconvenience: folding the third-row seats creates a tiered cargo floor, though a clever adjustable insert resolves this, creating a flat loading surface.
| Dimensions | Honda CR-V VTi L7 | | — | — | | Length | 4704mm | | Width | 1866mm | | Height | 1681mm | | Wheelbase | 2701mm | | Cargo capacity | 150 litres – 7 seats, 1457 lites – 2 seats (to roof) |
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Under the hood of every CR-V ‘VTi’ beats a spirited 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo-petrol heart. But the L7 model keeps things strictly front-wheel drive, ensuring all that power is focused on the road ahead.
| Specifications | Honda CR-V VTi L7 | | — | — | |Engine| 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol | |Power| 140kW @ 6000rpm | |Torque| 240Nm @ 1700-5000rpm | |Transmission| CVT | |Drive type| Front-wheel drive | |Weight| 1700kg – kerb | |Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.3L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 8.9L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 57 litres | |Fuel requirement| 91-octane unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 167g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 6b | |Braked tow capacity| 1000kg |
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How does the Honda CR-V drive?
"I called the CR-V ‘good’ at its Australian debut, and this seven-seater? It’s more of the same – in the best possible way."
Forget what you know about engine size. The CR-V’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol punches way above its weight class. It delivers a surge of torque that makes rival naturally aspirated Japanese engines feel sluggish and breathless, transforming the drive into something surprisingly effortless.
Tap the accelerator and the CR-V surges forward, peak torque kicking in at a mere 1700rpm. The CVT automatic smartly keeps the engine humming in its powerband, delivering smooth, confident acceleration. A gentle touch is key; while the CR-V responds willingly, a heavy foot unleashes a less-than-desirable soundtrack. Push it too hard, and the engine’s otherwise refined note turns buzzy, the CVT holding revs in a way that sounds more strained than sporty. Think effortless progress, not outright speed, and the CR-V rewards with a pleasing, if not exhilarating, driving experience.
Under typical driving conditions, the engine purrs like a contented cat, effortlessly surfing a wave of torque. You’ll barely notice the absence of all-wheel drive, unless you’re trying to launch like a rocket from a standstill or find yourself wrestling with slick, rain-soaked roads or loose gravel.
Pack the CR-V with five adults and a weekend’s worth of gear, and the turbo-petrol engine’s initial eagerness noticeably tapers. We crammed in, golf clubs poking from the back like unruly antennae, and the acceleration lost its playful edge. It’s still acceptable, but the engine needs to be worked harder. However, consider the alternative: a naturally aspirated engine would likely be gasping for air and begging for mercy under the same load.
The L7 glides over city scars. Its suspension, a finely-tuned orchestra, silences the jarring symphony of potholes and uneven asphalt. Eighteen-inch wheels, shod with generous 235/60 tires, achieve a near-perfect equilibrium: supple comfort meets responsive handling, transforming urban commutes into serene journeys.
The CR-V inherits Honda’s legacy of nimble handling; its steering, sharp and communicative, makes you feel intimately connected to the road.
Behind the wheel, the CR-V dances through city streets. Its steering is so responsive, its handling so fluid, that it shrinks around you. Parking becomes a breeze, tight corners a joy. It’s like driving a nimble hatchback, not a spacious SUV.
On the open road, or carving through country lanes, the big Honda dances with an eagerness that leaves rivals eating its dust – the Outlander, especially, feels like it’s stuck in slow motion by comparison.
"It hums with a distinctly European sensibility, a sweet spot between energetic performance and plush ride quality – a balance the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, among others, has mastered."
The cabin remains a tranquil haven, effectively silencing the outside world. Only the coarse hum of the tires on unforgiving asphalt dares to intrude.
Honda Sensing isn’t just a safety net; it’s a meticulously crafted driving companion. The adaptive cruise control anticipates your needs, while lane centering gently guides you. Traffic Jam Assist transforms gridlock from a headache to a tolerable crawl. This suite delivers a level of polish that rivals, and perhaps surpasses, its European counterparts.
Ditching its quirky LaneWatch camera, Honda smartly equips this model with proper blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert – a welcome upgrade in safety tech! Ironically, while Australian-bound CR-Vs rolling off the same Thai assembly line boast these advanced systems, the Thai-market CR-V oddlyretainsthe LaneWatch feature. Go figure!
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What do you get?
While the VTi L and L7 trims offer a step up from the entry-level model, keep in mind: the sporty LX and RS versions come exclusively with a five-seat configuration.
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2025 Honda CR-V VTi X + X7 equipment highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights with manual height adjustment
- Hands-free power tailgate with walk-away close
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Automatic high-beam
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Over-the-air updates
- DAB+ digital radio
- 8-speaker sound system
- Wireless phone charger
- 5yr Honda Connect subscription
- Remote adjustment for climate control, lights, locks
- Emergency call button
- Geofencing and speed alerts
- Vehicle information viewable in app
- 8-way power driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar
- Fabric upholstery
- LED map lights
- Dual-zone climate control with second-row vents
- Power windows with auto up/down for driver’s window
- Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
- Electric parking brake with auto hold
- Third row of seating with air vents (VTi X7)
- Dual-zone climate control (VTi X+)
- Tri-zone climate control (VTi X7)
CR-V VTi L + VTi L7 add:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof (VTi L7 only)
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Paddle shifters
- Satellite navigation with over-the-air map updates
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- 4-way power passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Driver’s seat memory
- Leather upholstery
- Auto up/down for all windows
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
CR-V VTi LX AWD adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Woodgrain trim
- Ambient lighting
- Auto headlight height adjustment
CR-V e:HEV RS adds:
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Active cornering lights
- Alloy sports pedals
- ‘Hairline metal’ interior trim
- Black headliner
- Red stitching details
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
Is the Honda CR-V safe?
The Honda CR-V has a four-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2024.
| 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 |
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 10 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane centring assist
- Parking sensors – front, rear
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing camera
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tyre pressure monitoring
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How much does the Honda CR-V cost to run?
Drive with Confidence: Your Honda CR-V is protected by a comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Plus, for those embracing the future with our CR-V e:HEV hybrids, enjoy extra peace of mind with an eight-year high-voltage battery warranty.
| Servicing and Warranty | Honda CR-V VTi L7 | | — | — | | Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres | | Roadside assistance | 5 years | | Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000 kilometres | | Capped-price servicing | 5 years | | Total capped-price service cost | $199 each $995 total |
Honda Australia is currently offering an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and eight years of free roadside assistance, this time across its three-model SUV range.
The offer includes all versions of the Honda HR-V small SUV and both the CR-V and ZR-V mid-size SUVs.
Time is ticking! Snag yours before September 30, 2025. Heads up: for workhorses, the warranty rolls out at 225,000 km.
Here’s the deal: Snag a new HR-V, ZR-V, or CR-V in the next two months and you’re not just getting a car, you’re getting peace of mind. Honda’s sweetening the pot with Honda Extend, boosting their already solid five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty by up to three extra years! The only catch? Keep your ride happy with scheduled servicing at an official Honda service center. Think of it as rewarding your car (and yourself) with a longer, worry-free journey.
To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
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Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
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childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Honda CR-V
The CR-V VTi L7 puts in a solid showing, and fares well against rival models for similar money.
Spending an extra $6,000 on the VTi X7? Unless sun-drenched drives under a panoramic sunroof, the luxurious embrace of leather seats, and turn-by-turn navigation are absolute must-haves, that hefty premium might be better allocated elsewhere. The already impressive VTi X7 offers a compelling package without those extras.
However, unlike its seven-seat competitors, it forgoes all-paw traction. A potentially critical oversight for Australian families craving that extra layer of security. Despite this, this variant capably handles most demands and executes its tasks with impressive competence.
Honda’s budget-friendly servicing is a definite perk, but be warned: the 10,000km service intervals mean high-mileage drivers will become quite familiar with their local service bay.
A solid choice in the segment, if not quite a standout in this specification.
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