2026 Honda CR-V review: Quick drive

childcareman.xyz brings together reviews, research tools and trusted buying support, guiding you from research to delivery with confidence.

One of the best-selling SUVs in the world, let alone Australia, has been treated to a timely facelift for 2026.

More than 13 million examples of the CR-V have found a home since the mid-size SUV came into existence 31 years ago, and Honda will be hoping that many more fly out the door following this latest batch of running updates.

Perhaps the biggest change is a shift towards hybrid power – in Australia, there has been more than one to four variants of hybrid CR-V at cost of traditional petrol-powered versions.

You still can’t get a petrol-electric CR-V with seven seats, though.

One 9 Inside a ,. The standard across the range is 0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but now includes Google Built-in with embedded Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. One ten A 10. The most widespread use of 2-inch digital instrument cluster is also the 2-in digit digital instruments cluster.

And at the top of the range, the eHEV RS has been equipped with all-wheel drive, many interior amenities and gloss-black exterior accents.

Would you recommend the CR-V as one of the best families far and wide s? Read on to know about it.

How much does the Honda CR-V cost?

The CR-V lineup has been reshuffled for 2026, with more hybrids added and some turbo-petrol variants canned.

| Model | Drive-away pricing |
| — | — |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi X | $44,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV X | $49,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV L | $53,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi L7 | $54,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV LX AWD | $58,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS AWD | $64,400 |

This means that the CR-V’s base price has increased by $3000; however, the hybrid lineup now opens at $49,900 drive-away for the newer HPI (e.g., $5000) more than the entry-level petrol-powered VTi X but $7000 less than it was in 2025 when its cheapest hybrid option is available.

Find your perfect new car with childcareman.xyz

Trustpilot

While there is a lot of hybrid alternatives as we have had before, it’s only one seven-seat option after the VTi X7 was axed. It is just the VTi L7, which leaves only $54,900 drive-away for that — $1500 more than its price last year.

At the local launch in Victoria we were involved in both the eHEV X and a part of the much-requited ‘EHERV AWD’, which is pictured throughout this review.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What is the Honda CR-V like on the inside?

From front to back, the CR-V prioritises function (and quality) over form.

That isn’t the kind of thing you call visually interesting about the cabin,’ said . But other than honeycomb-patterned air vent covers and some red stitching in the flagship RS, there is no much design flair here. Instead, a line-and-line monochrome material dominates – boring!

Nevertheless, there is joy inside the CR-V. Contains tactile, quality physical controls – an amalgamation of buttons, switches and dials and rollers throughout the cabin which provide positive feedback and easy access to key vehicle functions, making user experience significantly better than screen-centric competitors. This is true for all CR-Vs, not just the most ridiculous version.

The quality of the interior materials, however, is different across the model range. A standard base X trim grade has fabric upholstery and a plastic steering wheel, while the leather treatment is applied to the eHEV RS flagship tested here as was case pre-update.

The ‘hide’ in question is “a bit of premium” to the touch, and do those more soft plastics that wrap around the upper door cards and dash are much thicker than the cowhiding (the one who has been described as being an expert at this point) or die. The supply of best of all, smudge- and scratch-prone gloss-black plastic is short for the most part — at least when it comes to high-traffic areas.

It’s not a new phrase, but the eHEV RS AWD has acquired some of the most valuable amenities for 2026. Affirming The front seats are now ventilated and heated, while the steering wheel is likewise heated. Despite the cost, such upgrades allow the $65k flagship to compete with feature-laden alternatives from China.

And the CR-V separates itself from the wave of new arrivals by offering seats that actually support your thighs and torso, though they’re narrower than most people think. I got a bit comfortable at 90kg, but for wider drivers it might be too tight.

Honda has also made sure to add some padding where your elbows are likely to rest, but sadly not where the left knee hits the transmission tunnel.

But few drivers will complain about the driving position, that’s what said. The chair – base cushion with – and steering wheel, electric lumbar support, has plenty of flexibility.

As well as comfort upgrades for the eHEV RS AWD, the 2026 CR-V has an even more modern infotainment system with Google Built-in. This lets you hire Google’s AI Assistant as a driver, and replaces the native navigation system with Google Maps – an interface that many will know.

You can still mirror your smartphone, of course, and cables aren’t required. The standard fitment of a wireless phone charger right across the CR-V range is that they’re not strictly required for charging purposes either. If passengers want to plug in, they can also find up front two USB-C outlets and a 12V socket.

Using Google integration, the 9 is liven up with an app called Google. A little bit of 0-inch central screen, but it’s still dainty and visually uninspiring (especially considering some competitors have substantially larger, fully connected systems). Despite its ease of navigation and physical shortcut buttons, Honda’s tech is an easy-to-use grid layout with simple grid design. OH, and no features like the gimmicky ones you’ll probably never use.

The 10 are the s, in addition. Every variation of 2-inch digital instrument cluster in all variants bar the base X is perfectly current current, as it has been described by . Big, good looking and can be set up to show just about anything (naval directions, – especially for geeks – the energy flow through the hybrid system). Also, this RS also has a clear and simple head-up display which puts your speed/cruising control settings on the windscreen.

The technology in this year’s CR-V is the equivalent of the car as a whole, all things considered, it’re reliable and fit for use (not jaw-dropping).

A similar vein, you won’t be blown away by the cabin storage on offer, nor will you disappoint – the glovebox, door bins and cupholders are all fairly standard for this class of car. At least I will yell out the centre console compartment, which is very deep and has a removable tray for coins and keys.

Moving back, the rear doors open to near-90 degrees, making the second row ultra-accessible.

But once inside, the CR-V isn’t class leader for back-seat space. When I was sitting behind the driver’s seat set to my preferred position, at six-one a couple inches of kneeroom were left with just. But headroom is even more limited, with those who top six-three likely to brush the headlining with a spray of “head”.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though, for . The front seats are trimmed in soft leather, with the backs of the seat’s back to give you a soft surface against which your knees can be rested if required and more headroom can also be reached by recline from the rear bench. This latter role also helps passengers when they want to get some eye on a long road trip.

Rather, there’s no much of a hump in the floor so that middle seat is more usable than most people can use it better yet. On a cold day, you’ll want an outboard seat when riding in the eHEV RS AWD (they’re both heated).

Another back-end features include a pair of USB-C outlets, twin air vents, map pockets, door bins for ‘600ml drink bottle’ and. fold-down armrest with integrated cupholders. A clever design has been made to allow arms to’rest either side of stored drinks without any interference’ with the armrest that is described as being an example of .

It has a third row of seats, so you can get the CR-V but we didn’t have access to the Vi L7 at launch event.

Instead, we sat with the five-seat hybrid variants — all of which offer good boot space. For the most part, that’s what they say to a and is their delivery of that.

A large, tall square aperture with a flat floor and no load lip is revealed by the power tailgate lifts to reveal ‘the widening, high-top surface area of this object which helps loading bulky objects. With recesses down each side of the boot floor, small objects are easily secured.

Need more space? In typical Honda fashion, the rear bench folds almost completely flat, as if by magic.

This cargo space is also equipped with a 12V power socket, ample lighting and reversable load cover. For example, hybrids carry a tyre repair kit; petrol-powered CR-Vs have’space-saver spare’.

| Dimensions | Honda CR-V |
| — | — |
| Length | 4704mm |
| Width | 1866mm |
| Height | 1681mm (1691mm with AWD) |
| Wheelbase | 2701mm |
| Ground clearance | 198mm (208mm with AWD) |
| Cargo capacity | 581-589L (second row up) 1636-1671L (second row folded, measured to roof) |

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

A few of these changes in the powertrain department are introducing all-wheel drive hybrid variants that complement carryover front- wheel drive turbo-petrol and front–wheel Drive hybrid offerings.

| Specifications | CR-V | CR-V e:HEV |
| — | — | — |
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol | 2.0L 4cyl hybrid |
| Power | 140kW | 135kW |
| Torque | 240Nm | 335Nm |
| Transmission | CVT | e-CVT |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Front- or all-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1613kg – VTi X 1700kg – VTi L7 | 1741kg – e:HEV X 1710kg – e:HEV L 1765kg – e:HEV LX AWD 1828kg – e:HEV RS AWD |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.1L/100km – VTi X 7.3L/100km – VTi L7 | 5.5L/100km – e:HEV X, e:HEV L 5.7L/100km – e:HEV LX AWD, e:HEV RS AWD |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | – | 5.0L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 57L | 57L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane regular unleaded | 91-octane regular unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 162g/km – VTi X 167g/km – VTi L7 | 125g/km – e:HEV X, e:HEV L 131g/km – e:HEV LX AWD, e:HEV RS AWD |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | Euro 6b |
| Braked towing capacity | 1500kg – VTi X 1000kg – VTi L7 | 750kg |

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How does the Honda CR-V drive?

It launched from Honda HQ in Melbourne’s inner-west to Marysville, with highway and winding country roads leading the route for setting up.

As such, we were able to feel the presence of the CR-V’sdynamism and high speed manners but not necessarily its behaviour in urban environments – a shame because most of these are likely to live there.

Nevertheless, we have heard that the previous experience of the CR-V has one of best ride and handling packages in the mid-size SUV class; on open roads it only about everything well without doing anything right.

The resulting vehicle negotiates highway on-ramp with relative ease, using electric torque to jump off the line and build speed steadily – independent testing suggests that an average sprint time of about eight seconds.

The CR-V, unlike many similar SUVs, has an e-CVT – an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission so there are no loud gears. In contrast, the powertrain acts like a rubber band stretching and contracting in accordance with the demands of your right foot. While traditional CVTs have a flak for feeling ‘drony’, this Honda system is smooth and refined – perfect for if you are going to be putting on.

A good rhythm The CR-V eHEV settles into a relaxed ritm once it is up to speed, coasting on electric power when possible to maximise efficiency. In these moments, you’ll see the letters ‘EV’ on the dash.

While the CR-V is not as frugal as full EV or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) around town, it’s well equipped for cross-country touring. We tested a car and it was only 5 sipped. When cruising at 100km/h, it is 0L/100km and, most importantly, doesn’t require charging.

And it doesn’t mean that you don’s not peer-to-pee – the Toyota RAV4 is still the master of hybrid efficiency. Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage hybrid versions aren’t far off, either.

The CR-V, on the other hand, is well off the highway, but doesn’t necessarily be out of the pack. Some competitors, especially at the back, are a bit more soft than it is for some of its competitors so you barely feel road joins and smaller potholes.

No one hears much of what’s going on outside either, as the cabin is very well insulated from traffic and tyre noise.

It’s another highlight that is the driving position, which is also a key feature of . It’s very high and powerful – things that makes the driver confident, which ultimately secure behind the wheel. Strong Front, side and rear visibility are all strong – which strengthens that safety at high speeds.

From expert reviews to the right deal

childcareman.xyz brings together reviews, research tools and trusted buying support, guiding you from research to delivery with confidence.

View showroom
Compare cars
Find my deal

safety, the CR-V’s active safety systems ease the mental load of long road trips on the subject of safety.

Some cruise control mode are easily programmed with clearly labelled buttons on the steering wheel – not silly stalks or haptics, and all of these cars have sophisticated semi-autonomous driving technology that includes adaptive cruise controls and active lane-centring for an immediate hands-off highway experience. Rather, don’t you actually take your hands off the wheel though The car will quickly realise and demand your input.

The driver attention monitor isn’t overbearing, as in most new cars these days, that said. CR-V will not be having a meltdown if you accidentally go over the speed limit every now and then, either, or both.

It does, however, get a bit nervous when you’re punting down – the lane-keep assist system isn’t necessarily attuned to the inconsistency of Australian line markings. I didn’t know how to change lane-keeping off – an action that’s simple in Hyundai and Kia SUVs.

In fact the twisty ribbons of tarmac around Marysville were an even more serious challenge to that part of TheCR-V, which had been in effect until then agreed multi-lane motorways with relative ease.

Aici, limitations to Honda’s hybrid system begin to emerge. CR-V’s outputs of 135kW/335Nm were combined for one, and it was struggling up steep inclines (a few hundredkm/h under full load) to sustain 100km. The petrol engine shouts for mercy in a rather unignified way, all the while. My run up Lake Mountain also saw fuel economy suffer, a drop of nearly 10L/100km.

If you switch into the ‘Sport’ drive mode, which increases throttle response, but there is little to be gained from better response when right pedal is flat to floor. Still, Sport mode is worth trying every now and then for the slick Civic Type R-esque engine noise it makes into the cabin. Even the RS even throws in an ‘Individual’ mode, where you can set up engine response, steering weight and engine sound for a more personal driving experience.

The eHEV also provides regenerative braking as well, being a hybrid of the phraser. You can cycle from one level of regen intensity – none particularly aggressive – with the paddles behind the steering wheel, to the most intense ‘B’ mode is stored in a button on the centre console. During long descent, just be careful not to use this setting when you are going through the small battery full; once the engine is fully charged it will then roar at high revs to cut off excess energy.

In many owners, the CR-V in ‘D’ will be retained and is used as an effective progressive brake pedal by most owners who prefer to keep it on their own bike (the range of travels) with its true power.

Besides the lack of ‘go’, the CR-V does well atnegotiating technical roads (especially in RS specification) but is also good at it. The all-wheel drive and premium Michelin tyres make it very tight for an SUV that is quite compact, while the more enthusiastic driving force can be maintained with consistent grip.

This is reassuring, as the chassis pitches and rolls slightly through bends of this ; while the steering is correct and direct, it doesn’t give much information about what front wheels are doing. In addition to that, it is hard to determine what the CR-V can handle.

The challenge to comfort in the cabin also takes a lot of time, as is . CR-V’s primary ride is certainly soft, so uneven tarmac often makes moderate bouncing from the rear suspension (though it’s not too much and the RC-R settles quickly). The advantage of such a forgiving approach is that the car can absorb the harshness of sharp edges in the road, so no wince-worthy moments are encountered.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What do you get?

All CR-Vs gain additional features for 2026, with Google Built-in topping the list of upgrades.

2026 Honda CR-V VTi X and e:HEV X equipment highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels (VTi X) or 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels (e:HEV X)
• Full-size alloy spare (VTi X) or tyre repair kit (e:HEV X)
• Automatic LED headlights

• Manual height adjustment
• Automatic high-beam

• LED front fog lights
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Google Built-in (NEW)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger
• 8-speaker sound system
• 4 x USB-C outlets
• 8-way power driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar
• Black fabric upholstery
• Dual-zone climate control with second-row air vents
• Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
• Beige headliner
• Honda Connect 3-year complimentary subscription

• Remote control of locks, climate control, lights, horn, tailgate and immobiliser
• Automatic collision detection
• Speed and geofencing alerts
• Emergency call button
• Location search

The VTi L7 and e:HEV L add:

• 18-inch alloy wheels in silver (VTi L7) or gloss-black (e:HEV L)
• Space-saver spare (VTi L7) or tyre repair kit (e:HEV L)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Smart KeyCard
• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Driver’s seat memory
• 4-way power passenger seat
• Heated front seats
• Black leather-appointed upholstery
• Tri-zone climate control with independent rear controls, third-row air vents (VTi L7)

The e:HEV LX AWD adds:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights with auto height adjustment
• DAB+ digital radio
• 12-speaker Bose sound system
• Piano black interior trim
• Ambient interior lighting

The e:HEV RS AWD adds:

• Adaptive LED headlights
• LED active cornering lights
• Panoramic sunroof
• Piano-black door handles, exterior mirrors, spoiler, wheel-arch garnish and B- and C-pillar trims (NEW)
• Head-up display (NEW)
• Ventilated front seats (NEW)
• Heated outboard rear seats (NEW)
• Heated steering wheel (NEW)
• Red stitching
• Alloy pedals
• Black headliner

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

Is the Honda CR-V safe?

The Honda CR-V has a four-star rating from independent safety authority 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:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver attention monitor
• Lane-keep assist
• Post-collision braking
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Reversing camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Airbags

• Dual front
• Side for first and second rows
• Curtain for up to three rows
• Front knee
• Front centre

The e:HEV L, e:HEV LX and e:HEV RS also include a surround-view camera, new for 2026.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How much does the Honda CR-V cost to run?

The Honda CR-V is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, with the hybrid’s battery covered by an eight-year warranty.

| Servicing and Warranty | Honda CR-V |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Annual service cost | $199 |
| Total capped-price service cost | $995 |

First five services are capped at $199 each – less than you’ll pay to keep track of the most competitors models. But it’s worth noting that Honda’ 2,000km service intervals are on the shorter side of its own phrase.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Honda CR-V

CR-V is launched in 2026 with the aim of taking on old foes and new startups as Australia’s large mid-size SUV market grows out of its sprawling middle-sized SUV industry.

The CR-V, at its heart was already a practical, reliable, user friendly and cheap-to-run family bus. I just didn’t get a good bang for buck, it was an excellent example of what s were.

Nevertheless, the changes made as part of this facelift have had a profound positive impact on the value proposition – range-wide Google integration makes the CR-V feel more modern inside while cheaper hybrid variants give buyers access to efficient electrified motoring.

Moreover, at the top-end of the range, in an increasingly appropriate flagship is the eHEV RS AWD thanks to a strengthened list of spec.

But that’s a $4500 more expensive than it is before, so my choice of the newer CR-V range would be the eHEV L (which still feels like he has been an entire package for $53,900 drive-away).

childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new Honda CR-V. Click
here
to get a great deal.

Click the images for the full gallery

MORE:
Explore the Honda CR-V showroom

Thanks for reading 2026 Honda CR-V review: Quick drive