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The Honda CR-V was an early pioneer of the vehicle type most Australians are buying today: the mid-size SUV.
First introduced in 1997, it has been a six-generation development model and the most recent version was updated with an expanded range of hybrid-powered variants as well new features.
Here are seven things we like about the 2026 Honda CR-V.
More accessible hybrid models
This is a revised model lineup with more hybrid variants available, including cheaper versions of the 2026 upgrade for the sixth-generation Honda CR-V.
Formerly the petrol-electric powertrain was reserved for the flagship eHEV RS, but it is now available in four of the six grades and with front- or all wheel drive layouts.
The most widely available hybrid variant is the $49,900 drive-away eHEV X (a $10,000 reduction in entry price relative to 2025 CR-V lineup) which represents an affordable alternative.
The eHEV L offers more luxury features for $4000 extra you can step up to the , which is also available. You can choose the range-topping all-wheel drive variants the eHEV LX and reHeV RS– $58,900, $64,900 (and again including all on road costs).
Buyers can still choose two non-hybrid variants of the CR-V with a turbocharged 1 at the other end of range. VTi X, the five-seat petrol engine that opens the range at $44,900 drive-away or the seven-Seat VPi L7 which costs $54,800 drive–away?
Packed with features
All CR-V variants come equipped with a generous list of standard equipment, including:
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Power-operated tailgate
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Digital instrument cluster
- 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless smartphone mirroring
- Wireless charging pad
- Active noise cancelling
- Google Built-in services including Maps, Assistant and Google Play app store
- Over-the-air software updates
The VTi L7 and all hybrid variants also feature leather trim and heated front seats, while the flagship eHEV RS also provides ventilation for the driver and front passenger as well as heated outboard seats in the second row.
It also has a full-length panoramic sunroof on the front of the VTi L7 and its flagship (RS), while the audio system for the newerHEV LX and an RS is premium 12-speakers BoSe.
Spacious and practical interior
While the CR-V has evolved with new technologies, one key feature of this concept is that it remains true from the very beginning its large and practical cabin; in fact, while “the same thing” does not change.
This is the 2026 Honda CR-V that still stands out as an example in the mid-size SUV category for roominess, with plenty of headroom and legroom across front and middle rows; at least 589 litres of cargo-carrying capacity in five-seat configuration.
But, of course, the CR-V is still one of only a few models in its class to offer an option for seven-seat layout with the Vi L7.
It is also exceptionally well built with durable, high-quality materials that will last a lifetime of family activities.
Google Built-in functions
And yet there’s also the latest in digital technology inside the cabin to keep you up-to-date, such as Google Built-in systems’ second-generation suite that can easily integrate your phone with your car.
This is a native set of embedded features in the 9-year-old . A touchscreen of 0-inch infotainment (including Google Maps for sat-nav, Google Assistant for voice activation) and the Google Play Store to download third-party apps is also available.
The first is obvious it’s the same Google Maps from your phone with all the functions and search options.
Users can control some functions in the car using voice activation, such as adjusting the ventilation system or audio volume (such as stream music), making hands-free calls and texts; and searching for locations through the nav.
Google Play Store allows you to tailor the digital experience and download a collection of third-party apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, podcast providers, radio stations and more.
Fuel-efficient powertrains
But it’s a petrol-electric powertrain that does exactly what you need to drive your dollar further with fuss-free and fuel-efficient motoring, but the beating heart of the new CR-V range is one thing that works.
The system pairs a lean burning 2 with the system. A CVT automatic transmission of 0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, such as the primary unit that helps the engine to power up and a secondary unit which is mostly’generator for keeping the battery high but can also provide additional thrust when full acceleration is applied.
The result is the power generation and torque production of 135kW (and a total of 335Nm) of torque, which can be an average fuel consumption figure of just 5 per cent. A is 5L/100km (or 5. For the larger 19-inch wheels, plus the weight of more luxury features, 7L/100km with the eHEV LX and RS.
Cutting-edge safety
All CR-Vs are equipped with an extensive suite of advanced crash-avoidance functions and driver aids, including.
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Parking display
- 10 airbags
All three hybrid variants (eHEV L, EEX LX and e.HEVA RS) now have 360-degree parking display on top of all that; the RC also has a head-up display.
Affordable maintenance
Last but certainly not least, Honda owns a simple and affordable CR-V with long-term after sales provisions that are among the best in its class.
For the same time, all Honda CR-Vs are covered by an standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance. When the vehicle is serviced on time by a scheduled Honda dealer network, owners may be allowed to extend coverage for up to three years longer.
Honda requires service of the CR-V every 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first) as for maintenance, with the first five visits costing just $199 each.
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Explore the Honda CR-V showroom
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