Honda CR-V Hybrid review

Inside the Honda CR-V Hybrid

First impression on getting inside the CR-V is space – there is loads of it, especially above the head whether in front or rear. Going hybrid does take a toll in the boot, with 497 litres on offer before dropping seat backs. The RAV4 wins this battle, with 580 litres.

The Honda does include a range of other storage areas, however, and notable are the deep door pockets that can accommodate big bottles of water, cola or whatever. There are some neat touches too, such as the twin USB sockets for use by rear-seat passengers.

There is a definite robustness about the interior fit and finish – one feels it will stay looking good for a long time. One major minus point, however, is the wood trim that is not only actually plastic but obviously so – either fit real wood veneer or choose another finish!

The dash is highly practical, and the raised and wide centre console keeps all the essential controls close to the driver. They are proper controls too, with climate setting all accessed by buttons rather than the infotainment touchscreen.

This is a good thing as the infotainment remains an area where the CR-V, and in fact Honda, lags behind rivals. The system feels a generation back, with not-so-easy to use menus and sat nav graphics that are gaudy and lacking in detail compared to competing systems.

However, the CR-V is now offered with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, so one doesn’t have to worry about the built-in navigation – simply use the more up-to-date, more effective offering on your phone…

Driving the Honda CR-V Hybrid

If there was one way in which engineers could improve hybrid cars it would be to give them a better audio note. Yes the CR-V moves away silently in electric-only mode, but just like the Toyota RAV4, the slightest of enthusiasm on the right-hand pedal produces a raspy, asthmatic drone that becomes quite noisy and intrusive as the car increases speed.

It does increase speed at an efficient rate, our 4WD example cresting 62mph after nine seconds. Mind you this is more than a second behind the RAV4.

Once up to speed the car settles down – it rides in a composed manner, smothering the bumps, and inside the cabin the environment is much more hushed. One of the many improvements made by Honda is a noise cancellation system and it works very well, while the fact that the electric motor is generally doing the propulsion work also helps.

Honda claims 51.4mpg (in old NEDC money) for the 4WD CR-V hybrid, which makes it comparable with a diesel SUV. The 126g/km emissions rate is competitive with rivals too.

There are Eco, normal and Sport driving modes to choose from – the latter being where the engine really makes its presence felt.

However the common theme, whether talking performance, ride comfort or handling, is safe. This car does not excite on the road, but it does feel as if nothing will faze it, that it will achieve the one aim of getting its occupants from A to B with nothing to concern them.

Summary

Looking for an SUV with lots of space and comfort? Want to buy diesel for the economy and emissions but don’t feel you are allowed to any more? Not particularly bothered about being excited behind the wheel but adamant that the car gets you and your fellow travellers where you are going, every time and without drama?

Then the Honda CR-V Hybrid could be for you. Trouble is, just as good a case can be made for the Toyota RAV4…

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Good points

• Visually appealing
• Plenty of interior room
• Extensive standard safety specification

Bad points

• Hybrid audio note that sounds like it’s struggling when it isn’t
• Dated feel to infotainment graphics
• Fake plastic wood trim

Key specifications