Honda CR-V
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. The clean, green SUV - comfortable and well-built but dull to drive.
Review
The new CRV looks set to develop on the success of the first two generations, with its combination of distinctive design, solid construction and a pain-free driving experience.
Honda is keen to pitch the CRV's green credentials, claiming to have created a car that the environmentally aware can buy with a clear conscience, and the fuel economy and emissions figures are certainly very respectable by the standards of the segment.
The CRV's striking design should be enough to guarantee it gets noticed, although not everyone will like the slightly nose-heavy proportions. The cabin is unambiguously brilliant, though - spacious, well finished and packed with standard kit. Both front and rear seat passengers enjoy plenty of room and the large boot is now accessed by a proper tailgate rather than the previous generation's side-hinged door. The only real niggle is with over-complicated control layout, including no fewer than 17 buttons on the "multi-function" steering wheel.
Driving dynamics major on comfort. The CRV is a talented mile-eater, with compliant suspension settings ensuring smooth progress over choppy road surfaces and excellent refinement at motorway speeds. The flip-side is an indifferent performance on twisty roads, where the Honda rolls and pitches too much for comfort or confidence. At least the four-wheel drive system provides reassurance on low-grip road surfaces.
Only two engines are available from launch, with the majority of buyers set to opt for the excellent 2.2 litre CTDi diesel unit that has already impressed us in other applications. A smooth-revving 2.0 litre petrol unit is also available.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Distinctive enough to give the CRV plenty of road presence, although not everyone will appreciate the slightly awkward proportions.
Handling
3 star
Safe and predictable as the limits approach, but there's no fun to be had from throwing the CRV down a twisty road.
Comfort
4 star
Impressively quiet at cruising speeds and with a nice, compliant ride quality. The driving position deserves praise, too.
Quality & Reliability
5 star
As solidly constructed as you'd expect something wearing the Honda badge to be. Lots of premium-feeling materials in the cabin, too.
Performance
3 star
Both 2.0 litre petrol and 2.2 litre diesel engine give respectable performance, with the diesel having superior real-world pace.
Roominess
4 star
Spacious enough to take four adults in comfort, and with a reasonably-sized boot, too.
Running Costs
4 star
Decent fuel economy and likely strong residuals mean the CRV should be easy on the wallet when compared to segment rivals.
Value for money
4 star
Good standard equipment means the CRV offers strong value compared to segment rivals.
