Hybrid Honda CR-V review reveals a frugal family SUV

Look past the asking price and the running costs escalate the new hybrid Honda CR-V’s appeal.

Priced at $59,338 drive-away, the hybrid Honda CR-V is only available in the one range-topping specification.

Good things come to those who wait. For many Toyota RAV4 hybrid customers, waiting has become integral to the buying experience.

Some have queued for more than two years and then been slugged extra cash when the car arrived.

Honda may be late to the hybrid party, but Toyota’s supply issues could well be the sliding door moment the Japanese brand needs to relocate its mojo.

Challenges stemming from the pandemic that interrupted supply, and a natural disaster, halted Honda’s momentum in recent years.

But things are on the improve. The new ZR-V SUV launched last year is impressive, while the sporty Civic Type R is one of the most engaging and well-balanced drives you’ll experience.

Meanwhile, the new CR-V has arrived and the hybrid version was named News Corp’s Car of the Year in December.

Priced at $59,338 drive-away, the CR-V e:HEV RS is only available in the one range-topping specification.

That remains close to Toyota’s most popular RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser 2WD which is about $55k on the road (the top-shelf Edge with AWD is $62,200), while Nissan’s new X-Trail Ti-L with similar features as the Honda asks $62,300.

What do you get?

Black leather trim with exclusive red stitching and other leather appointments highlight the fact the e: HEV sits atop the CR-V range.

Among the other complimentary highlights are a 10.2-inch colour driver display, Bose 12-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 19-inch five-spoke alloys, hands free electric tailgate and wireless phone charging.

Metallic colour choices are all part of the deal and include black, red, grey, silver, blue and pearlescent white.

Hybrids are embraced by owners for reduced petrol consumption, but the running costs of the CR-V are among the cheapest you’ll find.

Five services cost $995. The only catch is services are required every 10,000km … the average owner will cover that in about nine months.

Honda is also offering a seven-year warranty on CR-Vs until the end of March which is two years longer than usual and matches Kia – which was previously the industry benchmark before Mitsubishi upped the ante to 10 years (but with a 200,000km limit).

Toyota’s RAV4 servicing costs are$1300 over five years with annual or 15,000km intervals. The Nissan follows the same schedule timing as Honda but the prepaid price is $2020.

Honda has also shifted to an ‘agency model’, which means buyers pay the identical car price no matter where they are in Australia.

Features of the Honda CR-V e: HEV RS include a 10.2-inch colour driver display, Bose 12-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless phone charging.

How was the drive?

There’s no charging required, and similar to what we’ve seen with Toyota hybrid equivalents, the tech wizardry does all the hard work and uses the battery power when required.

During easy acceleration and low speeds the CR-V will operate purely on electric power. The engine does the bulk of the work, but is supported seamlessly by the electric motor.

Ride and comfort is among the best you’ll find in the mid-size SUV realm. Soaking up the bumps and lumps, well-weighted steering ensures the performance is polished whether on the highway or rollicking through the hills.

Acceleration from standstill is linear but nothing astonishing – no match for the current breed of EVs. Squeeze the throttle and the response is reliable and confident.

Normal and eco drive modes are more tuned for efficiency, Sport is marginally better and improves throttle response and is accompanied by ‘Active Sound Control’ which uses the stereo system to make things sound more athletic.

Our test week returned an average of 5.7L/100km with a combination of around-town, hilly drives and highway activities.

Honda’s hybrid CR-V is the reigning News Corp Car of the Year.

Would you buy one?

Kel: When first introduced I had Mitsubishi Outlander vibes in terms of the styling. The CR-V hybrid ticks a lot of family boxes for us in terms of running costs and space, but the $60k outlay is hard to swallow. I’d want something sexier for that kind of investment, but a lower-spec version at a cheaper cost would change the equation.

Grant: The CR-V is the ultimate family all-rounder. Hybrid drivetrains remain the best alternative fuel option for Australians living outside metropolitan areas who undertake regular long trips and have limited access to rapid EV charging. While lacking some overall excitement, consider the warranty deal plus the running costs and it’s a winner when your head rules the heart.