Having pioneered and helping to modernise the family SUV category, the Honda CR-V line is approaching 24-years-old. As is the trend of the times, the CR-V range now of course includes a Hybrid in its lineup as diesel is phased out. We had the chance to live with the CR-V Hybrid SR, 2WD eCVT version and put it through its paces. Here’s what we thought on the areas that matter.
Honda CR-V Hybrid – Pros and Cons
+ Stylish and attractive exterior
+ Responsive handling
+ Impressive fuel economy, 54mpg average
– Plenty of boot space for luggage and bikes
– In-car tech lacks premium finesse
Honda CR-V Hybrid Street view
SUVs typically fall into one of two categories: Boring and Beastly. But the CR-V platform is based on the Civic, which has always made it look and feel a bit more car-like, helping it stand out from rival 4x4s in a positive way. Parked up, the CR-V looks more compact than it feels when you’re elevated above the pack, sitting behind the wheel.
In recent years SUVs have increasingly become much more bold in their shape and colour options in a bid to tempt parents who are clinging onto glory years gone by. But Honda SUVs haven’t followed suit. Rather, the range has been subtly refined over time to give us something attractive, that isn’t begging for attention. It’s a balance we appreciate and one that gives this car broader appeal.
The version we had came in Platinum White Pearl, which perhaps the most bold of its eight colour options. It has a pleasant pearlescent finish that glimmers softly in the right light. Despite being a relatively conservative-looking SUV, the CR-V still managed to turn a couple of heads. Like those onlookers, we also appreciated its contoured lines and iconic Honda “face”. Spend a little extra and get the Aero Pack, which gives the car a “cooler” more premium look.
2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid GT-Line 2018 Interior
Sensible. Sitting in the cockpit of the CR-V, it feels like a conservatively pleasant home environment. There’s nothing showy, not too much in the way of controls. Everything has a purpose and is easily within reach. It’s great that media and climate controls function well and are easy to access, I just wish the graphic interface and digital instruments were a little more responsive and looked as classy as the rest of the interior.
The version we had featured a faux wooden trim above the glove compartment door and centre column. I’d have loved these to be real wood, but that’s expecting a little too much at this price point. The shapes and symmetry of the cockpit layout feel modern though. Silver interior panels can be added as an extra for £380, but personally I found it nice enough without them.
Aside from the faux wood – which actually looks pretty convincing – the materials used throughout the interior feel premium, durable and soft-to-touch where needed.
There’s plenty of space in the rear seats to fit three adults comfortably. If your only concern is shuttling little ones, you’ll be spoiled for space. The rear cabin offers Isofix anchor points for child seats and the SUV has airbags throughout the vehicle. It definitely feels like the type of vehicle that would provide security and peace of mind for the whole family’s safety.
If I was to nit pick anything, it was that the armrest needed to be positioned as forward as possible to feel comfortable. Otherwise it’s hard edge irked over extended drives.
2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid Driving Experience
Diesel is out, hybrid is in! The Honda CR-V’s powerful hybrid train runs on a 2.0-litre eCVT system. This combination allows the car to switch between petrol and electric motor functions seamlessly. If you have short nippy drives to do, the CR-V can run effectively emission free. No charging stations or cables required. The CR-V has a few fuel saving tricks under the hood that will take some experimentation to make the most of. These include its EV driving mode, which can be tailored to prioritise battery power to supplement throttle usage while driving. Within a week of exploring its Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system I managed to achieve around 48mpg, which I was very impressed with given the class of vehicle.
2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid InteriorThe Honda CR-V Hybrid engine offers three distinct modes, which it can switch between seamlessly:
EV Drive – As mentioned above, meaning the car will run on EV power only for just over a mile, great for nipping to the supermarket or dropping people off at the train station.
Hybrid – A combination of EV and petrol, which leans on EV to reduce fuel consumption and sees power sent from the engine to charge the EV function’s generator.
Engine – As you would expect, the car uses fuel to power the wheels directly.
Its petrol engine peaks at 107kW at 6,200 rpm and its electric motor peaks at 135kW offering 315Nm of torque. Putting your foot down, it can climb to 62mph in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. Those numbers don’t leap out from a spec sheet, but in real terms the CR-V delivers an enjoyable driving experience in everyday situations. With 18in wheels as standard across the board and an open front cabin design, you get a commanding view of the road ahead and around the vehicle. This was something that surprised me about the car given how relatively compact it looks from the outside.
On longer drives, it takes two buttons on the steering wheel to set Adaptive Cruise Control, taking the pressure off your right foot. The car holds speeds consistently and can even support you by maintaining lane position with lane departure warnings as well.
In terms of road noise, it’s not completely blocked out, but it’s dulled. Some find soundproof cabins unsettling, so the CR-V strikes a good balance here. It’s quiet enough to convey a sense of being securely encapsulated, but provides access to enough ambient noise to still feel connected to the car, the traffic around you and the road underneath.
2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid Verdict
While some may be distracted by the flashier looking cars in this category, the Honda CR-V Hybrid merits serious consideration. What it lacks in pizazz, it more than makes up for in practically, security, efficiency and comfort.
The Honda CR-V does it’s job and does it consistently well. No fuss, no fancy frills or complications. In a category increasingly full of try hards, the CR-V stands out for all of the right reasons.
Rating: 8
To find out more, see all of the options and configure your new SUV, head here: www.honda.co.uk/cars/new/cr-v-hybrid
