Honda CR-V (2017-2023) review - MPG, CO2 and running costs
Even the most efficient CR-V is some way behind the competition, and the lack of a diesel option won’t suit all buyers
The previous 1.5 VTEC turbo petrol engine performed well in the Civic hatchback, but dealing with more weight, as well as four-wheel-drive and a CVT transmission in the CR-V, put a drain on its overall efficiency. Fuel economy was rated at between 32.5 and 38.2mpg depending on model, meaning it was far from the most efficient petrol SUV. It’s no longer sold new, despite being reasonably popular.
The CR-V Hybrid performs better, although a WLTP-verified best of 42.8mpg for the 2WD model and 39.8mpg for the four-wheel-drive model isn’t a patch on the most efficient diesels. It is important to note however that official consumption tests work in favour of hybrid vehicles as they allow some of the low-speed running to take place solely on battery power, something which could only happen for a limited distance when used in the real world.
The CR-V Hybrid had previously offered much lower Benefit-in-Kind tax for company car drivers, but its emissions are no longer around 120g/km under the WLTP testing regime; even the most efficient model puts out 151g/km of CO2, rising to 163g/km for top-spec four-wheel drive versions. All models therefore occupy quite high Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax bands.
Used - available now
Honda doesn’t give an official figure for the range of the Hybrid version on electric power only, but a battery capacity of 1kWh is relatively small compared to rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, so this range is likely to be quite limited. Really the electric motor is there to supplement the petrol engine, rather than power the CR-V along by itself. The CR-V Hybrid charges its battery by energy regeneration or via the petrol engine, so cannot be charged by plugging into a charging point.
Insurance groups
Insurance groups for the Honda CR-V range from 22E for the entry-level two-wheel-drive Hybrid to 24E for the most expensive Hybrid EX model with four-wheel-drive. This is somewhat higher than rivals such as the Skoda Karoq in group 15 and the Peugeot 3008, which goes as low as 11. A wide range of safety systems both standard and available as an option help to keep insurance costs down, however.
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Depreciation
Residual values for the CR-V are competitive with expert data suggesting the family SUV will retain around 56 per cent of its original value after three years and 36,000 miles of ownership, which puts it slightly ahead of the Volkswagen Tiguan on 52 per cent.
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