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There’s a less expensive hybrid Honda CR-V on the town, and it has been a really very long time coming.
Actually, there are actually three cheaper CR-V e:HEV variants than there have been simply 12 months in the past, as Honda has lastly expanded the hybrid vary of its largest SUV past a sole flagship grade. The range-topping e:HEV RS had been the one hybrid variant obtainable since late 2023.
At the identical time, Honda Australia has eliminated a good chunk of petrol-only CR-V variants, leaving a six-grade lineup comprising two petrol-only and 4 hybrid grades. The solely draw back is that costs have elevated by as much as $4500 for current variants.
That would not appear to have had a lot influence, although, as a result of CR-V gross sales are up solely barely this yr to the tip of June. Its 3200-odd gross sales thus far in 2026 are nonetheless effectively down on section leaders just like the Toyota RAV4 and newcomers just like the electric-only BYD Sealion 7. Still, the CR-V has regained relevance.
On check right here is the 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV X, the most affordable hybrid CR-V on sale now and precisely what Honda wants in an ever-competitive market. So how does it stack up towards formidable new foes?
How a lot does the Honda CR-V value?
With this yr’s enlargement of the hybrid lineup, the e:HEV X is now probably the most inexpensive hybrid-powered CR-V on sale, priced at $49,900 drive-away.
|
Model |
Drive-away value |
|---|---|
|
2026 Honda CR-V VTi X FWD |
$44,900 |
|
2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV X FWD |
$49,900 |
|
2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV L FWD |
$53,900 |
|
2026 Honda CR-V VTi L7 FWD |
$54,900 |
|
2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV LX AWD |
$58,900 |
|
2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS AWD |
$64,400 |
As with any mid-size SUV, a key rival is the Toyota RAV4. In base front-wheel drive GX trim, it prices $45,990 earlier than on-road prices. The complete RAV4 vary is hybrid-only.
A base Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2WD, in the meantime, is priced at $42,850 plus on-roads, and a base plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander ES prices $58,990 plus ORCs. The new Mazda CX-5 will provide the nameplate’s first hybrid powertrain in 2027.
To see how the Honda CR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability instrument
What is the Honda CR-V like on the within?
Though it lacks daring stylistic pizzazz, there has all the time been an aesthetic character to the CR-V’s cabin. It’s no totally different within the stripped-back X.
There’s a satisfying consistency in inside design throughout Honda’s catalogue, which not solely makes it straightforward to visually establish as a Honda cabin, but in addition acquainted to a purchaser seeking to upsize from a ZR-V, for instance.
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In the CR-V, that easy design accentuates a spacious, upmarket cabin. Build high quality is an indeniable spotlight in any trendy Honda, and it’s no totally different right here, however we would fairly draw consideration to the automobile’s spectacular tactility and general user-friendliness.
Honda is certainly one of only some producers that has but to totally embrace the iPad-on-dashboard phenomenon, however that works in its favour. Sure, the 9.0-inch touchscreen is relatively small, but it surely permits for a extra conventional centre stack with actual local weather controls.
The easy three-dial setup is a superb instance of well-designed cabin controls. It’s straightforward to grasp even if you happen to’re a newcomer, the buttons are actual, and the dials are satisfyingly notchy – all of which contribute considerably to the cabin’s sense of high quality.
Then there’s the sheer variety of buttons in every single place else. The slab-like centre console homes most driving-related controls, and the steering wheel has a smart variety of buttons, so no key capabilities are buried in convoluted touchscreen menus.
We additionally like the massive toggles for air vent adjustment behind the neat-looking hexagonal grille. It’s merely a historically configured inside that also feels trendy, and you are not ‘punished’ for going for the low-ranking X grade as a result of there are hardly any noticeable button blanks.
Furthermore, the included tech is sort of good. The modest infotainment system does a great job of providing you with every part you want with out going excessive, which implies there are nonetheless loads of settings and apps to mess with if you wish to.
Wireless Apple CarPlay is normal and dependable, and you’ll simply navigate the system utilizing the straightforward buttons on the right-hand aspect. There’s one other notchy dial there, too.
The CR-V’s instrument show, in the meantime, is at its smallest within the X. At 7.0 inches, it is noticeably down on the ten.2-inch unit seen elsewhere within the vary, but it surely’s nonetheless appropriately purposeful.
The primary two-dial theme is flanked by two easy gauges for battery cost and gas, whilst you can navigate the display’s numerous data shows utilizing the textured scroll wheels on both aspect of the steering wheel.
Overall, although, the CR-V’s cabin is an gratifying place to spend time. Classy supplies assist, as even this base mannequin will get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, padded armrests, and cozy seats – as you’d anticipate for $50,000. The driver’s seat is powered, although it is completed in fabric fairly than leather-based, and never heated.
You’re additionally given respectable storage choices, together with a big central field, cupholders and slots on the centre console, plus bottle holders within the doorways. There’s even a wi-fi telephone charger to enrich the 2 USB-C ports up entrance.
The second row is, as anticipated, comparatively gentle on facilities, with simply sufficient to maintain occupants glad on longer drives. The solely actual facilities again listed below are two USB-C ports, air vents on the again of the centre console, and a smooth fold-down armrest with built-in cupholders.
Ingress can be very straightforward because of the wide-opening rear doorways, and there is not a lot of a driveline hump within the ground to get in the best way if you must scoot throughout. Bench-seat consolation and headroom may each be higher, notably the latter if you happen to’re a lot taller than I’m at 173cm.
In distinction, the boot is extremely spacious, providing loads of room for big suitcases or a considerable grocery run. There are additionally a few shallow ‘trays’ for free objects, however there’s numerous exhausting plastic that may doubtless develop into scratched after frequent cargo carrying.
The base CR-V even will get an influence tailgate, however being a hybrid mannequin, there isn’t any spare wheel beneath the ground. A tyre restore equipment is normal as a substitute.
|
Dimensions |
Honda CR-V e:HEV X |
|---|---|
|
Length |
4704mm |
|
Width |
1866mm |
|
Height |
1681mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2701mm |
|
Cargo capability |
589L (rear seats up) |
To see how the Honda CR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Powering the CR-V e:HEV X is a 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine supported by two electrical motors, a propulsion (traction) motor that sends energy on to the wheels, and a generator to cost the hybrid battery pack. The system sends 135kW of energy and 335Nm of torque to the entrance wheels by an digital constantly variable transmission (e-CVT).
|
Specifications |
Honda CR-V e:HEV X |
|---|---|
|
Engine |
2.0L 4cyl HEV |
|
Power |
135kW |
|
Torque |
335Nm |
|
Battery |
Li-ion |
|
Transmission |
e-CVT |
|
Drive sort |
Front-wheel drive |
|
Kerb weight |
1741kg |
|
Fuel financial system (claimed) |
5.5L/100km |
|
Fuel financial system (as examined) |
5.2L/100km |
|
Fuel tank capability |
57L |
|
Fuel requirement |
91-octane common unleaded |
|
CO2 emissions |
125g/km |
|
Emissions normal |
Euro 6b |
|
Braked tow capability |
750kg |
Our week with the CR-V concerned freeway commuting and a justifiable share of suburban driving. We recorded gas consumption of 5.2L/100km, bettering Honda’s 5.5L/100km declare.
To see how the Honda CR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability instrument
How does the Honda CR-V drive?
Like its inside, the CR-V’s driving expertise is simple and unintimidating, although not notably inspiring.
The solely actual studying curve you may encounter will doubtless come earlier than you even set off. It’s the gear selector state of affairs that is considerably alien, with the small panel of particular person switches being a lot totally different from most different mainstream SUVs.
But as enjoyable as a T-bar auto could be, these buttons work simply effective. Press the D/B button, and you will be able to go. Upon setting off, the CR-V proves clean and cozy.
The hybrid powertrain feels simply nearly as good right here because it does within the current e:HEV RS, and it drives equally sufficient to some other combustion-powered SUV. That means there isn’t any actual adjustment interval for somebody coming from an older automobile.
You will not discover any stumbles or tough spots when the powertrain switches between petrol and electrical energy, and it responds promptly to various throttle inputs. That means there isn’t any uncomfortable delay in energy supply when the petrol engine fires up.
The engine isn’t notably sonorous when it does so, however Honda’s dual-motor hybrid system manages the transition between electrical, petrol-assisted and engine-driven operation easily. It mechanically selects probably the most appropriate working mode to steadiness driveability and effectivity.
A neat bonus is that Sport mode could have the transmission simulate gear shifts at excessive RPM, which makes it really feel like a quick sports activities automated fairly than one thing nearer to a constantly variable automated transmission. Of course, it is not a quick automobile, but it surely nonetheless has loads of pep while you want it, notably at low pace, given the speedy electrical energy available.
The solely distinction you could discover right here is the dearth of all-wheel drive, however the circumstances wherein that could be a difficulty are few and much between. There is not sufficient energy available for the front-drive format to trigger any issues, apart from possibly a touch of torque steer if you happen to’re aggressive with the throttle from very low speeds.
When it involves slowing down, the CR-V’s brake pedal additionally feels very pure – not all the time the case in hybrids that mix regenerative and friction braking. You have the choice of a number of regen strengths too, which may be adjusted utilizing the steering-wheel paddle shifters.
Doing so in Drive maintains the chosen regenerative braking degree solely briefly, whereas choosing B mode offers extra persistent management over the system’s deceleration behaviour.
The CR-V’s trip and dealing with are just about bang-on, too. There’s no fancy adaptive damping or something like that occurring, however we discovered it to be compliant and cozy – the firmer edge to its suspension is barely offset by the chunkier rubber on the X’s smaller alloy wheels in comparison with the LX.
Its steering can be wise, with respectable weighting and a large-diameter steering wheel contributing to a considerable really feel general. It’s direct too, which implies you will not be sawing away on the wheel to get it to alter path.
There is a few physique roll, but it surely is not loopy. It all combines to create an SUV that is simply as snug within the metropolis as it’s within the nation, although the tyres will likely be the very first thing to carry the automobile again on a twisty highway.
That additionally suggests the automobile is pretty heavy, and it definitely would not really feel small from behind the wheel.
But nonetheless, we discovered it to be secure and refined on the freeway, with highway noise additionally a tad extra suppressed than it’s within the larger-wheeled variants. The CR-V, due to this fact, eats up the kilometres with out fuss, and this base grade is simply as gratifying as some other – except you desire a extra premium sound setup.
As a Honda, this automobile’s security options are well-tuned. We had no points with any expertise throughout our week with the automobile, and we discovered its adaptive cruise operate to be very dependable.
Overall, the bottom CR-V would not actually do something mistaken. That makes it exceptionally straightforward to leap in and drive with little further thought.
To see how the Honda CR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability instrument
What do you get?
There are 4 trim ranges obtainable throughout the up to date CR-V lineup, and the X sits on the backside.
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2026 Honda CR-V X (VTi, e:HEV) tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (VTi X)
- 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels (e:HEV X)
- Full-size alloy spare (VTi X)
- Tyre restore equipment (e:HEV X)
- Automatic LED headlights
-
- Manual top adjustment
- Automatic high-beam
- LED entrance fog lights
- Hands-free energy tailgate
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 8-way energy driver’s seat with 4-way energy lumbar
- Black material upholstery
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Google Built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Wireless telephone charger
- 8-speaker sound system
- 4 x USB-C retailers
- Dual-zone local weather management with second-row air vents
- Beige headliner
- Honda Connect 3-year complimentary subscription
-
- Remote management of locks, local weather management, lights, horn, tailgate and immobiliser
- Automatic collision detection
- Speed and geofencing alerts
- Emergency name button
- Location search
CR-V e:HEV L and VTi L7 add:
- 18-inch silver alloy wheels (VTi L7)
- 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels (e:HEV L)
- Space-saver spare (VTi L7)
- Tyre restore equipment (e:HEV L)
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Smart KeyCard
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- 4-way energy passenger seat
- Heated entrance seats
- Black leather-appointed upholstery
- Tri-zone local weather management with impartial rear controls, third-row air vents (VTi L7)
CR-V e:HEV LX provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- All-wheel drive
- Automatic LED headlights with auto top adjustment
- DAB+ digital radio
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Piano black inside trim
- Ambient inside lighting
CR-V e:HEV RS provides:
- Adaptive LED headlights
- LED energetic cornering lights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Piano-black door handles, exterior mirrors, spoiler, wheel-arch garnish and B- and C-pillar trims
- Head-up show
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Red stitching
- Alloy pedals
- Black headliner
To see how the Honda CR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability instrument
Is the Honda CR-V secure?
The Honda CR-V has a four-star ANCAP security ranking, based mostly on testing carried out in 2024 by Euro NCAP.
|
Category |
Honda CR-V |
|---|---|
|
Adult occupant safety |
88 per cent |
|
Child occupant safety |
88 per cent |
|
Vulnerable highway person safety |
76 per cent |
|
Safety help |
68 per cent |
Standard security tools contains:
- 11 airbags, incl:
-
- Dual entrance
- Side
- Full-length curtain
- Front knee
- Front centre
- Adaptive cruise management with low-speed observe
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitor
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane-keep help
- Post-collision braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing digicam
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic signal recognition
- Tyre stress monitoring
The e:HEV L, e:HEV LX and e:HEV RS additionally get a surround-view digicam, new for 2026.
To see how the Honda CR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Honda CR-V value to run?
Honda Australia backs its vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Servicing for the CR-V is required each 12 months or 10,000km, and the primary 5 providers value $199 every.
|
Servicing and Warranty |
Honda CR-V e:HEV |
|---|---|
|
Warranty |
5 years, limitless kilometres |
|
Roadside help |
5 years |
|
Service intervals |
12 months or 10,000km |
|
Capped-price servicing |
5 years, $199 every |
|
Total capped-price service value |
$995 |
Honda’s service pricing is persistently spectacular, aided by the very fact it is the identical throughout its mannequin vary. It’s additionally cheaper than key rivals just like the Toyota RAV4 2WD, for which 5 years of upkeep will value you $1625.
A front-drive Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, in the meantime, prices $2290 to service over 5 years.
To see how the Honda CR-V stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Take on the Honda CR-V e:HEV X
The Honda CR-V has all the time been a stable SUV relative to its opponents, and the present era is not any exception. With the addition of extra inexpensive hybrid grades, it is now much more related in a market that’s progressively shifting in direction of electrified automobiles.
Even for stripped-back variants just like the X, there aren’t any compromises for Honda’s tried-and-proven e:HEV hybrid system, and we dare say it makes the bottom CR-V simply that little bit nicer to drive. Nobody has ever complained a few smoother powertrain with a bit extra low-end punch.
Its inside is simply as refined and palatable as ever, and it is nonetheless snug with out the extra luxurious fittings of higher-spec variants. It’s merely a high-quality, well-rounded bundle, and one which’s effectively price contemplating in order for you an electrified household SUV from a longtime model that is not Toyota.
The addition of cheaper CR-V e:HEV grades is only one of Honda Australia’s wise selections of late. The identical therapy for the smaller HR-V and ZR-V SUVs has made them extra fashionable and contributed to an general year-on-year gross sales improve for the Japanese model, even when it is solely modest.
If Honda could make this e:HEV powertrain much more accessible to Australian consumers by bringing costs down additional – with out skimping on an excessive amount of tools – there isn’t any purpose the CR-V cannot be as fashionable because it as soon as was.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Honda CR-V. Click right here to get an important deal.
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