0
0
One of the best-selling SUVs on the planet, not to mention Australia, has been handled to a well timed facelift for 2026.
More than 13 million examples of the CR-V have discovered a house because the mid-size SUV got here into existence 31 years in the past, and Honda can be hoping that many extra fly out the door following this newest batch of operating updates.
Perhaps the largest change is a robust shift in the direction of hybrid energy – the variety of hybrid CR-V variants provided in Australia has leapt from one to 4, on the expense of conventional petrol-powered variations.
You nonetheless can’t get a petrol-electric CR-V with seven seats, although.
Inside, a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system stays customary throughout the vary, but it surely now options Google Built-in with embedded Google apps resembling Google Maps and Google Assistant. A ten.2-inch digital instrument cluster can also be extra extensively out there.
And on the prime quality, the e:HEV RS has gained all-wheel drive, a number of inside luxuries, and gloss-black exterior accents.
Is that sufficient for the CR-V to stay a high choose for households far and huge? Read on to search out out.
How a lot does the Honda CR-V value?
The CR-V lineup has been reshuffled for 2026, with extra hybrids added and a few turbo-petrol variants canned.
| Model | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi X | $44,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV X | $49,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV L | $53,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V VTi L7 | $54,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV LX AWD | $58,900 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS AWD | $64,400 |
As a end result, the bottom value of the CR-V is up by $3000, though the hybrid lineup now opens at $49,900 drive-away for the e:HEV X – $5000 greater than the entry-level petrol-powered VTi X, however $7000 lower than the most cost effective hybrid choice in 2025.
While there are extra hybrid choices than earlier than, there’s now just one seven-seat choice following the axing of the VTi X7. That leaves simply the VTi L7 at $54,900 drive-away, $1500 greater than its price ticket final 12 months.
We frolicked in each the e:HEV X and e:HEV RS AWD throughout the native launch in Victoria, with the latter pictured all through this evaluate.
To see how the Honda CR-V traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Let us make it easier to discover your new automobile
Buy your new automobile with out the stress. It’s quick, easy and utterly free.
Great service from Travis and crew, second time I’ve used this enterprise wouldn’t hesitate to suggest them to anybody
Craig C.
Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
CarExpert helped Craig save 1000’s on his Ford Ranger, now allow us to prevent in your subsequent new automobile.
Find my deal
What is the Honda CR-V like on the within?
From entrance to again, the CR-V prioritises perform (and high quality) over kind.
The cabin isn’t what you’d name visually thrilling. Aside from honeycomb-patterned air vent covers and a few purple stitching within the flagship RS, there’s not a lot design aptitude happening right here. Rather, straight traces and monochrome supplies dominate – boring!
However, there’s pleasure to be discovered contained in the CR-V. It comes within the type of tactile, high-quality bodily controls – a combination of buttons, switches, dials and rollers could be discovered all through the cabin, all of which supply constructive suggestions and quick access to key automobile features, elevating the person expertise significantly in comparison with screen-centric rivals. This is true of all CR-Vs, not simply the fanciest model.
Interior supplies, nevertheless, do differ in high quality throughout the mannequin vary. The base X trim grade options material upholstery and a plastic steering wheel, whereas the e:HEV RS flagship examined right here will get the leather-based remedy, as was the case pre-update.
The cowhide in query feels premium to the contact, as do the softer plastics that wrap across the higher door playing cards and sprint. Best of all, smudge- and scratch-prone gloss-black plastic is briefly provide, at the least in terms of high-traffic areas.
None of that is new, however the e:HEV RS AWD has picked up some invaluable luxuries for 2026. The entrance seats now include air flow in addition to heating, whereas the steering wheel is likewise heated. Such upgrades assist the $65k flagship to compete with feature-laden options from China, even when they arrive at a value.
And the CR-V separates itself from the wave of recent arrivals by offering seats that really help your thighs and torso, though they’re narrower than most. At 90kg, I used to be simply capable of get snug, however broader drivers could discover them too tight.
Honda has additionally made certain so as to add further padding the place your elbows are prone to relaxation, however sadly not the place your left knee contacts the transmission tunnel.
That stated, few drivers will complain in regards to the driving place. There’s loads of adjustability in each the chair – base cushion included – and steering wheel, plus electrical lumbar help.
In addition to consolation upgrades for the e:HEV RS AWD, the 2026 CR-V brings a extra fashionable infotainment system with Google Built-in. This means that you can enlist the assistance of Google’s AI Assistant whereas driving, and replaces the native navigation system with Google Maps – an interface that many can be conversant in.
There’s nonetheless the choice to reflect your smartphone, in fact, and cables aren’t required. They’re not strictly required for charging functions both, given the usual fitment of a wi-fi telephone charger proper throughout the CR-V vary. Two USB-C shops and a 12V socket will also be discovered up entrance if passengers need to plug in.
Google integration helps brighten up the 9.0-inch central display a little bit, but it surely’s nonetheless dainty and visually uninspiring, particularly contemplating some rivals provide considerably bigger, absolutely related programs. Honda’s tech is, nevertheless, straightforward to navigate, benefiting from bodily shortcut buttons and a easy grid structure. Oh, and the absence of gimmicky options that you simply’ll most likely by no means use.
Further, the ten.2-inch digital instrument cluster in all variants bar the bottom X is completely present. It’s giant, seems to be good, and could be configured to show absolutely anything, together with navigation instructions and, importantly for geeks, the stream of vitality by the hybrid system. This RS additionally will get a primary head-up show, which is obvious and tasks your pace and cruise management settings onto the windscreen.
All issues thought-about, the expertise on this 12 months’s CR-V is consultant of the automobile as an entire – it’s dependable and match for objective, simply not jaw-dropping.
In an identical vein, you gained’t be blown away by the cabin storage on provide, nor will you be upset – the glovebox, door bins and cupholders are all pretty customary for this class of automobile. I’ll at the least shout out the centre console compartment, which is surprisingly deep and homes a detachable tray match for cash and keys.
Moving again, the rear doorways open to near-90 levels, making the second row ultra-accessible.
However, as soon as inside it shortly turns into obvious the CR-V isn’t a category chief for back-seat house. At six-one, I used to be left with only a couple inches of kneeroom when sat behind the motive force’s seat set to my most well-liked place. Headroom is much more restricted, with these topping six-three prone to brush the headlining.
Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. The backs of the entrance seats are trimmed in delicate leather-based, making a delicate floor in opposition to which to relaxation your knees if required, and extra headroom could be accessed by reclining the rear bench. The latter perform additionally turns out to be useful when passengers need to get some shut-eye on a protracted street journey.
Better but, there’s not a lot of a hump within the flooring, so the center seat is extra usable than most. You’ll need an outboard seat when driving within the e:HEV RS AWD on a chilly day although, as they’re each heated.
Other rear facilities embody a set of USB-C shops, twin air vents, map pockets, door bins match for a 600ml drink bottle, and a fold-down armrest with built-in cupholders. The aforementioned armrest has been cleverly designed to permit for arms to… relaxation both aspect of saved drinks with none interference.
You can get the CR-V with a 3rd row of seats, however we didn’t have entry to the VTi L7 on the launch occasion.
Instead, we frolicked with the five-seat hybrid variants, all of which promise respectable boot house. And, for essentially the most half, that’s what they ship.
The energy tailgate lifts to disclose a large, tall, sq. aperture with a very flat flooring and no load lip, which aids within the loading of cumbersome objects. Smaller objects are simply secured courtesy of recesses down either side of the boot flooring.
Need more room? In typical Honda vogue, the rear bench folds nearly utterly flat, as if by magic.
The cargo space additionally accommodates a 12V energy socket, ample lighting, and a retractable load cowl. Hybrids include a tyre restore equipment, whereas petrol-powered CR-Vs get a space-saver spare.
| Dimensions | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|
| Length | 4704mm |
| Width | 1866mm |
| Height | 1681mm (1691mm with AWD) |
| Wheelbase | 2701mm |
| Ground clearance | 198mm (208mm with AWD) |
| Cargo capability | 581-589L (second row up) 1636-1671L (second row folded, measured to roof) |
To see how the Honda CR-V traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Changes within the powertrain division are restricted to the introduction of all-wheel drive hybrid variants, which counterpoint carryover front-wheel drive turbo-petrol and front-wheel drive hybrid choices.
| Specifications | CR-V | CR-V e:HEV |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol | 2.0L 4cyl hybrid |
| Power | 140kW | 135kW |
| Torque | 240Nm | 335Nm |
| Transmission | CVT | e-CVT |
| Drive sort | Front-wheel drive | Front- or all-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1613kg – VTi X 1700kg – VTi L7 |
1741kg – e:HEV X 1710kg – e:HEV L 1765kg – e:HEV LX AWD 1828kg – e:HEV RS AWD |
| Fuel financial system (claimed) | 7.1L/100km – VTi X 7.3L/100km – VTi L7 |
5.5L/100km – e:HEV X, e:HEV L 5.7L/100km – e:HEV LX AWD, e:HEV RS AWD |
| Fuel financial system (as examined) | – | 5.0L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 57L | 57L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane common unleaded | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 162g/km – VTi X 167g/km – VTi L7 |
125g/km – e:HEV X, e:HEV L 131g/km – e:HEV LX AWD, e:HEV RS AWD |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6b | Euro 6b |
| Braked towing capability | 1500kg – VTi X 1000kg – VTi L7 |
750kg |
To see how the Honda CR-V traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How does the Honda CR-V drive?
To set the scene, the launch drive took us from Honda HQ in Melbourne’s inner-west as much as Marysville, with highways and winding nation roads dominating the route.
As such, we have been capable of get a robust sense of the CR-V’s dynamism and high-speed manners, however not essentially its behaviour in city settings – a disgrace on condition that’s the place the overwhelming majority of those are prone to dwell.
Nevertheless, we all know from earlier expertise the CR-V has among the best trip and dealing with packages within the mid-size SUV class, and on open roads it does nearly every thing nicely with out excelling in any explicit space.
It negotiates freeway on-ramps with relative ease, drawing on the immediacy of electrical torque to leap off the road and construct pace steadily – impartial testing suggests a 0-100km/h dash time of round eight seconds.
Unlike many related SUVs, the CR-V options an e-CVT – an digital repeatedly variable computerized transmission – which suggests there are not any pronounced gears. Rather, the powertrain behaves like a rubber band, stretching and contracting in step with the calls for of your proper foot. While conventional CVTs cop some flak for feeling ‘drony’, this Honda system is clean and refined – good for a household wagon.
Once on top of things, the CR-V e:HEV settles into a snug rhythm, coasting on electrical energy when potential to maximise effectivity. In these moments, you’ll see the letters ‘EV’ mild up on the sprint.
While not fairly as frugal as a full EV or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) round city, the CR-V is nicely suited to cross-country touring. Our check automobile sipped simply 5.0L/100km when cruising at 100km/h and, importantly, it doesn’t require charging.
That’s to not say it’s with out peer – the Toyota RAV4 stays the king of hybrid effectivity. Hybrid variations of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage aren’t far off, both.
Similarly, the CR-V rides nicely on the freeway, however doesn’t essentially stand out from the pack. It’s a bit softer than some rivals, particularly on the rear, so that you barely really feel street joins and smaller potholes.
You don’t hear a lot of what’s happening exterior both, because the cabin may be very nicely insulated from each visitors and tyre noise.
Another spotlight is the driving place. It’s excessive and commanding – elements that assist the motive force really feel assured and finally safe behind the wheel. Front, aspect and rear visibility are all robust, which reinforces that sense of security at excessive speeds.
From skilled evaluations to the suitable deal
CarExpert brings collectively evaluations, analysis instruments and trusted shopping for help, guiding you from analysis to supply with confidence.
On the topic of security, the lively security programs within the CR-V assist to ease the psychological load of lengthy street journeys.
Several totally different cruise management modes could be simply programmed utilizing clearly labelled buttons on the steering wheel – not foolish stalks or haptics – and all CR-Vs include refined semi-autonomous driving expertise that includes each adaptive cruise management and lively lane-centring for a close to hands-off freeway expertise. Don’t truly take your fingers off the wheel although, because the automobile will shortly realise and demand your enter.
That stated, the motive force consideration monitor isn’t overbearing, like in lots of new vehicles as of late. The CR-V gained’t have a meltdown for those who by chance exceed the pace restrict every so often, both.
It does, nevertheless, get a bit nervous while you’re punting down a rustic street, because the lane-keep help system isn’t essentially attuned to the inconsistency of Australian line markings. And I couldn’t work out methods to change lane-keeping off – an motion that’s simple in Hyundai and Kia SUVs.
Indeed, the twisty ribbons of tarmac surrounding Marysville proved a extra stern problem for the CR-V, which had till then negotiated multi-lane motorways with relative ease.
Here, limitations to Honda’s hybrid system start to floor. For one, the mixed 135kW/335Nm outputs of the CR-V noticed it battle up steep inclines, barely capable of maintain 100km/h underneath full load. All the whereas, the petrol engine screams for mercy in a moderately undignified method. Fuel financial system additionally suffered throughout my run up Lake Mountain, blowing out to almost 10L/100km.
Switching into the ‘Sport’ drive mode improves throttle response, but there’s not a lot to be gained from improved response when the suitable pedal is already flat to the ground. Still, Sport mode is price a strive every so often for the tasteful Civic Type R-esque engine noise it pipes into the cabin. The RS even throws in an ‘Individual’ mode, which helps you to configure the engine response, steering weight, and engine sound for a extra private driving expertise.
Being a hybrid, the e:HEV additionally gives regenerative braking. You can cycle between 4 ranges of regen depth – none of that are significantly aggressive – utilizing the paddles behind the steering wheel, whereas essentially the most intense ‘B’ mode is housed in a button on the centre console. Just watch out to not overuse this setting when navigating a chronic descent, as a result of as soon as the small battery is full the engine will then roar at excessive revs to bleed off extra vitality.
Many house owners will as a substitute choose to maintain the CR-V in ‘D’ and depend on the brake pedal, which is efficient and progressive by its vary of journey.
Aside from a scarcity of ‘go’, the CR-V does a good job of negotiating technical roads, particularly in RS specification. It feels fairly compact for a household SUV, whereas the mix of all-wheel drive and premium Michelin tyres ensures constant grip throughout extra enthusiastic driving.
This is reassuring, because the chassis pitches and rolls a bit by bends, and whereas the steering is correct and direct, it doesn’t provide a lot perception into what the entrance wheels are doing. Still, it takes substantial effort to search out the restrict of what the CR-V can deal with.
It additionally takes loads to disrupt consolation contained in the cabin. The main trip of the CR-V is certainly delicate, so uneven tarmac usually induces reasonable bouncing from the rear suspension, although it’s not extreme and the CR-V settles shortly. And the advantage of such a forgiving setup is that the automobile is ready to take up the harshness of sharp edges within the street, stopping any wince-worthy moments.
To see how the Honda CR-V traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
All CR-Vs achieve further options for 2026, with Google Built-in topping the listing of upgrades.
2026 Honda CR-V VTi X and e:HEV X gear highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (VTi X) or 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels (e:HEV X)
- Full-size alloy spare (VTi X) or tyre restore equipment (e:HEV X)
- Automatic LED headlights
- Manual top adjustment
- Automatic high-beam
- LED entrance fog lights
- Hands-free energy tailgate
- Electronic parking brake with auto maintain
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Google Built-in (NEW)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Wireless telephone charger
- 8-speaker sound system
- 4 x USB-C shops
- 8-way energy driver’s seat with 4-way energy lumbar
- Black material upholstery
- Dual-zone local weather management with second-row air vents
- Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
- 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
The VTi L7 and e:HEV L add:
- 18-inch alloy wheels in silver (VTi L7) or gloss-black (e:HEV L)
- Space-saver spare (VTi L7) or tyre restore equipment (e:HEV L)
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Smart KeyCard
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 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)
The e:HEV LX AWD provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights with auto top adjustment
- DAB+ digital radio
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Piano black inside trim
- Ambient inside lighting
The e:HEV RS AWD provides:
- Adaptive LED headlights
- LED lively cornering lights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Piano-black door handles, exterior mirrors, spoiler, wheel-arch garnish and B- and C-pillar trims (NEW)
- Head-up show (NEW)
- Ventilated entrance seats (NEW)
- Heated outboard rear seats (NEW)
- Heated steering wheel (NEW)
- Red stitching
- Alloy pedals
- Black headliner
To see how the Honda CR-V traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Is the Honda CR-V secure?
The Honda CR-V has a four-star score from impartial security authority ANCAP, primarily based on testing carried out in 2024.
| Category | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 88 per cent |
| Vulnerable street person safety | 76 per cent |
| Safety help | 68 per cent |
Standard security gear consists of:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise management with low-speed observe
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitor
- Lane-keep help
- Post-collision braking
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic signal recognition
- Tyre stress monitoring
- Reversing digicam
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Airbags
- Dual entrance
- Side for first and second rows
- Curtain for as much as three rows
- Front knee
- Front centre
The e:HEV L, e:HEV LX and e:HEV RS additionally embody a surround-view digicam, new for 2026.
To see how the Honda CR-V traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Honda CR-V value to run?
The Honda CR-V is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre automobile guarantee, with the hybrid’s battery coated by an eight-year guarantee.
| Servicing and Warranty | Honda CR-V |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Annual service value | $199 |
| Total capped-price service value | $995 |
The first 5 providers are capped at $199 every – lower than you’ll pay to keep up most rival fashions. However, it’s price noting that Honda’s 10,000km service intervals are on the shorter aspect.
To see how the Honda CR-V traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Take on the Honda CR-V
The CR-V rolls into 2026 refreshed and able to tackle previous foes and new upstarts in Australia’s sprawling mid-size SUV market.
At its coronary heart, the CR-V was already a sensible, dependable, user-friendly and cheap-to-run household bus. It simply wasn’t nice bang for buck.
But the adjustments made as a part of this facelift have had a palpably constructive influence on the worth proposition – range-wide Google integration helps the CR-V really feel extra fashionable inside, whereas the addition of cheaper hybrid variants affords extra consumers entry to environment friendly electrified motoring.
And, on the top-end of the vary, the e:HEV RS AWD is now a extra becoming flagship courtesy of a bolstered spec listing.
However, it’s additionally $4500 costlier than earlier than, so my choose of the restructured CR-V vary could be the e:HEV L, which nonetheless seems like an entire bundle for $53,900 drive-away.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Honda CR-V. Click right here to get an amazing deal.
Click the photographs for the complete gallery
MORE: Explore the Honda CR-V showroom
Source link
#Honda #CRV #evaluate #Quick #drive