2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS review: Long-term conclusion

The Honda CR-V range is about to get refreshed with a wider lineup of hybrid variants.

That’s good news – especially in the midst of a fuel crisis – and a great move by Honda considering we’ve just spent a couple of months behind the wheel of the only petrol-electric hybrid variant available up until now, the range-topping CR-V e:HEV RS.

As part of our long-term fleet, we’ve experienced the CR-V’s brilliance across a broad spectrum of driving environments, from everyday family duties like suburban errands and fully loaded weekend runabouts, to regular highway commutes and a long-distance getaway.

We’ve even fitted some genuine Honda accessories that improve the mid-size SUV’s cargo-carrying ability and been through the process of having it serviced as part of its regular maintenance schedule. 

It’s just like we’ve owned it. Except we haven’t, and its place in our long-term garage is now empty. So, here’s what we learned about the CR-V during our time.

How much does the Honda CR-V cost?

First of all, our e:HEV RS is the only variant of the soon-to-be-superseded CR-V lineup powered by a hybrid powertrain and consequently sits at the top of the range.

It used to cost $59,990 drive-away but remaining showroom stock has been discounted by $3000 to $56,990 drive-away.

And, if you hold out for the updated model, you’ll pay substantially more – but also gain all-wheel drive – with the incoming CR-V RS costing $64,400 drive-away.

Even with the discounted run-out price, the RS hybrid sits among the top end of the mainstream mid-size SUV market segment, alongside the likes of similarly hybrid-powered flagship models such as the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Elite 2WD Elite 2WD ($48,350 plus on-road costs), Kia Sportage GT-Line HEV 2WD ($57,370 plus ORCs), Nissan X-Trail Ti e-Power ($54,415 plus ORCs), Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring Hybrid Touring ($55,990 plus ORCs) and Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2WD ($56,990 plus ORCs).

It's undeniably the most competitive segment in Australia with a lot of options for families shopping for an electrified medium SUV.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

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What is the Honda CR-V like on the inside?

There's a lot to like about the CR-V's cabin, even if it isn't the flashiest in terms of design.

Instead, it focuses on perfecting the family-first fundamentals with plenty of space for every occupant across both the front and rear seats and a flexible layout that makes light work of carrying large loads as well as carrying out everyday chores.

The front seats are super-supportive with just the right amount of side bolstering, comfortable cushioning and an excellent amount of (electric) adjustment to suit a myriad of sizes.

There’s heaps of headroom for taller occupants and excellent vision through the extensive glasshouse.

All the controls for the driver are easy to access and use, from the start/stop button to the conventional gear shifter and simple buttons on the steering wheel to activate and adjust the cruise control settings, adjust the volume of the audio system and activate the Google Assistant voice control.

The 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is crisp and clear with a logical layout of information, and it’s less prone to glare from harsh sunlight under its cowl than those that follow the modern trend of ‘floating’ screens. 

The display can be altered through different themes, from traditional round gauges to rising bar graphs on either side showing speed and energy deployment.

What the 9.0-inch central infotainment touchscreen lacks in size (and wow factor for the kids) it more than compensates for by being easier to use, with physical controls for the audio volume and track forward/backward, and buttons for home and back one step. 

The menu structure is also simple with phone-style widgets for all the main functions, including its array of Google Built-in elements such as Maps, Apps and Assistant.

And it has wireless smartphone mirroring for both Apple and Android devices, which connect seamlessly every time, plus a wireless phone charger in the large tray at the base of the centre console, and the Bose audio system is crystal-clear and has good staging throughout the cabin.

In terms of conveniences, there are two cupholders positioned just right in the centre console, as well as large door pockets big enough for one-litre water bottles, a decent sized glovebox, and a deep lidded bin between the front seats.

For those in the back, there is generous legroom for occupants in the outboard seats, along with adjustable air vents, two USB-C power outlets and a flip-down arm rest with cupholders. It's super-spacious for two but the raised transmission tunnel in the centre restricts the middle seat to little ones. 

Behind them, the boot offers a sizable 581 litres of cargo carrying capacity, which is more than enough to cater for everyday family duties, and it can expand up to 1636L with the 60:40-split/folding seatback down.

As mentioned at the top, our CR-V long-termer was fitted with a range of genuine accessories including a cargo organiser in the boot that features three storage areas to separate items and keep them secure.

It’s a convenient and simple piece of kit that easily folds flat and is quick to install or remove. It remains in place via sturdy Velcro tabs that attach to the carpet on the boot floor and has clip-down covers on the outboard boxes. For $200, it was a brilliant addition.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The e:HEV RS is the only variant in the outgoing CR-V range available with a hybrid powertrain, which links a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that includes a pair of electric motors. Unlike some other rivals, the system only drives the front wheels.

But all that changes with the updated model due in showrooms this month, as four of the six variants now feature the same hybrid setup, while the range-topping LX and RS versions also gain all-wheel drive.

Honda does not provide separate power and torque outputs for the combustion engine and electric motors but it does state combined figures of 135kW and 335Nm.

It also says the hybrid CR-V has combined fuel consumption of 5.5L/100km as a front-driver and 5.7L/100km with all-wheel drive. With a 57L fuel tank, that equates to just over 1000km between refills.

For the majority of our extended driving period, in which we covered more than 2600km over a couple of months, the average figure sat just under Honda’s claim – between 5.2 and 5.4L/100km – following mostly suburban driving where it uses the electric motor more often.

But a couple of long-distance drives at highway speeds near the end of our loan period bumped it up to just over the claimed number with a final readout of 5.6L/100km. That’s still pretty impressive for a car of its size and weight.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Honda CR-V drive?

The Honda CR-V quickly became a familiar and user-friendly member of the CarExpert family and has left a void in our driveway since its departure.

It’s a brilliant example of modern family motoring that is as practical to use as it is enjoyable to drive.

Sure, it’s not pretending to be anything more than it is but, in some ways, you can feel Honda’s sports car heritage and engineering expertise in its bones, through its positive and well-weighted steering, excellent body control, and secure handling.

It is easy to use in any situation, with no tricky electronic suspension settings or different drive modes required to find its best driving character; just jump in, start the engine, select a gear and go.

You also don’t need a science degree to optimise the powertrain either. Just leave the computers to do their thing and find the best blend between the petrol engine and electric motors, and you'll get whatever you need whenever you want.

The electric motors do most of the heavy lifting around town and in stop-start traffic, delivering seamless acceleration away from a standstill and at low speeds.

Even though the battery pack is relatively small, it always manages to have enough juice in the tank in order to use the primary electric motor on its own as often as possible. 

That’s because the clever hybrid set-up uses a secondary electric motor in the CVT transmission that predominantly acts as an on-board generator to replenish energy in the battery even under light acceleration, and not just through regenerative braking like most other hybrids.

As for the petrol engine, the transition from electric-only propulsion to running both power sources is barely perceptible, and the end result is a superbly refined powertrain that feels stronger than its peak power output suggests.

The CVT auto is smooth and doesn’t instantly flare up in the rev range like some others do if you simply roll your toe on the throttle. Instead, it works in unison with the petrol-electric setup to deliver exactly what you asked for.

Another element that stands out is the natural brake feel. While the pedals in other hybrids can feel a bit two-stage when switching between conventional brakes and using the electric motor to slow down and harvest energy back into the battery, the CR-V has a much more consistent feel through the entire range of the brake pedal's stroke.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

As you'd expect for the range-topping variant, the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS comes loaded with a generous level of standard kit.

2026 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS equipment highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Acoustic windscreen and windows
• LED headlights and tail-lights
• Sequential front turn signals
• Power-operated tailgate
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather-appointed trim
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Heated front seats
• 10.2-inch colour digital instrument display
• 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Google Built-in functions including Google Maps, App Store and Assistant
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Bluetooth connectivity
• DAB+ digital radio
• Bose premium 12-speaker audio system with active noise cancelling

The incoming CR-V update brings a few extra features beyond all-wheel drive to hybrid variants, including a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Honda CR-V safe?

Even though it’s equipped with an extensive array of safety features under the banner of Honda Sensing technology, the current CR-V launched in late 2023 scored a four-star ANCAP rating in 2024.

The Honda CR-V is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids and crash avoidance systems under the banner of Honda Sensing.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Lane keeping assistance
• Traffic jam assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic sign recognition
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Driver attention monitoring
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Multi-angle reverse parking display

Now, while none of this is exclusive to the CR-V and almost all of its rivals feature the same level of active safety systems, the Honda really stands out for the way it is all calibrated and integrated.

In many new models these days, functions like the lane-keeping assistance, speed limit detection and adaptive cruise control systems are, in the worst-case examples, so annoying and overzealous that you immediately deactivate them the moment you start driving, which obviously renders them useless and is counterproductive to having them in the first place.

But the CR-V’s systems act like the safety net they are intended to be and only intervene when required. It’s a refreshing character trait in modern times, highlighting the quality of Honda’s engineering capability and elevating the refinement of the CR-V’s dynamic performance.

The cabin is equipped with eight airbags, including a driver's knee bag and a centre airbag between the front occupants, as well as ISOFIX and top-tether points for child restraints in the outboard rear seats.

Customers are also provided with five years of free access to the Honda Connect telematics system, which automatically contacts the customer care hotline in the event of a collision, and can help emergency services find your exact location if required.

Honda Connect also allows users to access vehicle functions via a smartphone app, including the ability to remotely activate the climate control system to cool down the cabin before departing, turn on the headlights or activate the car alarm, and lock and unlock the doors. 

They can also set geofence and speed limits for the vehicle when it’s being driven by another family member, friend or colleague, automatically notifying the owner when either parameter is breached.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Honda CR-V cost to run?

Honda compensates for its premium purchase price with class-leading running costs. The CR-V is normally covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance. But runout vehicles are covered for an extended period of eight years.

As for scheduled servicing, the CR-V requires maintenance every 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), with the first five visits capped at just $199 each. During our loan period, our long-term CR-V required its first visit back to the dealership for the 10,000km service, which proved to be a fuss-free and simple exercise.

Customers can book their next service online through the Honda website or at their nearest – or preferred – service centre. For us, it was Hunter Honda in Maitland, which provided a friendly welcome and offered a cosy and modern area to sit with free tea, coffee or water while we waited.

It was the first car in on the day, so our service took just over one hour to complete, including a comprehensive check of all mechanical components, tyre rotation, oil and filter replacement, and a diagnostic systems test for any electronic faults and software updates.

To see how the Honda CR-V lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS

There’s a lot to like about the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS, especially the last remaining examples of this model variant considering the significant price jump for its replacement.

As a member of our long-term fleet, we’ve put it through the paces of everyday ownership, from running around town, a long weekend getaway to Canberra, and loading it up with kids and cargo.

We’ve even gone through the process of having it serviced.

And in every regard the CR-V has impressed with its quality, practicality, convenience and refinement. It’s a very easy car to live with and a five-star family car hiding in plain sight.

Sure, there are many cheaper options – especially in the highly saturated and ultra-competitive mid-size SUV segment – but the CR-V delivers the goods over the long term thanks to its efficient yet pleasing powertrain, low-cost service regime, and relatively strong resale value.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Honda CR-V. Click here to get a great deal.

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MORE: Explore the Honda CR-V showroom