Honda CR-V (2016-2023) review

Prices start at £31,555 for the 2WD variant, and £33,670 for the 4WD variants. Monthly payments start at £505 and £545 respectively, on a four-year agreement with a six-month initial payment.

That puts it in the mid-range price bracket up against rivals, with the Nissan Qashqai starting from £25,505, Toyota RAV4 from £33,930, Kia Sportage from £33,325, and Peugeot 3008 from £37,980 in mild hybrid guise.

What are the kit choices?

The CR-V follows the standard Honda grading, rising from the entry-level S to SE, Sport Line, SR and finishing at the top of the range EX. The S trim level is only available with 2WD variants, and brings a five-inch infotainment display, LED head- and tail-lights and… not much else. You can do better.

Moving on up, SE grade adds a seven-inch infotainment screen, parking sensors, rear-view camera, privacy glass, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Much more like it. Don’t be fooled by the Sport Line trim – it focuses on style additions as opposed to any extra equipment over SE spec.

Next up is SR grade, which adds keyless entry and start, leather interior and active cornering lights. Top spec EX further includes a heated steering wheel, head up display, hands free access power tailgate, heated rear seats, panoramic glass sunroof and wireless charging.

All CR-Vs feature Honda’s ‘Sensing’ safety suite, which includes collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition. SR and EX trim levels also feature blind spot warning and cross traffic monitoring.

Where’d you spend your money?

We wouldn’t look below SE grade for the seven-inch infotainment screen, and, more importantly, smartphone connection. Unless you’re likely to use 4WD, we’d wager your best bet is to opt for the 2WD variant and instead spend the savings on extra luxuries. That’ll set you back £33,670, or around £545 per month on lease.