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The Honda CR-V was an early pioneer of the vehicle type most Australians are buying today: the mid-size SUV.
First introduced in 1997, it has evolved through six generations and the latest version was recently updated to include a broader range of hybrid-powered variants and new features.
Here are seven things we like about the 2026 Honda CR-V.
More accessible hybrid models
The 2026 upgrade for the sixth-generation Honda CR-V brings a revised model lineup with a wider choice of hybrid variants, including more affordable ones.
Previously the petrol-electric powertrain was reserved exclusively for the flagship e:HEV RS, but the fuel-efficient setup can now be had in four of the six grades available and with the option of front- or all-wheel drive layouts.
The most accessible hybrid variant is the mid-range e:HEV X, which costs $49,900 drive-away, representing a $10,000 reduction in the price of entry compared to the 2025 CR-V lineup.
For $4000 more you can step up to the e:HEV L, which brings more luxurious features. Or you can choose the range-topping all-wheel drive variants – the e:HEV LX and e:HEV RS – that cost $58,900 and $64,900 drive-away respectively, once again including all on-road costs.
At the other end of the range, buyers can still opt for two non-hybrid versions of the CR-V powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – the five-seat VTi X that opens the range at $44,900 drive-away, or the seven-seat VTi L7 that costs $54,900 drive-away.
Packed with features
All CR-V variants come equipped with a generous list of standard equipment, including:
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Power-operated tailgate
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Digital instrument cluster
- 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless smartphone mirroring
- Wireless charging pad
- Active noise cancelling
- Google Built-in services including Maps, Assistant and Google Play app store
- Over-the-air software updates
The VTi L7 and all hybrid variants also pick up leather trim and heated front seats, while the flagship e:HEV RS also offers ventilation for the driver and front passenger, as well as heated outboard seats in the second row.
The VTi L7 and the flagship RS also come with a full-length panoramic sunroof, while the e:HEV LX and RS have a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Spacious and practical interior
While the CR-V has evolved through the introduction of new technologies, one key element has remained true from the very beginning: its spacious and practical cabin.
The 2026 Honda CR-V continues to set a benchmark in the mid-size SUV category for roominess, with ample headroom and legroom across the front and middle rows, and a cavernous boot offering at least 589 litres of cargo-carrying capacity in five-seat configuration.
And, of course, the CR-V remains one of only a handful of models in its class to offer the option of a seven-seat layout with the VTi L7.
It is also exceptionally well built with durable, high-quality materials that will last a lifetime of family activities.
Google Built-in functions
But there’s also the latest in digital functionality inside the cabin to keep you up to date, including the second-generation suite of Google Built-in systems that easily integrate your phone with your car.
This is a native suite of embedded features within the 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that includes Google Maps for sat-nav, Google Assistant for voice activation, and the Google Play Store to download third-party apps.
The first one is obvious: it’s the same Google Maps from your phone with all the same functions and search options.
Google Assistant allows users to control certain functions in the car via voice activation, including adjusting the ventilation system or audio volume, as well as stream music, make hands-free calls and texts, and search for locations through the nav.
With the Google Play Store, you can tailor the digital experience and download a collection of third-party apps such as Spotify and YouTube Music, plus podcast providers, radio stations and more.
Fuel-efficient powertrains
But the beating heart of the updated CR-V range is a petrol-electric powertrain that delivers where it counts, providing fuss-free and fuel-efficient motoring that drives your dollar further.
The system pairs a lean-burning 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a CVT automatic transmission that houses two electric motors, including a primary unit that assists the engine with more power, and a secondary unit that predominantly acts as a generator to keep the battery topped up but can also deliver extra thrust under full acceleration.
The net result is the ability to produce 135kW of power and 335Nm of torque, and achieve an average fuel consumption figure of just 5.5L/100km (or 5.7L/100km with the e:HEV LX and RS owing to their larger 19-inch wheels and the added weight of more luxury features).
Cutting-edge safety
As for safety systems, all CR-Vs are equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced crash-avoidance functions and autonomous driver aids, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic sign recognition
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Parking display
- 10 airbags
On top of all of that, the top three hybrid variants (e:HEV L, e:HEV LX and e:HEV RS) all now feature a 360-degree parking display, while the RS also picks up a head-up display.
Affordable maintenance
And, last but certainly not least, Honda makes owning a CR-V simple and affordable with long-term aftersales provisions that are among the best in its class.
All Honda CR-Vs are covered by a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance for the same period. But owners can extend their coverage by up to an additional three years if the vehicle is serviced on schedule through the Honda dealer network.
As for maintenance, Honda requires the CR-V to be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), with the first five visits costing just $199 each.
