Latest Honda CR-V will come with plug-in hybrid technology for the first time
The sixth-generation Honda CR-V has officially launched and some big changes have come the way of the family-friendly, mid-size SUV in 2023. Not only does it sport a vastly different exterior design, but also has fresh powertrains to help it take on the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.
Available to order from Monday, the new CR-V is priced from £45,895 for the entry-level model, representing a £4,850 increase over the outgoing car. There’s much to be gained for the extra outlay, however, with the new CR-V sitting on a new platform with a longer wheelbase, wider tracks, more interior space and updated technology throughout.
Outside, the new CR-V adopts the firm’s new, simplified design language – albeit with a few rugged touches. A large front grille takes centre stage at the front, which features a hexagonal mesh pattern and blends into a pair of LED headlamps. The front bumper is clad in black plastic body protection and silver trim, which extends to the wheel arches and side sills, and every CR-V has 18-inch wheels. The rest of the design is largely fuss-free, with a single sharp shoulder crease along the flanks and a subtle roof spoiler, with more chunky body protection at the rear.
There are two powertrain options. Lower-spec CR-Vs have the 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine and electric motor combination found in the Civic and ZR-V, providing 181bhp to the all-wheel-drive system for a 9.4-second 0-62mph time and 116mph top speed. There’s also a plug-in hybrid CR-V for the first time ever with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a 17.7kWh battery and single electric motor, with 181bhp going through the front wheels. The PHEV can also travel up to 50 miles on a single charge.
The entry-level CR-V trim is Elegance and comes with the full hybrid powertrain. As standard it gets a hands-free powered bootlid, panoramic glass roof, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, keyless go, a wireless smartphone charger, a heated leather steering wheel and Honda’s SENSING 360 safety system which warns the driver of blind spots around the car. Elegance also gets heated front seats, adaptive cruise control and, like every other CR-V, a 9.0-inch central touchscreen lifted from the Civic.
Step up to the £48,995 Advance trim with the same hybrid unit and you’ll get adaptive headlights, a multi-view camera, a head-up display, memory seats and an uprated sound system. Boot space drops from 587 litres in the Elegance to 579 litres in the Advance.
The plug-in hybrid CR-V is only available in Advance trim from £53,995 and gets a few exterior tweaks such as black alloy wheels, a black finish to the spoiler and window trim, side parking sensors, sport pedals and a darker roof lining. Because the PHEV’s battery is located under the cabin floor instead of between the rear wheels, boot capacity stands at 617 litres.
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