Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has been a common sight on Canadian roads for nearly thirty years, and for good reason. Honda has refined and arguably perfected their compact SUV offering to the point where it can never be a bad choice for anyone searching for a car. In fact, you probably either owned or know someone who owns a CR-V - they are that popular! If you can get past the uninspiring drive of the more recent generations, this is a vehicle well worth considering. The CR-V has much to offer, and will do whatever you need it to without complaint. Rating out of 5 stars Nate’s rating: 4.5/5 stars

The Honda CR-V is one of, if not the best compact crossovers on the market today. It has a great reputation, and continues to be a top choice for Canadians everywhere. Pros - Excellent resale value - Great safety rating and features - Ergonomic interior - Extremely reliable - Low cost of ownership - Spacious and convenient cargo area making it very practical - Good visibility Is it comfortable? Absolutely. Since its release in 1995, the Honda CR-V has been one of the most spacious and comfortable SUVs to drive, with enough head and leg room to go around for all of its occupants. Add ergonomically designed seats and armrests exactly where you want them, and you are driving in complete comfort. Is it fun to drive and have a decent engine? The CR-V has never been considered a “fun” car, and holds a reputation of being associated with an older demographic due to its shape and engine options through the years. Most recently, it has been available with a 1.5L Turbo or a 2.0L engine paired with a hybrid system. While both engine options will happily get the job done without complaint, acceleration is still lacking, and if driving experience is what you’re after, there are better options. Is it good value for money? Yes indeed. You can never go wrong with the value of the CR-V. They hold their value well and are very generously fitted with features, even at the base trim. Is it reliable? Yes! The CR-V has a fantastic reputation for being a reliable vehicle, with below average annual cost of ownership. If you visit any private listing service, you won't have a hard time finding examples of CR-Vs surpassing 300,000km on the odometer. They truly stand the test of time! Is it safe? Very safe! Just last year, it received the title of ‘Top safety pick’ by the IIHS. Year afer year, the CR-V almost always achieves positive results s from industry safety tests. How does it perform against its next peer/category leader? The Honda CR-V’s direct competition comes in the form of the Toyota RAV4, which is the best seller for the compact SUV segment. Against Toyota’s offering, the CR-V can make a strong case for itself. The specs between these two rivals are not too far off, with interior space, fuel economy, and the base MSRP being nearly identical. Does it come with a good manufacturer’s warranty? Standard for the market - 3 year/60,000km basic and 5 year/100,000km powertrain warranties. Why is it one step ahead or behind? The Honda CR-V has consistently been one step ahead when it comes to interior comfort and aesthetically pleasing design. The refreshed exterior for the 2023 model year is very attractive compared to the somewhat uninspiring Toyota RAV4 design.

Even the CR-V is not immune to problems. While the nature of common faults is less severe than other vehicles and manufacturers, in the late 2000s and early 2010s, some CR-Vs had issues with oil consumption. Other than mechanical, one aspect of the CR-V that leaves something to be desired is the driving experience. It is certainly liveable, but there is no excitement, and the nature of the design encourages rather safe and careful driving, lacking acceleration and strong handling characteristics, which is not to everyone’s taste. Cons - Used pricing: to buy used, they are more expensive than competitors. - Driving experience could be better but it is not a deal breaker. - Only the first generation came with the picnic table stored in the cargo area.

A better question to ask is why shouldn’t you buy a CR-V? It is a fantastic choice for families, pet owners, and individuals who are looking for a reliable, practical vehicle to serve as a great daily transport. The Honda CR-V is a reputable SUV that does just about everything satisfyingly well.