For The CR-V has plenty of space, impressive build quality and is comfortable to drive. SR trim has impressive kit levels, with electric front seats and DAB radio fitted as standard.
Against The 2.0-litre petrol engine is only available with four-wheel-drive in this trim, raising overall running costs. It’s not cheap, either.
Off-road ability is limited. There’s impressive standard equipment, but it comes at a price. We’d opt for SE trim, which offers similar kit for less money. The 2.2-litre diesel is a better bet if four-wheel drive is essential, too.
Both engines are smooth, but the diesel is the better choice because it gives more low-end torque and far superior economy. However, even the diesel’s fuel consumption and emissions are nowhere near those of the class leaders. Petrol buyers with no intentions of venturing off road would be well advised to stick with the front-wheel drive car. Unless you’re driving on snow and ice, you’ll struggle to tell the difference between the front-wheel-drive car and the 4x4 versions.
Kit levels are good across the board, whether you’re looking at safety or creature comforts. We’d recommend an SE model, which comes with all the kit you need for a reasonable price. Honda dealers always score highly in customer satisfaction surveys but they’re very tight with their discounts. That said, CR-Vs are famed for their extremely strong residual values.
The need for economy pushed me down from a full sized SUV (Merc ML) to a more compact model and the CRV won through. The winners were comfort - drives…