The Honda CR-V Finally Got a Plug, Decades Later Than You'd Expect
Both reviews open with the same striking fact: this is the first plug-in hybrid Honda has ever brought to Europe, a genuinely overdue milestone for a brand that pioneered hybrid technology decades ago.
Illustration for editorial purposes
A Long-Overdue First for the Brand
Honda has built hybrid systems for a very long time. Reviewers keep noting how surprising it is that a proper plug-in option took this long to arrive in Europe — and how competently executed it is now that it finally has.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Family SUV (five-seat only) |
|---|---|
| Engines | e:HEV hybrid (4WD), e:PHEV plug-in hybrid (FWD), both 2.0L Atkinson-cycle + electric motor |
| PHEV electric range | Up to 51 miles official |
| Boot space | 596 litres (e:HEV), 635 litres (e:PHEV) |
| Length | 4,706mm — 106mm longer than the outgoing generation |
Full Review Summary
Autocar
Autocar detailed a genuinely clever packaging solution: the e:PHEV's battery sits under the cabin floor rather than the boot, meaning the plug-in version actually gains 72 litres of boot space over the standard hybrid rather than losing it, a rare reversal of the usual PHEV trade-off. They found handling safe and steady with some understeer if pushed hard in corners, rating that balance as entirely appropriate for a big family SUV, and praised genuinely comfortable seats with strong support and generous rear legroom thanks to a longer wheelbase.
What Car?
What Car? measured both hybrid versions accelerating from 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds in testing, quicker than the official figures suggest and competitive with the Ford Kuga and Hyundai Tucson hybrids. They found cabin materials disappointing given the price, with scratchy plastics easy to find despite soft-touch surfaces higher up, rating the Volvo XC60 and Mazda CX-60 as feeling noticeably more premium for similar money, and flagged the CR-V's five-seat-only layout as a genuine practicality gap against seven-seat rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq.
🎬 Watch: What Car?'s Honda CR-V review (same video, watch above ↗)
Strengths
- Genuinely clever PHEV packaging that gains rather than loses boot space
- Comfortable seats and generous rear legroom
- Strong, comprehensive standard safety equipment
- Smooth, refined hybrid power delivery
Weak points
- Cabin materials feel disappointing for the price point
- Five-seat-only layout, unlike some seven-seat rivals
- Noticeably pricier than key rivals like the Toyota RAV4
- Basic-looking infotainment screen despite functioning well
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want genuine space, comfort and Honda's hybrid reliability reputation without needing a third row of seats. The e:PHEV is worth the premium for company car drivers or anyone wanting a genuinely usable electric-only commute.
Common Honda CR-V Parts & Costs
- Honda CR-V Alternator
- Honda CR-V Battery
- Honda CR-V Brake Discs
- Honda CR-V Brake Pads
- Honda CR-V Cabin Air Filter
- Honda CR-V Engine Mount
- Honda CR-V Exhaust System
- Honda CR-V Fog Lights
- Honda CR-V Front Bumper
- Honda CR-V Front Suspension
- Honda CR-V Fuel Pump
- Honda CR-V Grille
- Honda CR-V Headlights
- Honda CR-V Radiator
- Honda CR-V Rear Bumper
- Honda CR-V Rear Suspension
- Honda CR-V Spark Plugs
- Honda CR-V Tail Lights
- Honda CR-V Timing Belt
- Honda CR-V Wing Mirror
More Honda Reviews
Watch the Reviews
Honda CR-V review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)