Honda CR-V Hybrid (2023) Review

The sixth generation CR-V is the most complete answer to the question most families are actually asking. The boot is huge and squared off, the rear seat reclines and slides, the doors open wide enough to load a child seat without swearing, and the driving position gives you a proper view out. Honda kept a volume knob and physical climate controls, which sounds trivial until you drive the alternatives. The hybrid is the version to buy. Two electric motors drive the wheels at most speeds while the 2.0 litre engine generates, so it pulls away silently and smoothly and only sounds strained under a full throttle motorway merge, and forty miles per gallon in mixed driving is routine.

Ride and refinement are noticeably better than the outgoing car. Criticisms are small: the styling is deliberately anonymous, the infotainment screen is modest on lower trims, and it is not remotely fun to drive quickly. Against that sit strong reliability records, cheap and universally available servicing, and residual values near the top of the segment. It is the default recommendation for a reason.