Honda CR-V

Mid-size SUV / Crossover · 1997 to present

The Honda CR-V has been a fixture in the UK SUV market since 1997, built across several generations and consistently positioned as a practical, family-friendly alternative to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail. Early UK cars offered petrol and later diesel i-DTEC engines, with four-wheel drive commonly available. From the fifth generation onwards, Honda moved the CR-V towards hybrid power, dropping diesel entirely, and the current sixth-generation model, launched in 2023, is sold in the UK exclusively as a petrol hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Bodywise, it has always been a five-door SUV, with seven-seat versions offered on some generations. Used examples span a huge range of ages and specifications, so buyers should always check the specific generation, fuel type and trim before assuming features or running costs, and verify full history via official MOT and tax records.

Body type

Mid-size SUV / Crossover

Years (UK)

1997 to present

Typical engine

2.0-litre petrol hybrid (i-MMD) paired with an electric motor, though earlier cars used 1.6 and 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesels or 2.0 and 2.4-litre petrol units

Fuels available

4 options

Fuel and powertrain options

The Honda CR-V is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Diesel Petrol hybrid (i-MMD) Plug-in hybrid

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Honda CR-V. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for corrosion around the rear wheel arches, sills and subframe mounting points, particularly on older pre-2012 models
Inspect the diesel particulate filter and exhaust system for warning lights or blockages on diesel-engined CR-Vs
Examine tyre wear patterns, especially on four-wheel-drive versions where uneven wear can indicate drivetrain issues
Check hybrid and plug-in hybrid models for battery cooling vent obstructions and any dashboard hybrid system warning lights
Test all seatbelts and child seat anchor points thoroughly, especially on seven-seat variants where rear access is frequent

Frequently asked questions

What should I check in the MOT history of a used Honda CR-V?

Always review the vehicle's full MOT history on the official DVSA website before buying, looking for recurring advisories such as corrosion, suspension wear or exhaust faults, as these can indicate ongoing maintenance issues specific to the car you're viewing.

Does the Honda CR-V still come as a diesel in the UK?

No. Honda discontinued diesel CR-V engines after the fourth generation, with the fifth and sixth generations sold in the UK as petrol hybrids or plug-in hybrids only.

Is the Honda CR-V expensive to tax?

Vehicle tax depends on the exact registration date, CO2 emissions and fuel type, so it's best to check the car's specific details using the free vehicle tax checker on gov.uk rather than relying on general assumptions.

How reliable is the Honda CR-V generally considered to be?

Rather than relying on unverified reliability claims, it's best to check a specific car's MOT history for patterns of repeated faults, as this gives a more accurate picture of how that individual vehicle has held up over time.

Run a free reg lookup on any CR-V

Enter any CR-V registration on MotifyMe^® to see its MOT history, tax status, full vehicle details and an estimated valuation. Free, instant, and no account needed.

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