Now exclusively available in RS spec and with a new-energy powertrain, we sample the Honda CR-V e:HEV in Cape Town. First impressions here…
What are we driving and why is it significant?
Launched in 1995, Honda’s “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle” quickly became its best-selling global product by blending assured quality, reliability, efficiency and comfort, synonymous with the ‘Honda’ badge, with the versatility and stance of the sought-after SUV segment.
Despite sharp modern styling that successfully masks altogether larger proportions than the previous model, the local fortunes of the sixth-generation CR-V package have been stifled by several key factors. While these include the rise in popularity of similarly packaged Chinese products, Honda South Africa’s plans for this otherwise impressive product have also been dictated by the configurations – including powertrains – made available to our market by the brand’s Japanese head office. This, in turn, has broadly dictated what price points the newest CR-V range has carried in our market, to date.
Introduced via a mild update to this midsize SUV, Honda South Africa may have consolidated the locally available CR-V range to a single unit, but it’s a derivative the firm believes has the best possible chance of finding favour.
What’s new on the Honda CR-V?
Previously sold in Exclusive and Executive guises, the new, lone RS model forgoes a third row of seating in favour of a compelling-looking exterior styling kit to take on the likes of VW’s R-Line and Toyota’s GR Sport, and all-wheel drive via the company’s hybrid (e:HEV) drivetrain technology.
Available in a choice of five exterior colours, including Blaze Red, the RS specification (which, as a reminder, stands for ‘Road Sailing’ in Honda parlance) introduces myriad gloss black trim items, including a tailgate-mounted spoiler, roof rails, sills, and matching 19-inch alloy wheels. A panoramic sunroof is standard fitment.
Priced R10 000 less than the previous entry-level derivative, the RS ships with a full bouquet of standard equipment, including convenience and safety.
While wireless Android Auto is being rushed to market, for the time being, Apple users can enjoy this untethered service. Either way, this functionality mirrors a relatively intuitive (and relatively small by modern standards) 9.0-inch infotainment display.
The brand’s newest Honda Sensing ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) package, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and collision mitigation braking system, is included, as are front and rear parking sensors paired with a 360-degree surround-view camera.
A strong point of the Honda brand, the leather-covered upholstery is notably comfortable and supportive, front and rear. As mentioned, the locally available CR-V is no longer offered with a third row of seating; instead, it boasts a claimed 581 litres of luggage space. We were, however, disappointed to learn the packaging of the hybrid powertrain negates the fitment of a spare wheel. Owners instead need to plan around using a puncture repair kit.
That hybrid setup combines the workings of a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol engine with a pair of electric motors and a self-charging 1.06 kWh battery. Operated via Honda’s latest-generation CVT, this impressively refined, predominantly front-wheel-drive powertrain can pull away and coast in all-electric mode, before calling upon the internal combustion engine and, indeed, the rear wheels, when required.
What does the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV cost?
The CR-V RS e:HEV AWD is priced from R949 900 in South Africa. Honda South Africa includes a five-year/200 000 km warranty (with an additional three years on the battery) and a five-year/90 000 km service plan with the CR-V.
- Honda CR-V RS e:HEV AWD — R949 900
What are the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV’s rivals?
In a fiercely competitive segment, the CR-V’s traditional rivals include the VW Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. More specifically, its hybrid powertrain setup places it up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4 HEV, BYD Sealion 6, Omoda C9, and Chery Tiggo 9.
What is the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV like to drive?
Sharing its platform with the modern Civic Type R, the sixth-generation CR-V impresses with a calm, quiet and comfortable cabin, but also a modicum of dynamic ability that sets it apart from many rivals. It’s not to say it feels racy; rather, a well-considered default ride and taut underpinnings combine with well-weighted steering to offer impressively assured and precise on-road manners.
Honda’s e:HEV powertrain is similarly impressive, offering superior efficiency and, indeed, the ability to cope with the CR-V’s substantial modern stance, compared to the 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine featured in the previous range. We like that the transition from electric to internal combustion is all but seamless, although the drone associated with the workings of the CVT does disrupt the peace under hard acceleration.
We averaged an impressive 6.4 L/100 km during our extended first drive in the CR-V e:HEV. Matching our figure translates to a driving range of 891 km on a full, 57-litre tank of fuel.
Verdict
Already fans of the look, feel and packaging of the sixth-generation CR-V, the consolidation of the local lineup to now offer a comprehensive standard specification list at a lower asking price, together with the introduction of a modern, refined and efficient hybrid powertrain, places Honda back in the game in this highly competitive segment.
It’s a pity that the hybrid system deletes the option of a third row of seats – and a spare wheel – but, together with this brand’s proven reputation for reliability, aftersales service and, indeed, resale values, the calm and comfortable CR-V e:HEV certainly ticks lots of boxes as a family transport.
Honda South Africa’s next goal should be approval to expand the range once more to include a more affordable e:HEV-powered derivative positioned below the RS.
2026 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV specifications
- Price: R949 900
- Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder, turbopetrol + electric
- Transmission: CVT
- Driven wheels: all
- Combined power: 135 kW
- Combined torque: 335 N.m
- Fuel consumption: 5.4 L/100 km (claimed)
- CO2 emissions: 128 g/km (claimed)
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