5 Reasons Not to Buy a Honda CR-V Now

The CR-V’s cabin is rather basic in an era when innovative controls and massive screens dominate interior designs. (Admittedly, some buyers—including us—consider this a virtue.) Plus, it’s short on decorative trim that can otherwise spruce up a cabin. Instead, we found a number of disappointing fit and finish elements in our tested vehicle, including panel gaps, a plasticky steering wheel, rough edges, and visible mold lines on the plastic. Even the seats felt a bit plain, with less adjustment and support than in some rivals. Honda shed the tiny 7-inch infotainment screen for 2026, moving all CR-Vs to a 9-inch screen. We’re glad to see that this larger setup now includes a volume knob and dedicated home button, as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims are better finished, but even the EX-L’s interior feels plain compared with similarly equipped rivals. 

The CR-V’s standard 190-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine performs well for cruising around town, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) does a nice job keeping the engine revs low in those situations. But it can feel a bit underpowered when you need extra acceleration for climbing a hill or merging onto the highway. That impression is magnified by the CVT, because it allows the revs to soar quite high when the SUV is pushed, and the engine takes on a gritty character above 4,500 rpm. The CR-V’s 0-to-60-mph time of 8.8 seconds is about a half-second slower than the previous, admittedly smaller and lighter-weight CR-V. Good news: The CR-V Hybrid is quicker, more satisfying, and more efficient. 

The CR-V doesn’t have the most comfortable ride in its class, coming in more on the firm side than supple. The taut suspension does keep the SUV well-controlled, and it’s an improvement over the previous CR-V. But the current model can’t match the Subaru Forester for comfort or the Mazda CX-5 for its luxurious balance of ride and handling.

Based on surveys of Consumer Reports members, the CR-V has an average predicted overall owner satisfaction rating, at 59 points out of 100. While surveyed members are pleased with aspects such as comfort and driving experience, value stands out as a disappointment, with a rating of 46 out of 100. (Admittedly, others in the class also earn low marks for value from owners.) Beyond sticker price, this may have been influenced a somewhat plain cabin that is generally light on “surprise and delight” features.

For buyers, this signals an area to give careful consideration to when shopping for a small SUV, and it’s a particular concern as prices rise across the segment—and the industry. The base LX 2WD version went from $30,100 in 2025 to $30,920 for 2026; destination charges remained at $1,395 initially. Destination is now $1,450. The EX AWD configuration we tested went from $33,850 in 2025 to $34,650 for the new model year. (For contrast, the 2023 CR-V EX AWD we bought for testing stickered at $32,610. That translates to a $2,000 price increase from 2023 to 2026. In fairness, the CR-V has gained features during that time.)

Even with the updates for 2026, the base LX trim still lacks key features that Consumer Reports recommends on all new cars: blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning. These two features alert the driver to potential hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed. Fortunately, both features are standard on all other trims for the latest model year. So our long-standing advice remains to buy at least the EX trim level. 

The CR-V is a solid performer, but there are better small SUVs. And that’s before the all-new Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 PHEV are tested. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is offered only with hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains, shedding the regular four-cylinder engine. There are three “styles” (Core, Sport, and Rugged) and seven trims, creating significant choices. Among these, the Woodland trim is further distinguished in the next generation, making it a suitable competitor to the new CR-V Hybrid TrailSport. A RAV4 GR Sport joins the line with improved handling, more aggressive styling, and a tuned version of the PHEV powertrain. The RAV4s are now at dealerships, and we are completing full testing.

Read the 2026 Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 PHEV reviews.

Overall, the CR-V is a nice SUV, and some of our criticisms are softened by updates for 2026, such as all versions receiving a larger, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a wireless charging pad and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The EX-L trim got a larger, 10.2-inch digital driver’s display. A new TrailSport Hybrid trim was added, combining a tough-looking exterior with a fuel-efficient powertrain.

As has long been the case, the interior room is a key benefit because it’s a little larger than that of many small SUVs, providing a generous rear seat. The rather basic interior may appeal to buyers who find models with wide, dash-covering screens and overly clever controls to be off-putting. Simply put, this is a good SUV that continues to improve with each model year.

The best small SUVs are presented in rank order based on Consumer Reports’ Overall Score, starting with the highest-rated model. CR members will see the models, ratings, and pricing below.