In celebration of the Honda CR-V nameplate turning 30, the brand is introducing a brand new lease of life into the model with a hybridized version of the CR-V. "Better late than never" in fact, the introduction of this hybridized version means a more fuel-efficient and up to date with competitors model is available. A big talking point is that this is positioned under a million rand - R91,400 less than the model it replaces, to be exact.
"Every change began with listening. South African customers, Honda dealers and the wider market told Honda what they wanted from the CR-V: All-Wheel Drive capability, more performance, more practicality and a sharper price. The new CR-V answers all four."
Any changes to the way the car looks?
The new hybrid CR-V does so with little to no changes to the exterior, apart from hinting at branding that suggests the car operates on all four wheels as standard and has a bit of help from electric assistance. This is not a bad thing because the car is a good-looking piece of kit ; exterior elements that highlight this are dual exhaust outlets, gloss-black accents in places like the bumpers, and some RS badging as well.
The interior is also best untouched
The only major change in the cabin has to do with seating, as this new model reverts to five seats instead of seven. This is mainly because the electric components encroach upon the boot space where the third-row seats are usually located. But do not be discouraged, as the exclusion of a third row does mean there is now more boot space at 581 to 596 liters, with all five seats in place.
The now "old" model offered 478 litres behind the second row (with the 3rd row stowed away) and a tiny 150 litres of boot space when the third row was in use. The increase of boot space capacity now brings the CR-V as the most space you get when compared to its closest rivals in the Toyota RAV 4 HEV and Hyundai Tucson.
Some more tweaks in the cabin feature RS-style eco-friendly leather upholstery, white ambient lighting and an improved NVH suppression makes the most of the quiet electric drive.
Technology and Safety
The latest CR-V retains the key features of the outgoing CR-V Petrol range:
- Head-up display
- LaneWatch camera
- Honda SENSING™ driver-assist suite, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
- 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system & 10.2” TFT Information Display
- Wireless phone charging and USB-C connectivity
2026 Honda CR-V | e:HEV Hybrid Powertrain
The engine of the hybrid CR-V will be a 2.0-litre direct-injection Atkinson-cycle petrol engine producing 106 kW and 189 Nm but with two motors and a lithium-ion battery in the equation, power is further bumped up to 135 kW and 335 Nm. Like most Japanese based vehicles from Honda, the CR-V retains a e:CVT with no conventional multi-speed gearbox. This will now stand as the sole engine to pick replacing the outgoing 1.5-litre turbo model.
There are threee Drive Modes available, Selected Automatically
The system switches between three modes depending on speed, load and battery charge:
- EV Drive – when pulling away and in town, the CR-V runs on the traction motor alone, using battery power with the engine switched off. It drives like an electric vehicle: silent, instant torque, no fuel used.
- Hybrid Drive – under harder acceleration or when the battery needs charging, the engine starts and drives the generator motor. The electricity goes to the traction motor, topped up by the battery for strong acceleration. The wheels are still driven electrically; surplus power recharges the battery.
- Engine Drive – at steady highway speeds, where a petrol engine is more efficient than a motor spinning at high revs, the lock-up clutch engages and the engine drives the wheels directly. The traction motor can still add power for a quick overtake.
All Wheel Drive for everybody
The changes made to the model range are part and parcel of listening to major consumer feedback and one thing that Honda customers are in love with is a car that drive all four wheels so they made it standard. The AWD system in this particular model is electronically controlled and sends torque to the rear wheels before slip occurs, for example when pulling away or climbing a hill. It also reacts quickly when the road surface changes, and redistributes torque between front and rear axles through corners for added stability and contro
Price
2.0L RS e:HEV AWD : R949 900
The purchase of the HEV CR-V guarantees a Service Plan of 5-Year / 90,000 Km, Warranty of 5-Year / 200,000 Km, a Hybrid System Warranty of 8-Year / 200,000 Km and a Roadside Assistance of 3 Years. The new CR-V e:HEV AWD goes on sale locally on 14 October 2026.