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, such as panel gaps, a plasticky steering wheel, rough edges, and visible mold lines on 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 more nicely finished, but even the interior on the EX-L feels plain compared with similarly equipped rivals. 

The CR-V’s standard 190-horsepower, 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, as 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 nor the Mazda CX-5 for its luxurious balance of ride and handling.

Based on surveys of Consumer Reports members, the CR-V has average predicted overall owner satisfaction. While surveyed members are pleased with aspects such as comfort and driving experience, value stands out as a disappointment. When asked if they got what they wanted relative to the price paid, owners gave the CR-V the lowest rating. (Admittedly, others in the class also earn low marks for value from owners.) Beyond sticker price, this may have been influenced by pre-2026 models feeling plain inside and generally being 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. 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.)

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 may not be otherwise visible. 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 is introduced and we complete testing of the promising Subaru Forester Hybrid. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will be offered only with hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains, shedding the regular four-cylinder engine. There will be 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. Shoppers who can wait until the fall can see how the new RAV4 turns out. 

Preview the 2026 Toyota RAV4.

Overall, the CR-V is a nice SUV, and some of our CR-V criticisms are softened by updates for 2026. Interior room is a key benefit because it’s a little larger than 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 see improvements 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.