Compact crossovers such as the 2024 Honda CR-V are in high demand, as they offer comfortable seating, decent fuel efficiency, and an easy-to-park profile. Honda’s cheerful entry in this competitive SUV segment earns its place at the top of our list because it also offers agile handling to accompany its practicality. Equipped with front- or all-wheel drive and a 190-hp turbocharged engine, the nonhybrid CR-V is reasonably powered; we review the 204-hp hybrid version separately
Overall, we like the 2024 Honda CR-V’s satisfying blend of comfort, tech and practicality. Still, rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-50 have closed the gap. The CR-V is a benchmark for the class, although not necessarily a complete standout. Be sure to read our Expert Rating below to see if the newest-generation CR-V fits your needs.
Performance
The brakes work well in emergency situations and make it easy to stop smoothly. We also like the hybrid system’s smooth operation in city driving, though climbing long mountain grades can take a heavy foot. Around corners, the CR-V stays composed and under control. The responsive steering offers enough feedback to give you a good sense of what’s happening on the road.
Comfort
The sophisticated theme continues inside. The standard heated front seats feel plush and comfortable, though Honda still doesn’t offer a ventilated option. You won’t notice much noise from the road; the CR-V is well insulated and feels airtight as you’re driving. Our one objection is that the hybrid powertrain can get loud and unpleasant-sounding, particularly if you’re going up an incline.
Interior
The 2024 Honda CR-V has big door openings, and all seats are positioned at the right height for adults to slide right in without much effort. It’s also easy to get comfortable — the front-row seats have a lot of adjustability fore and aft, while the rear seatbacks are adjustable for reclining.
Technology
The voice recognition system only comes on the top Sport Touring trim and, sadly, isn’t as advanced as some competitors. But the advanced driving aids are impressive. Loads of them come standard on all CR-V models, and the main ones — adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering, in particular — work exceptionally well.
Storage
Unfortunately, Honda did take a step back with interior storage. The previous CR-V had a highly configurable hollowed-out center tunnel that could swallow up large handbags. Now that space has been reduced to a conventional center bin. In the second row, big door openings, easy-to-access attachment anchor points and lots of space make it easy to install child safety seats.
Fuel Economy
Value
You will pay slightly more for a CR-V than many of its competitors, so if you’re looking for a cheap SUV, there are better options. Considering the robust construction we find the pricing agreeable, if not exactly enticing. Warranty coverage is only average for the class, with several rivals going a step further to protect from rust or offer better roadside assistance or complimentary maintenance.
Wildcard
It can be enjoyable to drive in spurts thanks to responsive controls and solid handling for a crossover. Practicality is first and foremost, however. As a result the 2024 Honda CR-V should be a hit for those who shop with an arsenal of Excel spreadsheets by their side. The rest of you should go elsewhere to find inspiration and passion in a small family SUV.