Six generations. Not many cars reach that milestone. The big-selling Ford Cortina never managed it, and nor did its main rival, the Vauxhall Cavalier, two names that were huge in the 1970s and ’80s. The Range Rover hasn’t yet made it.
Only cars such as the Volkswagen Golf and Passat have surpassed six generations, and they’ve been around since the early 1970s, whereas the Honda CR-V has only been around since the middle of the 1990s, so it must be doing something right – and it can be worth a look for those who are after the best used car for towing a caravan.
Things have moved on since that early model with its optional tailgate shower (yes, really), but Honda has worked hard to keep the model fresh, hence the latest model, which is available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains
For those interested in the previous generation, you can also see what we made of a used Honda CR-V (2016-2022).
What’s a Honda CR-V like inside?
The Honda CR-V can best be described as roomy, but perhaps not cavernous. Up front, there’s a good amount of room for the two front-seat occupants, and plenty of adjustment for them to get comfortable.
Behind them, those in the rear seats also get a good amount of legroom, so relaxing isn’t a problem. The flat floor also helps in this regard in the SUV tow car.
However, the CR-V comes with a panoramic sunroof as standard, and this steals a fair bit of headroom. If you and your offspring often get called ‘gangly’, check headroom before investing. That said, the rear seats can also be reclined, which will add extra headroom.
Boot space is a good 617 litres with the rear seats raised, and 1710 when folded down – figures that are even more impressive when you consider that the hybrid powertrain batteries lie under the boot floor.
The CR-V’s dashboard is dominated by a touchscreen, through which you control audio and sat-nav functions, as well as various settings and smartphone mirroring, but that’s it. Honda has focused on usability by using buttons and dials for the main interior controls, such as ventilation and the drivetrain, which makes everything a lot easier to operate.
Don’t forget to ensure you have the right towing equipment, either, to help you stay safe on the road.
How does a Honda CR-V drive?
If you regularly tow a caravan and are choosing a used tow car, then you will be better off looking at the plug-in hybrid model, because it has a towing limit of 1500kg compared with the full hybrid’s 750kg.
The PHEV has a towing mode that prioritises the petrol engine over the electric motor, but in this mode, it has only two gear ratios, so the engine hums along quietly or revs like a power tool depending on the gradient you’re climbing.
Towing stability is strong, although turbulence from passing vehicles can be felt.
When not hitched up, the CR-V is entirely normal to drive, and the standard adaptive suspension keeps you isolated from the road surface.
The PHEV drivetrain will allow you to cover the average daily commute on battery power alone, saving you money on expensive fuel.
What to pay for a used Honda CR-V
- High: Price: £43,000; Model: 2.0 17.7kWh Advance Tech; Year: 2025; Mileage: 2500
- Sweet spot: Price: £34,000; Model: 2.0 17.7kWh Advance Tech; Year: 2024; Mileage: 8500
- Low: Price: £32,000; Model: 2.0 17.7kWh Advance Tech; Year: 2023; Mileage: 19,500
What will a Honda CR-V tow?
- Kerbweight: 1923kg
- Towing limit: 1500kg
- Noseweight limit: 100kg
- 85% match: Above max towing weight
Running costs
- Insurance group: 34
- Annual VED: £620*
- Average economy (PHEV model): 353mpg
- Full service: £160
(Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262)
* CR-V list price was more than £40,000, making it liable for the Expensive Car Supplement for the first five years of its life
Trouble spots with a used Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has been recalled only once, for a fault with the Adaptive Cruise Control system. After you had cancelled the cruise control, the Intelligent Speed Assistance system would also switch off and fail to let you know if you were breaking the speed limit.
You can find full details at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
Verdict on the used Honda CR-V
There’s no doubt that the sixth-generation Honda CR-V PHEV is a roomy and comfortable SUV that will help you keep your running costs down. But it can be a bit noisy when towing, and make sure you can live with that 1500kg towing limit.
See what I made of my other most recent guide, where I took a look at buying a used Vauxhall Grandland X / Grandland. It’s a car which I think is perfectly competent at towing, but does struggle to live up to its name.
Alternatives to consider
Used Kia Sorento (2020-present)
The Kia Sorento offers a bit of everything, making it a great choice for tow car buyers. It’s available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, although the most capable towing option is the diesel, which can tow up to 2500kg (PHEV: 1010kg; hybrid: 1100kg). It’s unflustered when towing, and there’s space for up to seven. There’s plenty of kit, and it feels built to last.
Interested in seeing how the latest Sorento tows? Then take a look at our review of the Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi ‘3’, a rare car that got a 5/5 rating when we tested it.
Used Volkswagen Touareg (2018-2025)
The VW Touareg is available with petrol, PHEV and diesel powertrains, with the diesel proving the best for towing. The standard automatic gearbox shifts quickly and pretty smoothly, and the creeping function helps when manoeuvring on a campsite, as does the standard four-wheel drive. There’s also plenty of cabin space for five people and their luggage.
See what we made of the Volkswagen Touareg 13.0 V6 TDI 286PS 4Motion Black Edition when we put it to the test in 2024.
Used Volvo XC60 (2017-present)
If the Volvo XC40 is too small, and the XC90 too big, then the XC60 is the Goldilocks option – just right. It’s still a sizeable and heavy car, so even with the D4 diesel fitted it’s able to tow with authority, while Momentum trim brings you all the standard equipment you’re likely to need, plus a few extra gizmos. It also rides better than models in sportier trim levels.
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