Running costs

Honda CR-V running costs: what UK ownership really costs

Honda CR-V UK running costs: fuel or electric, insurance group, road tax, servicing and depreciation.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 193,144 recorded MOT tests, 20.0% failed.

Honda CR-V
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

The Honda CR-V is known for its reliability and practicality, but understanding its running costs is essential for prospective owners. Fuel economy varies by engine type, insurance groups range from 19 to 30, tax bands depend on emissions, servicing intervals are generally every 12 months or 12,000 miles, and depreciation is moderate, making it a sensible choice for many drivers.

Fuel Costs

The Honda CR-V offers a range of engines, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options, which affect fuel costs significantly. The petrol models typically achieve between 30 to 40 miles per gallon, while the diesel variants can reach up to 50 miles per gallon. The hybrid version provides an even more economical choice, with fuel efficiency figures often exceeding 50 miles per gallon.

This makes the CR-V a competitive option in its class, especially for those who prioritise fuel efficiency.

Insurance Group

Insurance costs for the Honda CR-V vary depending on the model and engine size. Generally, the CR-V falls into insurance groups ranging from 19 to 30. Smaller engines and lower trims tend to be cheaper to insure, while higher-spec models with more powerful engines attract higher premiums.

When considering insurance, it is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal. Factors such as your driving history, age, and location will also influence your insurance costs. Overall, the CR-V is considered reasonably priced in terms of insurance, especially when compared to other vehicles in the same segment.

Tax Band

The tax band for the Honda CR-V is determined by its CO2 emissions, which vary across different models. Generally, the CR-V falls into tax bands ranging from A to F, with the hybrid models typically benefiting from lower emissions and thus lower tax rates.

For example, a diesel model may fall into a higher tax band due to increased emissions, while a petrol or hybrid model may qualify for a lower band, resulting in savings on annual road tax. As emissions regulations become stricter, opting for a hybrid or lower-emission petrol variant can be a wise financial decision for long-term ownership.

Servicing Intervals

Servicing intervals for the Honda CR-V are generally set at 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Regular servicing is crucial for maintaining the vehicle’s performance and reliability. During these services, essential checks and maintenance tasks are carried out, including oil changes, brake inspections, and fluid top-ups.

Honda also offers a fixed-price servicing plan, which can help owners budget for maintenance costs. It is advisable to adhere to the manufacturer’s servicing schedule to ensure that warranty conditions are met and to prolong the lifespan of the vehicle. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to more significant issues and higher repair costs down the line.

Typical Depreciation

Depreciation is an important factor to consider when purchasing a Honda CR-V. This is relatively good compared to other vehicles in its class, making it a sensible investment for buyers.

Factors influencing depreciation include mileage, condition, and market demand. The CR-V’s reputation for reliability and practicality helps it retain value better than many competitors. When considering resale, keeping the vehicle well-maintained and documenting service history can further enhance its resale value, making it a smart choice for long-term ownership.

Conclusion

The Honda CR-V presents a balanced approach to ownership costs, with reasonable fuel economy, manageable insurance premiums, and moderate depreciation. With regular servicing and attention to maintenance, it can be a cost-effective choice for families and individuals alike. Understanding these running costs can help potential buyers make informed decisions, ensuring that the CR-V remains a practical and economical vehicle for years to come.

Honda CR-V recall record

30 recalls have been issued for the Honda CR-V, between 2002 and 2025.

  1. 22-25M Civic and Other Models EPS Gear Box Worm Wheel Swelling Failure 6JP

    R/2025/024

    Issued 31 March 2025

    On affected vehicles ​due to decrease of the grease amount in the worm wheel gear meshing area of the EPS gear box during use the sliding resistance at the meshing area increases and the torque fluctuation when turning the steering becomes larger resulting in an abnormal noise or a dangerous sticking occurs when turning the steering.​

    Remedy:For the Honda Civic (FL4 FE1) CR-V and ZR-V models replace the worm gear pre-load spring with a countermeasure part and add grease. For the Honda Civic Type R (FL5) model replace the Steering Gearbox with a countermeasure part.

    Affects cars built Jun 2023 to Jul 2024

  2. Trailer Hitch Incorrect Part Number Label Attached (Accessory)

    R/2025/025

    Issued 30 January 2025

    Affected vehicles may have been fitted with an incorrectly labelled trailer hitch of the wrong specification which may come into contact with the Integrated Power Unit (IPU) when a rear-end collision occurs and result in a short circuit in the high-voltage power system or a risk of fire. Cracks may also appear on the trailer hitch weld seams when towing excess weight for prolonged periods which could result in a risk of trailer hitch detachment.

    Remedy:Inspect and replace the trailer hitch with the correct part if necessary.

    Affects cars built Jul 2023 to Feb 2024

  3. 23-25M High Pressure Fuel Pump Solenoid Component Part Breakage - 6YP

    R/2024/476

    Issued 9 December 2024

    On affected vehicles due to manufacturing issues the high pressure fuel pump could leak

    Remedy:On the affected vehicles check for leaks and replace the high pressure pump if necessary

    Affects cars built Oct 2021 to Aug 2024

  4. 23-24M ZR-V and Others Overspeed Alarm Inoperative

    R/2024/320

    Issued 11 November 2024

    On affected vehicles after cancelling the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) the ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance) will not alert the driver when over speed.

    Remedy:Update Multipurpose Camera Unit with modified software.

    Affects cars built Jun 2023 to Nov 2023

26 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Honda CR-V MOT record

From 193,144 recorded MOT tests, 20.0% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20225,0483.5%22,932 mi
20215,6704.5%30,147 mi
20205,4654.7%34,735 mi
20198,1865.9%41,200 mi
20189,1519.0%51,433 mi
201711,76410.3%60,831 mi
201614,04411.1%70,070 mi
201514,16113.5%78,547 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn33.7%
  2. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements28.7%
  3. A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded13.8%
  4. A tyre seriously damaged12.4%
  5. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm11.4%

Figures cover every Honda CR-V tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Honda CR-V official figures

Median across 4 variants on sale, electricity / petrol, petrol electric.

Combined economy
42.2 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
151 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

How often does a Honda CR-V need servicing?

A Honda CR-V typically requires a service every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Regular maintenance includes oil changes, air filter replacements, and brake inspections, which are crucial for keeping the vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

Are there any known issues with the Honda CR-V?

Some Honda CR-V models, particularly those from 2015 to 2017, have reported issues with the infotainment system freezing or malfunctioning. It's advisable to check for software updates or consider an aftermarket solution if you encounter these problems.

What is the average lifespan of a Honda CR-V?

With proper maintenance, a Honda CR-V can easily last over 150,000 miles. Regular checks on components like the timing belt, which should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, can significantly extend the vehicle's lifespan.

Sources