User Reviews Honda CR-V

= 96%* = 102 km/u = 10%

This outfit i have works really well but then again i am stil a novice .

= 90%* = 97 km/u = 12%

A good combo - travelled more than 4000 miles this year as a train. Only noticable problems are an average mpg of 22 against 28 without caravan and also small motorway gradients cause vehicle to drop to 3rd gear and 5,500 rpm. But always stable and controlable. Honda is a fantastic tow car at this weight. In a recent trip we encountered high winds and again coped well except reduced fuel below 20 mpg.

= 94%* = 97 km/u = 12%

A good tow car ,towing a Elddis Crusader Hurricane [1350Kg] loaded,always stable and good controle,gradients have the auto box ,to search more and is noted fuel slumt to 23 mpg,against the 30 solo
good on country roads as well as hi way,honda coped well

= 89%* = 104 km/u = 13%

Overall I am disappointed. Modest inclines bring me down the gears and hill starts are a real worry especially if the road surface is wet or loose. The front wheels scarbble for grip and the rear wheel drive always seems late activating. The MPG is very poor and has been as low as 19.8 mpg. On the motorway once rolling, it will maintain a reasonable cruising speed provided you keep an eye on the rev counter to match engine speed to max torque. The nosewight limit is also low at 65kg. Anyone out there suggest an alternative?

= 76%* = 105 km/u = 13%

Very disappointed. On paper the CRV should be a good match to the Bailey Ranger 460/4 but in reality the slightest gradient, even on motorways at cruising speed, has you working your way down the gearbox. Just made the job of towing hard work overall. No option other than to change vehicles, not as roomy but the Volvo S60 D5 auto is a fantastic tow car capable of +30 mpg when towing.

= 81%* = 105 km/u = 13%

I found this combination quite good. I picked my caravan up from East Yorkshire and drove to South Wales and found the vehicle quit responsive overtaking & up hill. You did need to accelerate at the bottom of hills to get your speed up, MPG was very poor, on Average about 23 to the Gallon. Thinking of having it converted to LPG. For the amount of Towing we all do i would recommend it. If you do alot of Towing get a large 4x4 like a Discovery or Kia Sorento.

= 96%* = 100 km/u = 11%

Fantastic. Just drove for 6 hours with it trundling along behind me. Very easy to tow. Very stable. Had to bring myself back from over 70 mph a few times. Motorways 5th gear 80% of the time moving to 4th for good power uphills....what amazed me was the amount of cars that wern't towing anything clogging up the inside lane at 50mph. Must be infuriating for the Lorry drivers.

= 89%* = 103 km/u = 12%

Overall a good tow car. Easy to tow (the wife even spells me on long journeys!). No problem getting up to 60mph and maintaining it. ok, you do have to drop down the gears if on a steep incline but if you change gear BEFORE you lose your revs then it is not a problem. I would estimate that top gear is in use over 90% of the time on motorways. It is very stable even when being overtaken by high sided vehicles in windy conditions. MPG does suffer when towing but I find this varies alot depending on the terrain and head wind. Also brilliant on boggy sites as the four wheel drive kicks in to get you off your pitch. Word of warning, always measure the nose weight and keep around the 65 kg mark. Apart from that Honda, quality is well documented and I have had not one problem with the car since buying it in 2002 (six and a half years ago). The van isn't bad either!

= 78%* = 102 km/u = 13%

Overall I am happy with the Honda as a tow vehicle,now that I have fitted rubber spring assisters. I have seen comments from people who tow a heavier van who say they are not happy,I am not surprised! The engine is adequate,although it has to be revved for power. There are better tow cars I am sure. My advice,dont get a heavy van if you have a Honda CRV II.

= 92%* = 102 km/u = 13%

One little bit of advice, if you read your owners manual for a petrol crv, it list 95 octane fuel, when towing i use premium unleaded and it makes a lot of difference.
I hope this is of some help.

= 91%* = 100 km/u = 12%

Excellent towing match, masses of power for any of the hills. Fuel solo 37mpg, and towing (staying with lorries at their 55mph) 23mpg. But if you boost along at 60mph the fuel is down to 19mpg. Lovely car, and so easy and comfortable to drive.

= 88%* = 99 km/u = 13%

I towed my Lunar Clubman 530L to Cornwall last year and i must say I found it a bit of a struggle. Difficult to find a happy criusing speed to keep the automatic box from changing up and down. Seemed to cope well on hills, if a bit racey. Better with the overdrive off. Far too jiucy for my liking though. Shame, because both the car and the caravan are great, but not together!

= 68%* = 115 km/u = 15%

2007 euro summer touring season, 5,276 km mixed driving, motorway N road and mountain roads. Auto performed well, easy performance on motorways and N roads with Eriba 420. Mountain roads Alt > 1,000m and gradients av. 12% lot of shunting through the box for correct gear, o/d off not much difference. Recorded fuel consumption: not towing, as per book 10.3 km/lt. Towing performance 60% motorway, 15% N roads, remainder mixed driving at altitude, o/a: 7.3 km/lt
Overall very satisfied, can easily tolerate gear shunting on mountain roads. Would recommend auto for anybody doing long distance touring and "tugging", dissapointing low volume fuel tank, restricted range.

= 68%* = 115 km/u = 16%

Honda CR-V 2006 towing a KIP Kompakt 37 EK is a wounderful kombination!
Very easy to handle due to the low weight of the KIP Kompakt and the same body width of the car and the caravan. No extra outside rear mirror needed.
The KIP Kompakt follow very gentle after the car and is nearly not noticed neither in town city traffic or smaller and curved roads out in the countryside or windy conditions. Even some hilly roads is easily drived by the Honda CR-V / KIP Kompakt combination, due to the low weight of the caravan.
I just love this combination!
And the KIP Kompakt 37 EK is also very nice to live in with its complete kitchen, refrigerator, toilet and sofas / table / bed functionality combined with central air heater for tempering the inside.
I can just recommend this combination for an easy and joyful caravaning!

= 78%* = 102 km/u = 14%

I may be wrong, but I thought the automatic crv could not tow as much weight as the manual???? it may be worth checking

= 89%* = 107 km/u = 22%

I cannot praise enough this car. Yes there is a 5 berth caravan behind, but honestly the CRV deals with it at ease. I recently towed from South Wales to the South of France crossing the Pyrenees, with 5 in car and a full caravan. Job done, no problem!

= 66%* = 125 km/u = 26%

Having a new Triton and a new Honda CR-V ICDTI, Consumption figures are:-
No Van 35-42 MPG
With Van 28-30 MPG
This is acceptable. I do not know that I have a van on the back of the car.
Full marks to HONDA

= 82%* = 107 km/u = 23%

Hi we have a Honda CRV and it has no problems pulling a loaded Bailey Ranger 550/6 - six gear on Motorways is fine pently of pull in third for uphill overtaking.. Hats off to Honda for this car - the room is inside is very good, the engine is good - 27-29 mpg whilst towing and 38-41 when solo.

= 90%* = 102 km/u = 21%

Hi I have an Argente 550-4 and have no problem with my CRV 2.2 diesel very stable and surefooted on sites using the cruise control makes for very relaxwd towing

= 82%* = 105 km/u = 21%

Hi i have just got a 2006 2.2itdi and towed my swift charisma 565 for the first time, i cant belive how easy it was 60mph on motorway with cruise control on, almost forgot caravan was on, on twist moutain road it just cruised and made the hill climb look like a flat road. overall vey very good tow car and i got alomost 30mpg to top it.

= 85%* = 107 km/u = 21%

MPG towing 1450kg = 30mpg. Pulls up motorway incline in 6th, never been stuck in a field due to automatic 4WD AND only £180 for road tax - less emmisions than some Minis!!
Huge interior, comfortable and quiet - best SUV by far.

= 90%* = 103 km/u = 20%

I think my Swift 560 (single axle fixed-bed) is just at the limits of what my 2006 CRV 2.2CTDi) can tow comfortably. Nevertheless it's impressed me no end with both performance and economy. It handles the weight and size without embarassment and is stable even at French motorway speeds of 110Km/hr. Fuel economy is bound to be down with this weight if you push it over 70 but even then I get 24mpg - and over 40mpg solo! I have added a tune-up module to get a slight increase in power and find this has helped. My only criticism is that the outfit doesn't like reversing on inclines and easily starts to burn the clutch if you are not careful - but to be honest I had this problem with my older Pajero and that was a very thirsty beast! Get a motor mover if you can afford it - it will be cheaper than putting in a new clutch more frequently.

= 83%* = 106 km/u = 21%

A very well built,reliable and capable machine. Got an average of 30mpg pulling the van on a mix of roads between 50-55 mph. Will pull all day in top gear on motorways and is so quiet you would not know it was a diesel.Bags of room inside especially with seats folded down,the only niggle is the lack of legroom in the driving position with the seat pushed fully back. (I beleive Honda have fixed this in the new model,cant wait to try it). Highly recommended.

= 80%* = 104 km/u = 22%

On the flat and in non wind conditions we haev no problem. Getting av 28mpg. On a slight gradient or in a slight headwind, then be prepared to get up and down the gearbos. The CRV really struggles for a 2.2engine. Its simply aweful. Previous train unit was Skoda Superb - and it was Superb !. I have towed with the CRV / Bordeaux for the last 3years - 2 trips to France and one to French /Spanish border. Another point is hitching up - very difficult in the CRV. I fitted a power mover to the van to aid me. CRV clutch is not up to the job either .. reversing or pullng off ion an inclide leads to a very hot clutchplate.

= 89%* = 104 km/u = 20%

The Honda has been a great car, it tows my Bailey easily. We have been to Scotland, Wales and Cornwall and I cant fault it. When towiing I get around 22-23 mpg and 45 mpg when not towing, this car only kicks into 4WD when the front wheels spin which really helps with mpg.

= 73%* = 105 km/u = 23%

Wow what a difference from my old Seat Toledo or 3 series touring. Comfortable towing with excellent stability even when windy. most of the time I hardly know it is there. As with a couple of other respondees the only issue I have had is a slightly warm clutch when doing longer reversing stints. However I have had exactly the same issue with the above mentioned cars and the Seat used to slip it's clutch for a couple of days after so no worries with the Honda. Also the vehicle itself is extremely comfortable, felxible, quite and spacious. The Mk2 2.2 cdti returns 40mpg solo and 28-30 mpg towing. One down side the stereo in the sports model is rubbish !

= 85%* = 105 km/u = 21%

Bought the CRV in January 2009 with 14000 on the clock to replace my 2ltr diesel Mondeo zetec s.. I have done 2 trips 600 mile and 700 mile. average fuel consumption was 27mpg on both occasions with the van on. Pottering around solo keeping it under 2000rpm gets me 50 th the gallon. Very capable towing, the van is a lot more stable than the mondeo was, but down on power. That said the mondeo was more expensive to run both in tax and fuel, and there has been only 1 time when I missed the accelaration of the mondeo. Cabin comfort is excellent and the load space swallows two push bikes (one a folder) and everything else. Should you buy one with a towbar already on check its capacity as some are only rated at 60 kilo nose weight. I changed mine for a detachable 100kg unit. Saves the shins when using the tailgate. Hitching can be a bit awkward if you have an Alko hitch type damper. There is a very expensive handle conversion available but just slipping the wheel cover of the spare wheel is cheeper, Dfeinately a recomended tow vehicle. The new mk 3 has better weights for the the larger vans. But the mk2 copes with everything up to twin axle 6 metre outfits. Its also the quitest and smoothest diesel I have ever driven.

= 86%* = 104 km/u = 21%

HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS MATCH 6TH GEAR CAN BE A BIT OFF AT THIS SPEED

= 88%* = 104 km/u = 21%

I tow an Abbey Vogue 2 495 which has same weight as the 540. Cannot fault the tug in any way. I get 29-32 mpg towing and as much as 52 mpg solo. Superb comfort, quiet and unfussed whether pushing along on a motorway or pottering around country lanes. Simply a very able car in all respects.

= 86%* = 104 km/u = 21%

the problem when you are having on the reversing if it is up hill the brake is pushing on to the tow bar and applying the brakes on the set up on your caravan needs to be set up ie check with a caravan serv it will heat up the clutch you try pushing 1.5 tons up a hill with the brakes been on

= 85%* = 105 km/u = 21%

I bought this vehicle specifically to pull this caravan, and it does it with ease. We have only towed this caravan twice so far but you would not think there was anything on behind. You are unlikely to use 6th gear if you stick to the speed limits and off of the motorway you will find yourself going through the gears a fair bit. Overall it is a fantastic towcar and a brilliant caravan!

= 90%* = 104 km/u = 22%

I had this car before upgrading my "mobile executive suite" and thought it would be ideal to tow my new bailey S7 pageant burgandy. Although on motorway it tugs along nicely i feel it dies at any hill it sees.on windy roads it works fine but the whole outfit feels a bit underpowered and im up and down gears all the time.Ive seen me in second to climb a hill on an A road.thought about going back to audi but kerbweight not heavy enough unless i go quattro. suppose ill have to keep the old bus as she returns 28-30 and 41 solo.

= 88%* = 100 km/u = 12%

I am new to towing and have now completed about 600 miles with this combination.

The outfit is very stable in 23mph winds with the AKS on the van and TSC on the Honda I felt very confident. Pulling away is excellent with lots of power with VTEC. I used 5th gear on twisty roads with ease, but 6th would be pushing it.

As it is unleaded the computer displayed 25mpg (35,pg solo) which I know isn't as good as diesel even with the price difference in the fuel.

Overall I am very happy with the outfit, but would not go any heavier until I am much more experienced.

= 85%* = 100 km/u = 13%

I have a Honda CRV 2.0i and an Abbey aventura 320L. The combination is very stable but very slow. Flat out on the M5 at 50mph with occaisional bursts of up to 55mph, can't pull 6th gear as the vehicle just slows down. on a slope of about 10% I tried a hill start which resulted 5 attempts later with it rolling back down the hill with clutch slip. I, personally would not recommend this car if your caravan is over about 1000kgs regardless of what you are told. I phoned the dealer who suggested that it would be ok to travel in 3rd gear and keep the revs up!!

= 80%* = 107 km/u = 23%

Excellent performance from this fantastic towcar. 30 mpg towing 1300kg easily possible. Comfortable and quiet at all speeds.

= 96%* = 102 km/u = 21%

I must admit, the first time I towed with the new Honda I was very surprised as to how much performace I still had even with 3 children and all the kit we travel with. Its as if its not there. Thank you to Honda for making a beautiful tow vehicle.

= 82%* = 107 km/u = 21%

Great car solo, great tow car too. After 3000 miles it is giving 44mpg+ if driven carefully, and over 33mpg when towing. Plenty of room in car, comfortable. Happy to tow in 6th gear all day on motorway.

= 96%* = 99 km/u = 19%

magneetti honda cr-v towing first time to vekend, i am tow in 5th gear an 10L / 100KM ~90km/h its very good comfort to me.

= 87%* = 104 km/u = 20%

The Honda is quite a good all rounder from towing to solo, try not to change down too much going up the hills as the revs tend to be lost very quickly. (change down just as you enter the climb of the hill) keep your speed between 50 -55 Mph on windy days of 15 Mph + (Car & Caravan speed at 60 Mph tends to wag slightly but ATC on caravan brings this into line.(23 MPG Average)

= 70%* = 105 km/u = 22%

With our Ranger you almost forget it is on the back, the new CR-V is a great tug. Hoping to get 30+ mpg driving to Spain this summer.

= 83%* = 104 km/u = 21%

My Honda CRV 2.2i-CTDi pulls my Bailey Senator Vermont like a dream. Just returned from 3 weeks in Germany covering 2000 miles, mostly with the van on the back and returned an overall average of 31.04 mpg.

= 95%* = 103 km/u = 19%

Towing a Swift Charisma 620 T/A at 1640kilos will hold 60mph in 6th gear on all but steepest hills eg Shap when 5th will pull to 60 and beyond. Average when towing in UK 23mpg rising to 31 mpg in Holland.Hitching up with rear view camera excellant to use an old statement with cruise control on at @65mph in 6th gear you can forget the caravan is there.

= 74%* = 105 km/u = 22%

With our Coachman 380 with uprate plate too 1300kg it tows very well no issues what so ever, recommend shocks, fantastic stability, 35mpg but do tend to press on.

= 83%* = 106 km/u = 21%

we have had the honda cr-v 2.2-ctdi for 18 months now had no probs up to now done 10500 miles.we get 30.9 to the gal towing and 49 solo, it is one of the best diesel we have towed with.

= 70%* = 107 km/u = 23%

Excellent towing car, would not think you were towing the Ranger.Had the car 15 months done 24000 miles get 45 to the gal solo, 36 towing, well pleased with both car and van would recommend both.

= 87%* = 107 km/u = 20%

Caravan pushed a little in the beging,but after i had put helper springs on the honda it runs like a dream.Went to Norfolk,964 miles round trip pulling van and days out,averaged 36mpg,well pleased

= 84%* = 104 km/u = 21%

Excelente el comportamiento del conjunto

= 93%* = 103 km/u = 19%

Tows very well but wouldn 't recommend much heavier van. Car 15 months old and done 52000 but needed new clutch at 40000 whilst towing van . Avg 22miles to gallon on motorway at 60mph

= 90%* = 105 km/u = 20%

Very Stable tow car for my sprite quattro twin axle,average 26-29 mpg whilst towing as opposed to 39-41 when not!Would thoroughly recommend both, the trailer stability assist in the Honda crv certainly helps the towing at speed, effortless to reach 60mph and hold between 5th-6th gear

= 89%* = 103 km/u = 20%

Just returned from touring Spain and France for 10 weeks with CRV111 57reg. 2.2CDti and Abbey caravan, covering over 3500 miles.
Tows brilliantly. It certainly makes a refreshing change to my previously owned LRover freelander, to be able to accelerate up hill with ease. Pulls on motorway slopes in 5th/6th gears with ease.

= 84%* = 104 km/u = 21%

Great car,on a recent trip to Cornwall fully laden,we averaged between 27mpg and 31mpg.Plenty of power,only done 3000miles with my Honda,and it will only get better once the motor has "loosened". Highly recommended.

= 73%* = 107 km/u = 22%

Had this car since March so still running in really but have towed from Cheshire up to Scotland and have nothing but praise. Best towcar I have had in 30 years. Keeping below 60 on motorway returned 32mpg and poodling about in rural Scotland was returning over 50. General local shopping type trips gets just under 40. No trouble towing on motorway in 6th gear. Very little lateral movement even when windy. Very comfortable seats even with my bad back. Cant think of anything to criticise.

= 87%* = 104 km/u = 20%

Towing on the motorway at 60 in sixth gear 35 to a gallon solo 49.3 on motorway with four people and luggage at 70 mph

= 87%* = 104 km/u = 20%

honda crv ex towing a bailey senator virginia on the motorway at 60 mph 35.1 in sixth gear solo on the motorway at 70mph with four people and luggage 49.1 this car as only done 2,459 miles since new this march

= 93%* = 103 km/u = 19%

The Honda CRV 2.2 CTDI with the Bailey Limousin performed very well on it's first two trips. Plenty of power, but likes 5th gear better than 6th. Pulls away well on inclines and the VSA and trailer stablisation work well together. Would not pull anything heavier as at 92% feel it's quite enough, always ballast the SUV with table, chairs and/or awning. Set-up this way with two adults outfit feels stable & capable. Fuel wise towing 26 - 28mpg, solo on a run 44mpg but do not believe the computer, brim to brim is more acurate.

= 95%* = 103 km/u = 18%

we are thinking of buying the new bailey senator wyoming this year my partner has towed a new model from chichester caravans around bromsgrove town and on the bypass he said it tows better than our senator virginia which is single axle the wyoming is a twin axle we have spoken to the caravan club who have said its not against the british law to tow it , but advise not to has anyone got any advise for us on this weight towing with honda crv rx diesel 2009 version curb weight 1699 kgs 2000 kgs towing weight train weight 4160 please.

= 95%* = 103 km/u = 18%

we are thinking of buying the new bailey senator wyoming this year my partner has towed a new model from chichester caravans around bromsgrove town and on the bypass he said it tows better than our senator virginia which is single axle the wyoming is a twin axle we have spoken to the caravan club who have said its not against the british law to tow it , but advise not to has anyone got any advise for us on this weight towing with honda crv rx diesel 2009 version curb weight 1699 kgs 2000 kgs towing weight train weight 4160 please.

= 96%* = 103 km/u = 17%

Took delivery of my new CR-V 2.2-CTDi on 1st March 09, have towed my also new Coachman Laser 650/4 a number of times this year and I can safely say that I am delighted with the whole set up. I carry as much kit in the car as is possible to keep the weight ratio to an acceptable level. Would like now to add some nice chrome extras to my Honda as soon as I can find the time to do so.

= 87%* = 104 km/u = 20%

I have a question to all CRV diesel owners who tow a caravan? I have a new CRV 2.2 T.D.I ex. I intend to tow a Sterling Europa Lux 495, well within the 85% guidelines, but wish to use my cruise control facility, but can’t get my head round the fact that the car’s revs and mph stay the same even on slight gradients‘, is this harming the engine? Thanks John T.

= 81%* = 99 km/u = 21%

Excellent towcar. At 90Km/h in 6th gear with cruise control no problem, even crossing Brenner highway, dowh in 5th gear and go beyond.
TSA and ATC works very well together for stability.

= 89%* = 104 km/u = 22%

Firstly great site and great information. Now my beautifully matched Honda and Bailey Senator Oklahoma what an effortless pairing and the feeling of stability and comfort of ride while towing stick to the 60mph (54/55 if you realy want some great fuel economy ) and you will be amazed love the atc on the Honda and auto selection of 4 whel drive, rally up to 20 plus times a year great off road on the muddy fields as well could go on forever but all round very very happy

= 71%* = 105 km/u = 22%

Our CR-V is a 2005 diesel. It towed brilliantly until just a couple of miles before the St Gotthard tunnel in Switzerland, where the temperature gauge suddenly went sky high followed by a very dramatic loss of power. We took the car to a Honda dealer in Switzerland who were unable to find a fault with the car so we continued our journey. The next day we encountered the same fault in Italy whilst crossing the Appenine mountains. On our return journey we encountered the same problem at the same stages of the journey. Honda UK have no idea what caused the fault.

= 84%* = 104 km/u = 21%

I have just completed 4,000 miles towing from Scotland to Spain and then on to Portugal and the CRV coped very well even on the steep motorway inclines in central Spain only dropping to 50mph at one point , I must add that I had two bikes on the roof as well and the van has been upgraded to 1500kg MPTLM and it still returned 23-24 mpg towing on average

= 97%* = 104 km/u = 19%

We recently purchased a new Coachman 545/4 and have been away touring during April using the Honda CR-V III - 2.2i-CTDi as a tow car.
I must say before we took delivery of the Coachman I was a little concerned that the Car would struggle with what is quite a heavy caravan. Therefore, I took the decision to have AL-KO ATC fitted to the caravan and calculated the best way to load the outfit. I decided to load the car with heavy items such as the Awning etc to make sure the caravans laden weight was kept down and the cars weight was maximised.
Anyway, after over 800 miles of towing I can confidently say that the Honda CR-V & Coachman 545/4 combination did not give any problems. On level ground we were able to cruise comfortably in 6th gear at about 60mph. Small inclines were no problem but some steeper hills in Dorset, Devon & Cornwall required a gear change or two to maintain speed.
My initial apprehension was proved to be ill founded and the Car was perfectly capable of towing this heavy caravan safely without problems and returning 25-30 mpg depending on road conditions.... Solo I average 39mpg.

= 87%* = 104 km/u = 20%

Having owned the CRV for just short of a year I have covered to date 11,000 miles, of which 5,000 have been with Sterling Caravan on tow. I have to say I am highly delighted with the cars handling, performance and fuel consumption both towing and solo, I would go as far to say that this car is the most understated car I have owned, it’s brilliant! … the caravans not bad too, great match, just covered 2,500 miles through France, found cruising in 5th gear more economical than in 6th gear, very relaxing driving, aren’t wait for next trip. Well done Honda!

* Calculated weight ratio according to the British Towing Code (loaded weight caravan / kerb weight car)