How Fuel Efficient is the Honda CR-V vs Other SUVs?

Some cars have better gas mileage than others and the brand new Honda CR-V holds great promise as the most fuel efficient SUV for a less polluted future.

So, if you’re keen on improving your gas mileage, the latest SUV offering from Honda might well be your perfect match.

You can track fuel efficiency and mileage with a GOFAR car diagnostics app.

Green credentials aside, as part of Honda’s product-led revival, Honda’s engineers spotlight practicality in this range.

The new CR-V is squarely aimed at family people who value spaciousness, comfort and ease-of-use above all else.

There’s a flood of car models springing up in the ever-competitive car market. So, it can take hours of research to reach a consensus from where you can make an informed decision. And if you’re short on time, that can be a real hassle.

In this article we’ll help you make an informed buying decision, and figure out if the latest model Honda CR-V is the right choice for you.

What we’ll also pinpoint is how the CR-V car model compares with other SUV vehicles and how it emerged as the most fuel efficient SUV on the market.

Who Would Benefit Most From A Honda CR-V?

The Honda CR-V doesn’t lack any of the typical Honda’s merits. Such as space, practicality, tough build and attention to detail.

The above-average cabin space makes it an excellent purchase for those in need of extra space and comfort.

Other peers in the class could envy the five-seat CR-V on its ample back seat. When it comes to headroom, legroom and storage it’s simply unrivalled. Its allure as a family car is only augmented by the ride height and better running costs.

Also worth pointing out is the new SUV’s sharp design and competitive pricing. But the most compelling reason to shortlist it is fuel consumption.

So, if you’re an eco-driving type or simply don’t want to throw your money around, the Honda CR-V can definitely make a claim as being the most fuel efficient SUV.

Favour Economy Over Acceleration?

CVT transmission technology gives the Honda CR-V a head start over other SUVs. Not in terms of acceleration, but in terms of fuel efficiency.

With this type of transmission, fast acceleration is compromised. But for a good reason! It’s designed for fuel economy.

So if you’re buying a car for its practical features rather than sportiness and performance, it’s the perfect match for you.

CVT is now being used in many modern cars. And it’s been in the spotlight of car enthusiasts and professionals alike. Gaining more traction has helped it earn a good reputation as a respectable enviro-friendly powertrain.

Rightfully so, since it reduces costs and emissions.

Does the CR-V Qualify as The Most Fuel Efficient SUV?

If the CR-V doesn’t yet earn your eco-driving enthusiast credibility, gear up for its impressive green credentials. Some eco tests show that it’s good on gas, while others prove it superior in improving MPG and reducing emissions.

The team from Car and Driver in the US has tested the CR-V to find out it’s the most fuel-efficient compact crossover they’ve measured so far.

The test was done in 2017 but since Honda kept the same powertrains for 2018, its EPA-estimated fuel-economy or real-world figures shouldn’t show much discrepancy.

The 1.5-litre engine in CR-V’s top-level AWD powertrain delivers first-class EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

No other SUV rival can boast better fuel economy ratings. The FWD turbocharged variation receives a rating of 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, according to the EPA.

Car and Driver’s real-world testing showed discrepancy with EPA rating by 1 mpg, yielding 32 mpg highway. This result is still soaring over other competitors they’ve compared it against.

Namely, the more powerful turbocharged Ford Escape (26 mpg) and the V6-equipped Jeep Cherokee (24 mpg).

The test results show the CR-V should be able to cross about 450 miles of highway driving with its 14.0-gallon tank full.

Now, check out another fuel economy test in the video below for some more real-world figures. They didn’t only do the km/l maths, they also did the cost per kilometre calculations (with conversion to miles and mpg for US audience).

Also, refer to this official US government source of fuel economy information for more Honda CR-V environment and wallet-friendly creds.

If you want to collate your own fuel economy data the GOFAR mileage tracker is an affordable option.

The CR-V’s Performance on Different Roadways

The team at GOFAR collected enough data to work out that the CR-V’s sweet spot for optimal fuel usage is at 82 kph or 51 mph with fuel consumption of 14.2 km/l and 33.3 mpg respectively.

Now we’re going to look at average cruising speeds on different roadways in Australia and then get a sense of how the CR-V performs as the most fuel efficient SUV.

With speed limits on city streets of 60 kph (37 mph) on the average, the CR-V achieves the gas mileage of 12.9 km/l (30.35 mpg).

Things get more complex when it comes to commuting. The traffic congestion is slowing things down with the aggravating stop-start driving. An average rush hour speed in Sydney is 37 kph (22.9 mph) which renders the CR-V’s performance at 7.8 km/l (18.5 mpg).

Cruising the CR-V on a single carriageway will make it go the farthest on a gallon. Since the average speed on such roads reaches 80 kph (49.7 mph) which draws near to the SUV’s sweet spot speed.

Driving the CR-V on highways at the speed of approximately 100 kph (62 mph) will yield the fuel economy of 13.6 km/l (32 mpg).

How the Honda CR-V Stacks Against Other SUVs

Now, let’s have a quick glance at the Honda CR-V’s closest competitors and how they compare in terms of gas mileage.

Toyota Highlander (Kluger in Australia) is a much bigger SUV and correspondingly less-fuel efficient.

In contrast, Subaru Crosstrek (XV in Australia) is more compact and having the AWD/Boxer engine combo across the range makes it lag after the CR-V in regards to fuel consumption.

Lexus NX includes a hybrid version but it’s pricier than the others. And as far as the hybrids go, they’re fuel efficient, no doubt about it. Yet they’re only about 20% to 35% better than fuel efficient petrol-powered vehicles, such as our Honda here.

The Hyundai Tucson offers a diesel option for diesel enthusiasts who are after the extra mileage that diesel offers over petrol. With the important caveat that diesels are typically pricier up front when purchasing.

All things considered, the  Honda CR-V makes a great case as the most fuel efficient SUV.

Start Cooking on Gas When it Comes to Fuel Economy

Once the dust has settled, we can attest that the Honda CR-V has the edge over other SUVs as the most fuel efficient SUV. The GOFAR team believes it should earn a place on your shortlist if you’re after fuel economy.

Better yet, you’ll be able to make the most of your Honda’s fuel mileage if you choose GOFAR as your gas buddy. This intelligent technology will help you know exactly where your money goes.

And not only that, GOFAR’s sleek Ray device gives you real-time driver feedback to help you modify your driving habits and burn less fuel.

GOFAR’s smart at finding the sweet spot for any car engine. And driving in the sweet spot means finding the optimal position that maximises your power and minimises your fuel consumption.

So, regardless of whether Honda CR-V is your choice or not, GOFAR is a commendable addition that will help you spend even less money on fuel.