Honda CR-V RZ
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Since late 2023 the sixth-generation CR-V is sold in Europe only as a full hybrid: a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine plus two electric motors (i-MMD, engine code LFC1) with around 146 hp system output, alongside a separate plug-in. No diesel, no pure petrol anymore. It is big, hugely roomy and near the top of breakdown statistics — but pricey for a volume brand, which makes it a niche choice.
The e:HEV drivetrain is composed and frugal in daily use (city around 5.5 l/100 km) but shows the classic rubber-band effect: under full load — a motorway on-ramp, a climb — the engine revs up loudly without the speed following in proportion. On the motorway the efficiency advantage melts away, with 8–10 l/100 km more realistic.
Test-drive checklist: Confirm the steering-gearbox recall (in the EU KBA 14750R / Honda 6JP, also covering ZR-V and Civic) has been done — the steering must not go momentarily stiff. Also clear the high-pressure fuel-pump recall (fire risk) by VIN. Long-term tests showed early surface rust on sills and crash boxes — inspect the underbody. Test the navigation and infotainment for lag.
2026 market: New, the e:HEV starts around $55,000 (Elegance 2WD) and runs past $62,000 (Advance AWD). Used, 2023 cars sit at roughly $36,000–44,000, young 2024/25 cars at $42,000–53,000. The market is thin — full-hybrid listings are limited.
Insider pick: Elegance with all-wheel drive is the sweet spot — punchier, more sought-after at resale, without the premium of the Advance top trim. Important: do not confuse the e:HEV (full hybrid, does not charge externally) with the e:PHEV — read the listings carefully.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Honda CR-V RZ is available with one engine variant at 143 hp.
2.0L i-MMD e:HEV — Honda's dual-motor hybrid system in the mid-power class. Engine operates in efficient Atkinson cycle, mostly drives the generator while the electric motor drives the wheels. No conventional transmission — power delivery is stepless without CVT-typical rubber-band feel. Predominantly electric in city traffic, engine couples directly on the motorway. No turbo complexity, no high-pressure direct injection. Lithium-ion battery maintenance-free. Limited long-term data in Europe, proven in Japan since 2018.
- !! Recall: stiff steering gear (worm wheel)
Major recall (NHTSA 24V-744 / EU code 6JP, up to MY2024): an incorrectly made worm wheel swells, the lubricant film thins and spring preload rises — steering becomes sticky and heavy, with a risk of loss of control in extreme cases. Honda replaces the spring and grease, or the whole steering gear.
Symptoms: Sticky, heavy steering feel, fluctuating steering effort, noise from the steering
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 12V Battery Drains When Parked 12V battery in the CR-V RZ drains due to parasitic current draw. Multiple US owners report dead battery after short periods parked. Symptoms: Car won't start after 1-2 days, battery frequently dead from 3,000 km | Low | |
| Honda+ App Does Not Recognise CR-V 2023+ The Honda+ app does not support CR-V models from 2023 onwards, meaning remote climate control and other remote functions are unavailable. Symptoms: Vehicle does not appear as a linked car in the Honda+ app; remote climate control and vehicle status queries are permanently unavailable. | ||
| Navigation sluggish and imprecise The built-in navigation calculates routes very slowly, map data is frequently outdated, and traffic information is missing or incorrect. Most drivers fall back on CarPlay. Symptoms: Long wait times for route calculation, incorrect routing, outdated map data despite updates. | Low | |
| ISA beep cannot be permanently disabled The ISA system beeps when the speed limit is exceeded and reactivates itself after every engine start. Symptoms: Audible beep the moment the current speed limit is exceeded by more than 1 km/h; system reactivates itself after every engine start. |
Top Reported Issues
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda CR-V RZ (2023–2024) — 1 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Other, Rust, Interior.
CR-V (LFC1, 2023–2024) — Be Careful: Recall: stiff steering gear (worm wheel). Power: 145–148 PS.
What to watch out for with the Honda CR-V? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Honda CR-V RZ have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Honda CR-V RZ? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Honda CR-V RZ engine is the most fun? +
Is the Honda CR-V RZ worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda CR-V RZ? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee