How much weight can a Honda CR-V tow?
Buying advice
Towcar of the month: Honda CR-V Advance Tech Plug-in Hybrid
This latest Honda CR-V is a plug-in hybrid version of the Japanese manufacturer’s standard petrol-powered SUV. That means in addition to the 148Ps 2.0-litre petrol engine, which produces a healthy 189Nm of torque, one gets the benefit of a battery pack to add extra power (184Ps) and torque (335Nm). That extra power and torque really come into their own when towing and transform this well-equipped family SUV into a rather accomplished towcar.
Daniel Attwood Head of Content
Daniel Attwood Head of Content
How much can it tow?
There are some aspects one needs to consider before opting for this particular Honda. For a start, it is limited to a 1,500kg braked towing capacity. This should not be a problem for the vast majority of caravanners but if you want a high-end (heavy) twin-axle tourer you will have to look elsewhere as, despite its two-tonne kerb weight, because of that battery pack it can’t be matched to anything above that 1.5-tonne limit.
The second, and rather more surprising aspect is the towbar. It is a £950 option and, while the cost is similar to many carmakers, it is the fact one has to install and remove the towbar manually that disappoints. This requires at least kneeling on the pavement or road and slotting it into place each time you want to tow and then doing the reverse when the caravan is back in storage and you want to remove the towbar (and you will as Honda advises leaving it attached to the car for no more than 12 days). When almost every other manufacturer offers an automatic swing in/swing out towbar for a similar cost, it does make you wonder why Honda is so far behind in this respect.
Does it make a good family towcar?
But, as an actual family towcar, this CR-V is excellent. To put it to the test, we headed to one of the country’s best-known dealers, Lowdhams in Nottinghamshire, and opted for one of its high-spec, quality family tourers that was just under the car’s maximum towing weight. The Swift Sprite Major 4 SB weighs in at 1,373kg and matches the car in every respect in that it is a premium tourer packed with extra kit and, as a special edition model, represents real value for money.
When hitched up, that hybrid petrol system means there is ample power at all times. It is effortless to pull away even when a caravan weighing the maximum weight permitted is attached. This specification – the top of the range Advance Tech – has a drive setting especially for towing (just select it using a toggle switch in the centre console) and, once selected, the ‘Tow’ setting will optimise the engine and battery output (low gear ratio, battery assist, etc), as well as ensure systems like the rear parking sensors don’t activate when reverse is selected and the lane change mitigation system is disabled.
All of this means, as a driver, you just hitch up, add your mirrors and registration plate, check your lights, select ‘tow’ and sit back and relax and let the car do all the work. The holiday starts here and not at the campsite, which can be the case when towing is more stressful than it should be so the driver does not relax until the caravan is safely pitched up at the destination.
Interestingly, if you want a 4x4 version, then you need to opt for one of the two lower specification levels. This will be a trade-off for some as, if you go for 4x4, you will automatically forfeit the ‘Tow’ setting, which is available only on this Advance Tech specification.
The driving experience
For this level of relaxing drive when hitched up or not, Honda has to be applauded although the small size of the central info screen was a surprise as it’s 10.2in rather than the more usual 13in found in some other towcars. When driving, this smaller size is not an issue and can even be applauded as it is less distracting, but when making precise manoeuvres like reversing up to the caravan, the extra size and clarity of a larger screen does make a difference.
As this is a plug-in hybrid system, it does mean, when fully charged, one can get around 50 miles on pure electric (not when towing) but the advantage of this system is when towing. And, as it is a self-charging as well as plug-in system, it will recharge during normal driving meaning there should be battery power on call when needed during towing.
This latest CR-V is a great towcar, especially for those who are fans of Honda’s no-fuss, solid, well-equipped and reliable qualities. That manual towbar is the only real disappointment.
Verdict
Having to manually install and remove the towbar is not going to appeal to many caravanners when almost every other manufacturer offers an automatic foldaway system for a similar price. But, as a family towcar, this Honda shines – it is comfortable to drive with or without a tourer hitched up, is confident when towing at its maximum capacity and has bags of space (617-litres with the seats up and 1,710 when they’re down) and equipment (opt for the range-topping Advance Tech spec) to keep a family or a couple who want extra storage very, very happy.
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