Which Honda CR-V trim holds its value better?

By Chad Luckhoff

We assess the current market values of the fifth generation Honda CR-V SUV and calculate the percentage loss over the last 24 months of sale.

The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling SUVs of all time with over 9-million examples sold in over 150 countries. It pioneered the compact SUV market in South Africa and now in its fifth incarnation, the Honda CR-V continues to sell well, both locally and abroad.

You may be an owner of such a vehicle or someone who is in the market for a safe, spacious compact SUV and the Honda CR-V is on your shortlist. If so, then you may be interested in how the models are retaining their value as the years pass.

The fifth generation Honda CR-V hit our shores in August 2017 and in the nearly two years of service, they've started entering the used market. Initial depreciation is a factor to consider for all new car buyers but this can work to the used car buyers advantage with specific models presenting added value for their asking price.

Let's look at the comparison of models and their new list price in 2017 and how they are currently performing on the used market.

Models

The fifth generation Honda CR-V is available in four trim levels with two engines to choose from. You get to choose from a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine producing 113 kW and 189 Nm torque with an average fuel consumption of 7.3l/100km.

The alternative is the 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder that will make 140 kW and 240 Nm, all while returning an average of 7.0l/100km. We found them both to rather agreeable engines and personal preference and trim level will dictate which one you should go for.

Pricing (2017)

Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort R422 900
Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance R477 900
Honda CR-V 1.5T Executive R584 900
Honda CR-V 1.5T Exclusive R626 900

Average pricing (2019) and percentage loss

Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort
MY2019 average price R408 000
Percentage loss -3.5% loss

MY2018 average price R382 000
Percentage loss -9.6% loss

Honda CR-V 2.0 Elegance
MY2019 average price R453 000
Percentage loss -5.2% loss

MY2018 average price R406 000
Percentage loss -15% loss

Honda CR-V 1.5T Executive
MY2019 average price R600 000
Percentage loss +2.5% gain

MY2018 average price R527 000
Percentage loss -8.2% loss

Honda CR-V 1.5T Exclusive
MY2019 average price R620 000
Percentage loss -1.1% loss

MY2018 average price R508 000
Percentage loss -18.9% loss


Verdict

The Honda CR-V 1.5T Exclusive shows the greatest loss after a year, returning a deficit of nearly 19% with the 2.0 Elegance model showing a 15% loss after a year.

The CR-V tends to hold its value rather well, up until the 12-month mark where it then starts to drop. The best performer is the 1.5T Executive which showed a gain within the first 12 months (possibly due to model demand) and then returned an 8.2% loss after 12 months.

The overall pick would be the aforementioned 1.5T Executive as it performed the best across the 24 month period.

It's worth noting that factors such as condition and mileage have not been taken into account in this study and prices are market averages. Thus, it's best to only use this as a rough guideline.

See how the Honda CR-V stacks up against the opposition: SUV Comparison – VW Tiguan vs. Volvo XC40 vs. Honda CR-V