2021 Honda CR-V only available as ‘e:HEV’ hybrid

• New e:HEV badging to match Jazz
• 42.2mpg claimed
• Available from December

The Honda CR-V will only be sold with a hybrid powertrain from December, as the petrol engine is due to be dropped from the range. The car’s name is also being changed from Honda CR-V Hybrid to the CR-V e:HEV to match the badging of the latest Honda Jazz.

Priced from £30,180, the CR-V is Honda’s rival to the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Peugeot 3008. The now-discontinued petrol model was about £3,000 cheaper but the price of the hybrid is unchanged.

Four trim levels are available: S, SE, SR and EX. All trims gain a new 18-inch alloy wheel option as part of the 2021 update, while SE and above now come with tinted rear windows as standard. Honda has also started fitting wireless phone charging on top-spec EX cars. You might notice a few more chrome touches too, while the Honda badges on the outside of the car now have a blue tinge.

Honda is planning to electrify all its mainstream range (everything apart from the Civic Type R, we understand) by 2022, and has recently dropped its 1.6-litre diesel from the Civic and HR-V. The current CR-V has never been offered with a diesel engine, even though its hybrid powertrain is only reasonably economical; you can expect up to 42.2mpg from front-wheel-drive cars and 39.2mpg from all-wheel-drive versions.

See where the Honda CR-V lands on our list of the best hybrid SUVs you can buy.