2018 Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V

Honda's CR-V has always hovered in that sweet spot for South Africans who want more metal than a Tiguan but don't fancy paying Prado money. It's the sort of SUV you buy because you want space for the family, a couple of bikes, and a boot full of groceries after a Fourways run — without getting fleeced at the dealer. Right now, you're not getting a new CR-V, not unless you import it yourself. The local market's got just 8 active listings, all used, with prices running from R139,500 to R256,900. That spread tells you everything about the age game here: think 2012 to 2019 models, so you’re shopping across a real cross-section of Honda’s mid-2010s evolution. Mileage is no joke, either. On paper at least, 174,477 km is the average, so if you skip a proper inspection you’re asking for trouble. The 2.2 i-DTEC Elegance, starting at R139,500, is the diesel bargain, and if you do lots of Gauteng to Durban trips it’ll sip less than a RAV4 2.0 petrol — that matters for anyone counting running costs. Top of the heap sits the 2.0 Comfort CVT at R256,900, mostly thanks to newer build years and better kit. Where the CR-V still holds its ground against the X-Trail is inside: the cabin materials, rear legroom, and those fifth-gen touches like the panoramic sunroof actually feel worth the money, even now. With only used stock, patience is key, because it’s what the CR-V should have been from the start — and that’s the point.