Honda CR-V Review
2017-2023
The fifth-generation Honda CR-V (RW/RT series) is one of Kenya's most versatile executive crossovers. Available with a snappy 1.5L VTEC Turbo (190 hp), ultra-reliable 2.0L/2.4L naturally aspirated i-VTEC engines, or an advanced 2.0L e:HEV dual-motor hybrid, all variants sit strictly under 2,500 cc to qualify for Kenya's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket while offering 208 mm ground clearance and optional 3-row 7-seater utility.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-2,500 cc tax bracket advantage: All 1.5T, 2.0L, 2.4L, and Hybrid engines qualify for the lower 25% KRA excise tax rate.
- High 208 mm ground clearance: Easily clears deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and rough upcountry murram tracks.
- Earth Dreams 1.5T climbing torque: Maintains altitude power up the Rift Valley escarpment without sluggishness.
- Optional 7-seater layout: Provides third-row versatility for growing families without stepping up to a large MPV.
What’s not so good
- Firm ride on 18-inch Masterpiece alloys: Transmits minor vibrations on corrugated unpaved roads.
- CVT engine revs on heavy mountain climbs: Non-hybrid CVT holds elevated engine revs during steep highway passes.
Most popular: CR-V 1.5T EX Masterpiece / 2.0L e:HEV Hybrid
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Honda CR-V (RW1/RW2 & RT5/RT6 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door 5/7-Seater Executive SUV
- Seating capacity
- 5 or 7
- Fuel types
- Petrol (VTEC Turbo / NA i-VTEC), Full Hybrid (e:HEV)
- Engine sizes
- 1,496 cc / 1,993 cc / 2,354 cc
- Transmission
- CVT Automatic / Single-Speed e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- FWD or Real Time AWD
- Ground clearance
- 208 mm
- Source market
- Japan / UK (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 14.5 km/L (1.5T) / 13.0 km/L (2.0L/2.4L NA) / 21.0 km/L (e:HEV Hybrid). Tank: 57 L (about 827 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,891 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,351 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 15,652
- Full tank (57 L)
- KES 12,937
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
- Local consideration
Qualifies for KRA's sub-1,500 cc tax valuation bracket for lower total landed import duty.
Package tiers
CR-V grade tiers progress from well-equipped EX models to luxurious EX Masterpiece editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| EX | Executive base | 18-inch alloy wheels, fabric upholstery, Honda Sensing, dual-zone climate, and 7-inch display. |
| EX Masterpiece | Flagship luxury | Leather seats, power panoramic glass sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, roof rails, and 8-speaker audio. |
| Black Edition | Bespoke sport | Black 18-inch wheels, dark chrome exterior trim, piano black interior dash, and Black Edition badging. |
About the Honda CR-V
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 CR-V models sit comfortably inside the direct import window, 2018 units face month-by-month age cutoff deadlines, while earlier 2017 units are sourced from local inventory.
Engine displacement is a key commercial advantage: the 1.5L VTEC Turbo (1,496 cc) qualifies for KRA's sub-1,500 cc tax valuation bracket, while the 2.0L Hybrid (1,993 cc) and 2.4L NA (2,354 cc) stay comfortably under the 2,500 cc threshold. All options trigger the standard 25% excise duty rate, avoiding the 35% luxury tax rate.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
