OP: I used to have a Honda CRV and I didn't have to remove the front wheel to haul my bike. I put the back seats down and chunked the bike on its side into the cargo area.

I kept a flattened cardboard bike box (free from the LBS) to protect the back of the car seats and cargo area carpeting; and to provide a smooth slide without the pedals snagging on something.
I kept a pool noodle in the Honda to cushion the bike and handlebars from road bumps.
If needed I could stack 2 bikes with the cardboard between the bikes to avoid scratches and entanglement.
It doesn't take much time to deal with the wheel, but it was also easier and faster to get the intact bike in and out of the car.

Back to QR skewers: You get extra style points if the levers point up aligned to the fork.