I’ve always maintained that Honda’s best model is the CR-V; while the Civic certainly put the brand on the map, the CR-V has kept it alive ever since. The importance of the CR-V is immeasurable and can be credited for starting the segment it now competes in, which is a top-selling segment globally.
While the competition has certainly caught up and in some ways bested it, I’d like to think the CR-V is still the benchmark by which all compact SUVs are measured. Regardless, Honda, not wanting to be caught resting on its laurels, has just updated the CR-V in the Philippines, and I was able to sample the mid-variant VX.
In terms of looks, the CR-V remains the same as the pre-updated model, but that's not a bad thing; I think this is the best-looking CR-V generation overall. It took Honda a while to properly blend the CR-V look while the proportions of the car grew; we’ve seen some clumsy designs, but finally, for this generation, it comes together. I especially like how understated it looks, just your normal modern-looking SUV.
When you first look at the cabin of the CR-V, you’d think that it’s plain and bland compared to what we normally see from manufacturers nowadays, but I think that's a good thing. As nice as it is to have TV-sized infotainment screens, a multitude of buttons, or out-of-this-world gear shifter designs, these things don’t do anything to enhance the driving experience.
The CR-V's interior is almost a throwback in the very best way; you get a normal gear shifter, physical knobs for the dual climate control system, and despite having a fully digital instrument cluster, the graphics are normal and easy to understand. Furthermore, the infotainment screen is just the right size, more than enough for anyone, and it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both wireless). Despite the interior being predominantly black, the addition of a faux wood trim is a welcome treat; it’s a great contrast and complements the metal mesh design of the aircon vents, giving off a modern industrial aesthetic, simple, clean, and cool.
The space of the CR-V seems to be tuned more for the passengers, with an abundance of leg and headroom for the front and rear seating areas. Cargo space is decent, although I’ve seen bigger spaces from other competitors in the segment, but overall, it’s more than enough since you can fold the second row flat in a 60/40 split.
I also appreciate how the CR-V VX doesn’t feel like a lesser variant than the top-of-the-line RS; there are no “missing buttons” or empty panels. It also comes with certain features that make it feel like the top variant; the VX has memory seats, comfort access (driver's seat moves back for easier exit), and a very useful and easy-to-see heads-up display. Another thing that Honda does well that people take for granted now is build quality; the interior of the CR-V feels solid and built really well, even the way the buttons function has a sense of solidity to them that you just can’t fake.
The Honda CR-V VX is powered by a 2.0-liter VTEC gasoline engine paired with the brand's e:HEV system; total power output is rated at 187 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque. The VX isn’t AWD; power is sent to the front wheels via an E-CVT transmission. Safety is a big deal to Honda, and the VX has the complete suite of Honda Sensing features like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and many more. Honda Sensing is one of the smoothest ADAS suites in the business; I was able to have the system drive me the whole length of NLEX (from Clark to EDSA) without me touching the pedals.
Japanese automakers aren’t so keen on plug-in hybrids here in the Philippines, which sometimes deters buyers given the flexibility of PHEVs, but in the CR-V's case, I have to say it feels unnecessary; the e:HEV is very fuel efficient.
In the city under heavy traffic conditions, it averaged around 16 km/L, and on the highway it could go up to 23 km/L. The test unit I had came with a roof rack accessory, which somewhat hindered the true fuel efficiency, but with the roof rack it still averaged around 20 to 21 km/L depending on speed and traffic. These are very good numbers, and despite a conservative full-tank estimate (by the trip computer) of just 657 kilometers, my calculations put the full-tank range closer to 800 kilometers.
One key reason why Honda is so loved is because of the way the cars drive, and I have to say the CR-V drives really well for an SUV. While the electronic assists have somewhat dulled out the full experience, the CR-V can still be driven in a “fun” manner if you choose to. It isn’t completely devoid of any feel, and while the E-CVT removes any sensation of shifting, the paddle shifters do a decent job of simulating old-school gear shifts. Where it really excels, though, is the ride; the suspension manages to be the right amount of stiff for the twisty bits, but soft and comfortable on the bumpier surfaces.
At P 2,488,000, the CR-V VX is considerably more expensive than its direct rival, the Toyota RAV4 ADV, which comes with the same feature-packed value proposition, with a big difference being the RAV4 comes with AWD. However, the CR-V presents itself as a familiar choice, something that has matured over the years, together with the target market it once targeted. When it was first launched, it was for the young and active; over the years, Honda has matured it properly, and anybody who wants a simple, capable, reliable, practical, well-built, comfortable, safe, and fuel-efficient SUV need not look further than the CR-V VX.
Words and Photos by Pablo Salapantan
RAV4 would be better for its made in Japan and that alone seals the deal.
ReplyDeleteGoing with your narrative, Subaru and Mazda, both are made from Japan and that seals the deal too.
DeleteMore like old spoiled outdated
ReplyDeletecan really see the greed of Honda
ReplyDeleteHEV has 0% tariff & less 50% excise tax but they still priced it high AF
Another Failed Government initiative on electrification
Other countries give incentives to customer not to the brands.
Those brands will just take it as margin instead of giving it to cutomers
This car looks and feels old even though its new.
ReplyDeleteI smell spin. Why is the review unit fitted with roof-mounted cargo carrier? An why is the RAV4 ADV considered it's "direct rival?"
ReplyDeleteCr-V is between Rav4 and CX-60, more expensive than rav4 but isnt as efficient, priced the same as cx-60 but isnt as pretty, premium and luxurious. Cr-V is basically a less efficient but more expensive rav4.
ReplyDeleteHave you seat on the driver seat of these vehicles or are you just relying on your own intelligence? For context, I sat in both driver seats, CX60 is cramped.
DeleteDo people still buy the CR-V? Used to see a lot of examples but not seems like only a handful are to be seen.
ReplyDeleteCR-V VX and RS e:HEV's biggest problem is their steep price. The top-of-the-line RAV4 2.5 Limited HEV is priced similar to this CR-V VX but has more features and AWD. The CR-V RS e:HEV AWD has similar tech with the RAV4 Limited but is Php300,000+ more expensive and only has 18" wheels (20" for the RAV4 Limited). Sales may suffer because of this.
ReplyDeleteIt suffers from carbon buildup due to lack of port injection
ReplyDelete