Why the Honda CR-V is a good SUV option

The fifth generation CR-V is the most advanced, most spacious and most sophisticated iteration of Honda’s popular SUV and remains an excellent option for motorists shopping in the SUV segment.

The CR-V features a striking exterior design, spacious, quiet cabin with extended rear legroom and an expanded cargo compartment. As has become the norm with Honda, the CR-V incorporates an all-inclusive strategy that further adds to the value proposition.

Modern distinctive SUV styling

The Honda CR-V remains a head turner thanks to its unique styling that strikes a balance between being different and being unmistakably Honda. 

Upfront curved, slim line headlights frame the broad-barred grille and feature integrated daytime running lights. Dual air intakes with a dark meshed finish split the colour coded bumper, while top of the range derivatives gain both LED headlights and front LED fog lamps. A metallic scuff plate below and excellent ground clearance emphasises the CR-V’s SUV identity.

A smooth roofline, complete with neatly integrated roof rails, a subtly curved waistline, narrow side glass aperture and raked rear windscreen all contribute to making the CR-Vs aerodynamic shape more apparent.

At the rear, inverted LED taillight clusters are linked by a chrome garnish strip and positioned high up on the tailgate. A rear scuff plate adds the final SUV touch and houses a pair of prominent tail pipes on 1.5T models.

Rugged touches include contrasting protective cladding on lower sections, pronounced wheel arches and striking alloy wheel designs.

Inside story

The cabin execution is smarter than before, featuring enhanced ergonomics and materials, along with best in class ease of entry and exit.  A two-mode floor allows the interior to be configured in a variety of different ways according to individual requirements.

The interior is evidently more spacious thanks to the combination of an increased wheelbase and wider front and rear track. In the rear for example, legroom has been increased by 9cm and there is more shoulder room throughout. The rear seat can be folded completely flat in a 60/40 fashion to create a cavernous loading space, increasing from 522 litres to 1084 litres.

Soft-touch surfaces, matt alloy accents and finely crafted stitching add an upmarket look and feel.

A full-colour TFT driver information interface incorporates a graph-type rev counter and digital speedometer ahead of the driver.

In the centre stack, a five or seven-inch display provides user friendly access to the new CR-Vs infotainment system and is conveniently located above the controls for the dual-zone climate control system.

Under the bonnet

The Honda CR-V is available with two engine options including a high-efficiency turbocharged engine

2.0 Comfort and 2.0 Elegance models are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine, which thanks to variable valve timing and fuel injection it offers 113kW at 6 500rpm and 189Nm at 4 300rpm. This engine is paired to Honda’s Continuously Variable Transmission.

1.5T Executive and Exclusive derivatives bring turbocharging to the CR-V for the first time. This 1 498cc turbocharged engine boasts 140kW at 5600rpm and 340Nm from 2000rpm. This engine is also paired with Honda’s CVT gearbox but in this case it is linked to an intelligent real time AWD system, that transfers power between the front and rear wheels depending on the levels of traction available. 

The addition of all-wheel drive offers the efficiency of a front-wheel drive layout along with the peace of mind and composure when travelling on less than ideal surfaces, while also giving the CR-V real SUV ability.

High levels of safety

Passive safety systems include dual front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags. Three-point inertia reel seatbelts are fitted front and rear, along with Isofix child seat anchors at the rear. Active safety systems include ABS, EBD, Agile Handling Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist systems. 

Model range

The Honda CR-V range consists of four models, made up of two engine options and four levels of specification.