Honda CR-V Review: Iconic Excellence

What we like:

The best-looking CR-V yet

Well-built cabin without fussy electronics to worry about

Properly spacious and ergonomic layout

Punchy 1.5-litre turbocharged engine

What we dislike:

Current price is a tad steep

The Return of an Icon that Redefined the SUV

In the bustling Singapore cityscape, the 2024 Honda CR-V emerges as a revival of an iconic SUV that once dominated the roads from the late nineties to early 2000s. Revered for its practicality, reliability, and versatility, the CR-V holds a special place in the hearts of many Singaporean families. Now in its sixth iteration for 2024, Honda introduces a revitalised version of this beloved vehicle, blending nostalgia with modern innovation to create a family SUV fit for the demands of today's urban lifestyle. With COE prices hovering near six-figures and plenty of European competitors to choose from, does it still make pragmatic sense to splurge on a Japanese SUV? Let’s find out.

Exterior Design

The 2024 Honda CR-V boasts a contemporary exterior design that seamlessly merges style with functionality. Hulking a muscular stance with a bold front grille flanked by sleek, tapered LED headlights and daytime running lights, the car commands serious attention on the road, while the sculpted lines and aerodynamic profile enhance its dynamic presence. The sharp angles of the car can be further accentuated depending on your colour choice, and our test car in Platinum White Pearl really glistened under sunlight. Five other colours, such as Lunar Silver or Canyon River Blue can be had to suit the individual preferences of prospective buyers.

Interior Comfort and Space: A Proper Family Hauler

Step inside the cabin of the 2024 Honda CR-V and you'll be greeted with a rather spacious and airy cabin. While the dashboard is identical to the current Honda Civic sedan here, the interior does feel fairly robust and well put together. You get leather (of course), and a good mix of soft-touch surfaces and hard plastics in the right places, which makes for a tactile and durable cabin.

With more than ample leg and headroom in both the front and second row seats, tall passengers will have plenty of room to unwind and stretch their legs. The optional third row can also be folded into the boot floor for enhanced cargo space, and can be easily accessed by sliding and tipping the second row forward. That being said, we do not recommend long journeys in the third row, unless your occupants are small children.

Technology and Connectivity: Well-Equipped and User-Friendly

The 2024 Honda CR-V is equipped with a factory-fitted 9-inch infotainment system that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto, and the entire setup is simple and intuitive—a real joy to navigate on daily journeys. You also get wireless charging pads, multiple USB ports and a decent audio system, ensuring that everyone stays charged and entertained during the drive. For a car in this segment, we do appreciate the fuss-free and dependable interior design—a simple screen paired with well-weighted physical buttons, and nothing unnecessary to distract the driver.

Is the Honda CR-V a Safe and Reliable Car?

Safety is a top priority for families, and the 2024 Honda CR-V delivers peace of mind with its comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assistance technologies, comes standard on all CR-V models, offering features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. These systems work together to help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions, keeping occupants safe on the road. Furthermore, the CR-V features a robust body structure bolstered by eight airbags, providing additional protection in the event of a collision.

How Powerful and Efficient is the Honda CR-V?

In Singapore, the CR-V will only come with one powertrain option as standard, a responsive 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which you will also find in the Civic, delivering an impressive 195 horsepower and 243 Nm of torque. The car gets from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds, which, quite frankly, is quick for a vehicle with such heft. The power is delivered without compromise on fuel efficiency as well, as we managed to clock an average of about 10 km/litre of fuel—great for a 1.7 tonne car without any form of electrification.

Does the Honda CR-V Drive Well?

With a well-insulated cabin and pliant ride, the CR-V is a very comfortable car to sit in. Despite its size and height, the car displays relative composure when cornering, although we don’t recommend you chucking it into corners with kids in tow. A generous turning radius and great overall visibility also makes navigating tight car park spaces relatively easy—perfect for soccer mums (or dads) making stops at the likes of Coronation Plaza. Whether navigating city traffic during the weekday commute or embarking on weekend adventures with the family, the CR-V excels in providing a versatile and enjoyable driving experience that meets the diverse needs of most families.

Is the Honda CR-V Worth Buying or Considering?

The 2024 Honda CR-V is a fitting revival of an iconic SUV, blending nostalgia with modern innovation to create a family vehicle that is both practical and enjoyable to drive. With its contemporary design, spacious interior, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features, the CR-V offers everything that families need for their everyday adventures. You get the sense that this is a car made to do anything you throw at it. Whether it's back-to-back errands around town, school runs, or embarking on weekend getaways, the CR-V is a car that stands ready to take it all with style, comfort, and reliability. Is it expensive? At S$245,399 absolutely, but all things considered, perhaps it may be all the car you will ever need.

Photos by Chin Hui

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