The brand new-generation Honda CR-V line-up provides a broad vary of selections, however on this check we’re taking a more in-depth take a look at the flagship petrol mannequin.
It’s the 2024 Honda CR-V VTi LX AWD, which is a feature-rich variant with the identical turbo-petrol engine as all of the lower-grade variations, however with all-wheel drive and fairly a excessive worth level.
So does it justify the hefty ask? Or must you be taking a look at a unique CR-V as a substitute? I’ll run via the pricing, specs and drive expertise of this model on this evaluation so you may make your individual thoughts up.
How does the Honda CR-V fare vs its opponents?
View an in depth breakdown of the Honda CR-V in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
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How a lot does the Honda CR-V value?
The Honda CR-V vary is fairly intensive, with 5 and seven-seat fashions, entrance and all-wheel drive variations, and a range-topping hybrid additionally accessible – this VTi LX sits one rung underneath the flagship e:HEV RS hybrid.
The scenario for this spec is easy, then. You’re going to have to actually need all-wheel drive as a way to pay this a lot to get it, and for those who don’t want all of the potential facilities and options the VTi LX provides, then the VTi L AWD may truly be the higher alternative.
For those who’re okay with spending $57,000 on a five-seat AWD household SUV like this, then you could possibly additionally think about the range-topping Subaru Forester 2.5i-S ($46,340), which appears like an absolute discount in opposition to the CR-V. Perhaps even the turbocharged Outback XT is an possibility (from $52,190).
Different nice alternate options embody the Nissan X-Path, which is obtainable as a petroleum AWD (from $40,290) or the model’s e-Energy hybrid AWD (from $49,990). The stalwart Toyota RAV4 AWD Hybrid is obtainable from $46,260, whereas the one petrol AWD model is priced from $56,230 plus on-road prices.
For those who resolve to go along with the Honda CR-V, the paint color you decide gained’t change the worth. All six hues – Canyon River Blue (as examined) Lunar Silver, Meteoroid Gray and Ignite Crimson metallic, Platinum White and Crystal Black – are no-cost selections.
2024 Honda CR-V pricing:
- 2024 Honda CR-V VTi X: $44,500
- 2024 Honda CR-V VTi X7: $46,800
- 2024 Honda CR-V VTi L: $48,800
- 2024 Honda CR-V VTi L AWD: $51,300
- 2024 Honda CR-V VTi L7: $53,000
- 2024 Honda CR-V VTi LX AWD: $57,000
- 2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS: $59,900
Costs are drive-away
What’s the Honda CR-V like on the within?
The brand new era of Honda fashions have gone with the cookie-cutter strategy by way of inside design – and personally, I’ve no situation with that.
This can be a candy trying, well-designed and nicely made cabin, with logical management placement, no overbearing outsized screens and a few considerate storage, too.
There could also be some folks on the market who want that the CR-V had a much bigger driver info show, or perhaps a head-up show on this spec, and I can perceive that – however I feel that this digital show is a pleasant measurement and it’s purposeful as nicely.
The 9.0-inch multimedia system may be critiqued for being somewhat on the smaller aspect by fashionable requirements, however it’s a really respectable piece of package. You will have a few buttons on the aspect of the display screen, together with dwelling and again buttons, and there’s additionally a quantity knob and tuning buttons too.
Fortunately there’s an array of local weather controls down under that display screen as nicely, together with dials for fan and temperature, and buttons for recirculation, de-mister and aircon modes.
The display screen itself is a provides respectable decision, and the menus are very simple to study. I had no points with Apple CarPlay working wirelessly or plugged in throughout my time along with his automobile. The Bose stereo can also be a little bit of a thumper.
The CR-V VTi LX AWD does have a number of design prospers to make it really feel somewhat bit extra upmarket than the decrease grade variations, together with a faux wooden trim panel throughout the dashboard and on the doorways, and its doorways are backlit with some white ambient lighting, which flows to the again as nicely.
I do like the truth that you’ve acquired opaque LED lighting entrance and rear, with the second row lights additionally providing a great forged throughout to the outboard seats, making it simple to see what you’re doing if you’re strapping in or eradicating a teenager at evening.
The black leather-based trim is of a excessive commonplace and whereas there are not any actually flashy components to the way in which the seats are designed, they’re very comfy and supply good assist and adjustment.
There are additionally good padded sections on the armrest on the doorways and on the coated centre console lid. That storage field is an effective measurement and has somewhat mild inside it as nicely.
Different storage features a pair of huge cupholders between the seats, and there’s a slippery plastic part simply behind them the place you may need to relaxation your key, however it does slide round loads for those who do. In entrance of the gear selector there’s additionally a wi-fi cellphone charger and that’s additionally the place you’ll discover USB-A and USB-C ports, plus a 12-volt plug.
There’s sufficient room there for a handbag or pockets as nicely. Within the doorways there are huge bottle holders, that are giant sufficient to suit two bottles.
Among the finest options of the CRV – its 90-degree opening rear doorways – makes getting a child in or out a lot simpler. Simply remember in case your younger ones can let themselves in, these doorways do fling open a good manner, so that you may should be cautious the place you park.
Within the second row there’s ample area in virtually each route, though headroom is just a bit bit tight for a 182cm/6’0 grownup due to the massive panoramic glass roof.
In any other case, with the driving force’s seat set for my driving place, there’s ample knee room, heaps of foot room, and even an honest quantity of shoulder area as nicely.
You may, in principle, match three adults throughout the again for those who wanted to, however simply take note the center seatbelt is a type of ones that comes down from the ceiling.
Bit annoying. So is the ceiling-mount top-tether level for the center seat, which might restrict your load top if in case you have a automobile seat fitted within the center. There are outboard ISOFIX and three top-tethers whole.
Storage is sweet within the second row, with map pockets on the seat-backs, a flip-down armrest with cup holders, and bottle holders within the doorways, once more with area for 2 smaller bottles.
There are additionally directional air-vents and a pair of USB-C cost ports as nicely. The rear seats are foldable in a 60:40 format, and meaning you may fold the driving force’s aspect rear portion independently – however Magic Seats, these should not.
As for boot area, it’s not solely giant, however it has a big opening. There’s a low load-in lip that makes it somewhat bit simpler to put heavier gadgets, and the cargo area is 581 litres based on Honda.
There are some intelligent components to the boot space; together with some tie-down hooks to safe a load in place, a few buying bag hooks, a 12-volt port, lights on either side of the boot space (you don’t realise how helpful that’s till you want it), and underneath the boot flooring there’s additionally a full-size spare wheel – that is more and more uncommon, and good to see.
One very minor consideration is that you just don’t have an area to retailer the cargo cowl for those who don’t need it in use, and likewise, there isn’t a extra part that runs from the cargo cowl to the again seats as you discover in another vehicles.
One other implausible function for folks is a button that you would be able to press on the tailgate which lets you stroll away, and if the automobile doesn’t sense the important thing close by anymore, it’s going to shut the tailgate routinely for you.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
This one is a “VTi” variant, which suggests it makes use of the identical 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that can also be seen within the smaller ZR-V SUV and Civic hatch.
On this software, the turbo-petrol engine produces 140kW of energy (6000rpm) and 240Nm of torque (1700-5000rpm). It makes use of a continuously-variable transmission (CVT), and this grade options an on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
The official mixed cycle gasoline consumption determine for the CR-V VTi LX AWD is 7.7L/100km (169g/km CO2), and it’s rated to make use of 91 RON common unleaded. It has a 57-litre gasoline tank capability. Over greater than 800km of testing, I noticed a return of 8.4L per 100km, which is okay by me.
Towing capability is 600kg unbraked and 1500kg braked, which is lower than many rivals (most have 750kg/2000kg rankings). At the least the AWD mannequin has a greater towing capability than the petrol 2WD (1000kg braked) or the e:HEV 2WD (750kg braked).
How does the Honda CR-V drive?
It’s actually, actually good.
The brand new-generation CR-V is a extra gratifying and extra mature SUV than the mannequin it replaces, which was, in its personal proper, fairly respectable.
Some folks may suppose a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing comparatively modest outputs isn’t sufficient motor for this software. And look, for those who load it up with a heap of children and a boot filled with stuff, it’s going to really feel somewhat undercooked by way of the powertrain.
However there’s a Sport mode for the transmission, which does make for a extra zesty expertise, and there are paddle-shifters too if you wish to take issues into your individual arms.
In regular on a regular basis commuter-style driving, the 1.5L engine provides ample grunt, and the CVT auto does harness the grunt properly. It’s fairly quiet, and whereas the last-gen automobile may very well be a bit ‘lurchy’ at low speeds, the brand new mannequin is fairly refined in the way in which it accelerates at low speeds and in visitors.
At a better tempo, it’s not breathtaking in its urgency, however it’s punchy sufficient for a household automobile. Throughout my time with this mannequin I didn’t actually expertise the all-wheel drive system do something apart from supply peace of thoughts.
Certain, you may discover that for those who’re parked on a slippery grass slope, or for those who occur to go to a campsite or up the mountains to the snow, that the AWD system could come into its personal – however in each day driving, you don’t discover it.
What I like most in regards to the CR-V although, is the way in which it drives.
The steering is on the heavy aspect, however it’s very direct and also you don’t must suppose an excessive amount of about what’s required by way of route modifications. Roundabouts? Simple peasy. Freeway lane modifications? Simply give it some thought, and it’s already executed.
And the trip, too, is great for this kind of automobile. This model – with 19-inch wheels and lower-profile tyres than a few of the different variants – might need a slightly extra hard-edged vibe in comparison with lower-grade variations, however it’s nonetheless very comfy and offers nicely with bumpy city roads, and by no means actually stumbles at increased tempo, both.
It’s fairly refined by way of highway and wind noise too, however coarse-chip roads can throw fairly a little bit of reverberant noise into the cabin.
The most important situation, actually, is that this spec – which is $57K, bear in mind – has a reversing digicam and entrance and rear parking sensors. Whereas the digicam does have a number of completely different view modes, for a automobile at this worth it actually ought to have a extra family-friendly surround-view digicam.
What do you get?
CRV VTi LX highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Exhaust pipe finisher
- ‘Sport’ entrance and rear bumpers
- Auto tilt aspect mirror when reversing
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ambient inside lighting
- 10.2-inch driver info show
- 12-speaker Bose premium sound system
That’s over what you get in decrease grades, which embody:
- Energy tailgate
- Keyless entry and push-button begin
- LED headlights
- LED daytime working lights
- LED tail-lights
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Honda Join
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Leather-based-appointed seats
- Heated entrance seats
- Driver reminiscence perform (2 positions)
- 4-way energy passenger seat
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-based-wrapped shifter
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Sensible Key Card
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Privateness glass
- Auto headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
There’s extra apart from that, however this spec is fairly full of gear.
Is the Honda CR-V secure?
At this cut-off date, the current-generation Honda CR-V has not but been examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Normal security options embody:
- 11 airbags
- Honda Sensing
- Ahead collision warning
- Collision mitigation braking system (AEB)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane maintain help
- Highway Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive cruise management
- Low Pace Comply with
- Visitors Jam Help
- Low Pace Braking Management
- Visitors signal recognition
- Auto high-beam
- Parking sensors entrance, rear
CR-V VTi X7 + VTi L add:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
CR-V e:HEV RS provides:
How a lot does the Honda CR-V value to run?
Honda Australia covers its vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
The identical length of canopy applies for the model’s premium roadside help, and there’s a five-year capped-price servicing plan, too.
Honda provides “5 Low Worth Providers”, which caps scheduled upkeep at $199 per service for the primary 5 scheduled visits. Intervals are 12 months or 10,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. That is shorter than many rivals as 15,000km is the typical.
The model additionally provides complimentary satellite tv for pc navigation map updates during the brand new automobiles guarantee, and there’s Honda Join providers information integrated into the automobile, which additionally spans 5 years.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Honda CR-V
There’s loads to love in regards to the Honda CR-V, however the VTi LX AWD doesn’t fairly seem to be the decide of the vary, until you actually need all of the gear you may get and actually need the all-wheel drive underpinnings.
I’d say you need to try the pricing and specs story we’ve executed and see for those who might stay with the extra reasonably priced AWD mannequin within the vary, which might prevent virtually $6000.
However for those who like what this SUV provides, and also you don’t suppose it’s too costly, then I can completely perceive why you’d decide this flagship petrol model.
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BUY: Honda CR-V
MORE: Every part Honda CR-V