It’s not only the all-new City that made its local debut today—the updated Honda CR-V is now officially available on the local market, too. No better way to celebrate Honda Cars PH’s 30th anniversary this month than by launching two new models, right? Two highly popular ones at that.
The facelifted fifth-gen CR-V made its global debut over a year ago, then entered our region via the Thai market in July. So, what new features does it bring to the table? Let’s dive into the specs to find out.
Prices and variants
For 2020, the CR-V lineup still comprises four variants. The diesel-seven seater dominates the range with three trim levels: V, S, and SX. Honda Sensing, previously available only on the top-spec SX, has now filtered down to the S Diesel, too. The lone five-seat, gasoline-powered 2.0 S CVT is still the lowest-priced variant on offer, although in terms of features and specs, it enjoys some advantages over the V Diesel.
Check out the official prices below, and the price increase of each variant over their pre-facelift counterparts:
2021 Honda CR-V
- Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT – P1,678,000 (+P10,000)
- Honda CR-V V Diesel – P1,713,000 (+P15,000)
- Honda CR-V S Diesel with Honda Sensing – P1,888,000 (+P20,000)
- Honda CR-V SX Diesel AWD with Honda Sensing – P2,158,000 (+P20,000)
Exterior
The CR-V’s front end gets the most number of changes in this midlife refresh. Overall, the exterior redesign is a subtle, elegant execution that lends refinement to the previous sportier-biased styling.
The thin strip of chrome that bisects the upper grille element and lines the underside of the headlamps has been retained, but the thick crossbar cutting through the front badge is now done in black plastic. The lower bumper gains the brightwork instead, providing some contrast against the dark honeycomb mesh. Fog-, tail- and daytime running lights are LEDs across the range; headlamps are full LEDs except on the V Diesel, which makes do with halogen projectors. If you see a new CR-V with snazzy sequential front turn signals, that means you’re looking at an SX Diesel.
The blade-like wheels of the pre-facelift model has been ditched in favor of alloys with petal-like spokes. Finally, the rear end gets reshaped reflectors and a lightly altered bumper skid garnish done in silver paint.
The Cosmic Blue paint job of the SX Diesel unit pictured here is exclusive to the top two variants. Three other color options are available for the entire model lineup: Modern Steel, Ignite Red, and Platinum White Pearl.
Interior
The literal centerpiece of the diesel-powered CR-V’s cabin is still the electronic gear selector in the middle of the dashboard. If you want a CR-V but you’re not a fan of this showcase of buttons, the only other option is to go for the gasoline variant with its more traditional gearshift.
Two-tone wood accents are used for the S Diesel and the SX Diesel; the other two get silver trim to liven up the dark interior scheme. Black leather seats are standard across the line. Only the range-topper comes with electric seat adjustment: eight-way for the driver (plus four-way lumbar power adjustment) and four-way for the shotgun passenger. This being a Honda, drinks and knickknack holders abound.
Unlike the leather-wrapped tillers of the other variants, the V Diesel’s steering wheel is finished in urethane, but at least it shares the paddle shifters, remote controls, and tilt-and-telescopic adjustment of the other three. The V Diesel also features a five-inch multimedia display instead of the seven-inch multimedia touchscreen on the rest of the lineup, and an instrument panel that has a trip computer and a Driver Attention Monitor, but no readouts for audio and hands-free call info. Rear passengers here will need power banks or long charging cables, too, because it lacks the two rear USB ports of the other trim levels.
Because the diesel CR-Vs are seven-seaters, they get rear roof A/C vents with independent controls, as well as a sliding and reclining second row. Cargo space here is 150 liters with all three rows up, 472 liters with the third row folded down, and 967 liters with the second row also tucked away. The 2.0 S CVT has 522 liters behind the second row, and also a tonneau cover.
Engines and specs
If you’ve been hoping against hope for the hybrid CR-V—which can do a claimed 17km/L in urban conditions—to arrive on our shores, it should be clear to you by now that it’s not happening this time around. Powertrain options are still the 1.6-liter i-DTEC DOHC turbo-four diesel (118hp at 4,000rpm; 300Nm at 2,000rpm) mated to a nine-speed automatic, and the 2.0-liter i-VTEC SOHC four-cylinder gasoline (152hp at 6,500rpm and 189Nm at 4,300rpm) linked to a CVT.
MacPherson-strut front and multilink rear suspension underpins the crossover’s G-CON body. The 2.0 S CVT and the top two variants ride on 18-inch alloys shod with 235/60 tires, while the V Diesel wears 17-inch rims wrapped in 235/65 rubber. The SX Diesel, which is the only one here with an all-wheel drivetrain (and a matching torque indicator readout), has a ground clearance of 208mm; for the others, it’s 198mm.
Vented front and solid rear discs perform stopping duties, aided by ABS and EBD. Agile Handling Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, and auto brake hold are available on all variants.
Extra features
Let’s start with the features that are standard across the range. There’s Econ Mode and Honda’s eco coaching light, of course, plus cruise control and the multi-view reverse camera to make life behind the wheel easier. You also get dual front airbags, low tire pressure warning, automatically locking and unlocking doors, a child safety lock, and a security alarm and immobilizer.
Side and curtain airbags are available on the 2.0 S CVT and the top two diesels, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Isofix mounts, and the very nifty lane watch camera, to help you avoid dinging those intricate-looking alloys. The S Diesel and the SX Diesel, meanwhile, get built-in navigation, intelligent dual-zone climate control, and safety features under Honda Sensing: adaptive cruise control, low-speed follow function, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, road-departure mitigation, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning.
Finally, the SX Diesel has a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and front and rear corner sensors. A hands-free power tailgate and a wireless charger located below the gear selector are also exclusive to this variant and available on the CR-V for the first time.
That’s about it for now. So far, what do you think? Has Honda done enough to strengthen the position of its contender in the compact-crossover segment?
