The Honda CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda Motor Corporation. The CR-V has been around for 24 years and is one of the most popular crossovers, not only in the country but globally. Back in the 90s, if you are an aspiring family man, and you wanted a little more space compared to the typical sedan like the Honda City, you would be redirected to the Honda CR-V. In the Philippines, the CR-V is a market mainstay making it a top choice for average-size families and individuals. Now that the Honda CR-V is on its fifth generation, Honda promises an impressive compact crossover above its competitors.

Variants

There are four Honda CR-V variants available in the Philippines. The Honda CR-V 2.0 S, Automatic Transmission base variant is available at Php1,678,000, followed by the Honda CR-V 1.6 V Diesel Automatic Transmission variant priced at Php1,713,000. The Honda CR-V 1.6 Diesel Automatic Transmission Honda SENSING variant is available at Php1,888,000, while its top-of-the-line variant – the Honda CR-V 1.6 SX Diesel Automatic Transmission AWD Honda SENSING is at Php2,158,000.

Powertrain

The 2021 Honda CR-V has two engine options – the gasoline-powered engine variant and the diesel-powered engine variant. The 2.0 4-cylinder gasoline engine makes 189 Nm of torque and 152 horsepower in a front-wheel-drive configuration paired with a CVT. On the other hand, the 2.0 Turbo diesel engine produces 300 Nm of torque and 118 horsepower in a front-wheel-drive in an all-wheel drivetrain mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. For the suspension, MacPherson struts are at the front, while a multi-link suspension is on its rear. For the brakes, Honda equipped the CR-V with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the back.

Exterior

The front fascia of the 2021 Honda CR-V doesn’t have a lot of differences from the previous CR-V version, but Honda included subtle touches that make it stand out. The chrome grille is now painted black, and they have also added bar-type daytime running lights. Honda also added a chrome surround that goes on the lower part of the car, inspired by the US-spec CRVs. Over on the side of the CR-V, the Michelin tires are fitted with 17 or 18-inch redesigned alloy rims, depending on the variant.

In terms of the design, there wasn’t much difference as compared to its previous version because Honda used the same type of body cladding. However, at the bottom edge, they’ve included chrome trims and the old power-folding side mirrors with integrated signal repeaters. As for the rear of the 2021 CR-V, Honda removed the skid plate and they have also blacked out the taillights. Aside from that, it’s still given the same look that you had before.

Interior

Honda calls the CR-V the piano black interior because it features black cabin finishes with black leather seats for all variants. The seats are eight-way power-adjustable for the driver and the passenger, and the roof comes with a panoramic skylight. Another noticeable in the CR-V is that it doesn’t come with the regular gear lever shifter. Rather, Honda put the drive, neutral, reverse, and park buttons in the middle of the front cabin. It shows that Honda Motor Corporation is leading in technology.

It also comes with a 5-inch or 7-inch full touchscreen infotainment, and the sound is delivered through four or eight speakers, depending on the variant. The CR-V also features a push-to-start button, digital gauge cluster, digital trip computer, 12-volt accessory sockets, keyless entry, and wireless charging pad that applies to both android and iOS smartphones. Aside from that, the CR-V has aircon blowers in the second row and nine triple air-con blowers in the third row.

As for the cargo space, the 2021 Honda CR-V retains the 472 liters of cargo space and is expandable to 967 liters when you fold flat the third-row seats. For the gasoline-powered variant, the CR-V only comes with five seats so it has a bigger default cargo space in the absence of a third row.

Safety

With the leading technological advancements of the Honda CR-V, it doesn’t compromise in giving the best safety and security features, including the anti-braking system, EBD, vehicle stability control system, crash sensor, driver airbag, front side airbag, seat belt warning, passenger airbag, driver seatbelt, passenger seatbelt, rear seatbelt, side-impact beams, front impact beams, day and night rearview mirror, parking sensors, child safety locks, tire pressure monitor, rear camera, engine check warning, anti-theft device, central locking, power door locks, anti-theft alarm, low-speed follow, road departure mitigation, lane-keep assist, vehicle stability control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, engine immobilizer, and the new Honda SENSING.

Honda has always been leading in terms of technology, and they introduced the 2021 Honda CR-V packed with innovative features to give smart driving assistance and comfortability.

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