Honda CR-V 1.5 V AWD | ENGEAR ENGLISH

Although the local market is flooded with various advanced SUV options, the Honda CR-V maintains its own loyal fanbase.

One reason may be the prominent “H” logo displayed on the front.

After being given the opportunity to test drive this SUV, several features make the CR-V stand out even more.

For those who want to enjoy life after their career, this could be the perfect choice.

A More Aggressive Appearance

Compared to earlier models that resembled a dumpling, the sixth-generation CR-V has a sharper and more aggressive look.

The design of the lights gets a modern makeover, especially at the rear, reminiscent of Swedish-made SUVs.

With the A-pillar moved back, the hood design of the CR-V appears longer.

Moreover, Honda engineers have lowered the position of the A-pillar base and shoulder line, creating a more balanced body proportion for the SUV.

As a result, the new CR-V looks smaller, yet its dimensions indicate that it is actually larger than its predecessor.

A More Spacious Cabin

In addition to the increase in length, the wheelbase has grown by 40 mm to 2,700 mm.

This contributes to a more spacious cabin, providing comfort for second-row passengers.

The “Machine Minimum, Man Maximum” approach has also been applied to the cabin space.

Unlike its predecessor, the CR-V adopts a dashboard design that closely resembles the 11th-generation Civic.

Despite a more minimalist design, it still offers an elegant and luxurious experience.

All function buttons feel tight, and the gear shifting for PRND feels neat with every drive.

Wood accents in several places align well with the theme of a post-career vehicle that many people are looking for.

User-friendly SUV

The CR-V does not come equipped with an oversized screen packed with various menus.

Instead, it features a 10-inch infotainment screen, complemented by a 9-inch analog and digital hybrid meter for drivers.

The menu display on both screens is clear, large, and easy to operate.

With connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, there’s no need for a smartphone holder attached to the air vents.

This is impossible due to the factory-standard honeycomb grille installation.

Even without the presence of a Bose audio system with 12 speakers, the standard audio system in this variant offers pleasant sounds throughout the journey.

The provided seats are indeed very comfortable, complete with memory functions.

However, the leather upholstery can make the seating uncomfortable, especially after prolonged use.

Practicality at its best

The practicality aspect makes the CR-V well-suited for families.

The cargo space is exceptionally spacious, around 589 liters, and can reach up to 1,072 liters when the second-row seats are folded down.

Additionally, the CR-V offers nearly 90-degree door openings for the second row, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit without feeling cramped.

This is especially convenient when installing child seats.

The floor design for second-row passengers is nearly flat for an SUV with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

What I particularly appreciate about the CR-V is its wide outward visibility, enhanced by the positioning of the side mirrors slightly back to reduce blind spots.

Turbo engine performance

The Honda CR-V 1.5V AWD is the ideal choice for those seeking a simple yet effective driving experience.

The 1.5-liter turbo engine, delivering 190 hp and 243 Nm of torque, is paired with a CVT transmission and an AWD system—a solid combination with no need for argument.

Acceleration feels smooth, and can be summoned easily when the driver needs extra power, especially for overtaking.

What makes this combination excellent is the performance at constant speeds— the cabin feels quiet without noticeable noise.

The AWD system provides additional confidence for the driver during highway cruising and offers more grip in curves.

Based on my driving experience, I achieved a fuel consumption rate of around 7.9 liters per 100 km.

Vehicle control – more important than ever

Enhancing the driving experience of the CR-V is how the handling system performs throughout the ride.

It is not a sport-tuned SUV produced as standard from the factory.

The suspension is not particularly stiff, leaning more towards comfort.

Nevertheless, you can feel the harmony of precise steering, responsive throttle and brakes, and comfortable suspension tuning, which keeps a smile on your face.

Is the road quality imperfect? It doesn’t matter when you’re sitting in the CR-V.

During the festive season, I intentionally avoided using the highway to assess the suspension system’s efficiency on the CR-V.

Honestly, it performs significantly better compared to earlier models.

Safety aspects could be improved

As standard, the Honda CR-V comes equipped with features such as:

Eight airbags
360-degree camera
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Honda LaneWatch
Honda Sensing features (FCW, AEB, ACC, LSF, etc.)

Honestly, I feel it’s a bit disappointing for an SUV priced at around RM180,000 not to be equipped with a blind-spot monitoring system for both left and right sides.

While the Honda LaneWatch system is helpful, its limited operation on the left side and the quality of the camera restrict its benefits.

Thankfully, in the latest 2026 update of the Honda CR-V, Honda Malaysia is willing to replace the LaneWatch system with a Blind Spot Information (BSI) system and a Cross Traffic Monitoring (CTM) system.