Car review: 2024 Honda CR-V
Honda’s CR-V was a pioneer of the modern-day mid-sized SUV, and after six generations it remains a family favourite.
Range and value
The original 1997 CR-V sold in droves and the latest model still has plenty to offer. The all-new CR-V range starts at $44,500 and there are seven models, including a hybrid and some seven-seater options.
For this review, we tested the upper spec VTi-LX with the all-wheel-drive option, which retails for about $57,000. Honda fixes that price – no haggling here – under its agency sales model. You’re buying the car directly from Honda (rather than a dealer) so the price doesn’t vary.
Tech and other tricks
The CR-V uses the Honda Connect smartphone app, which is free for the first five years. After that, you’ll need to pay the applicable subscription fees. The app allows you to perform some nifty tricks like remotely locking and unlocking the doors, geo-locating your car, turning the lights on and off and checking your fuel level, all without stepping into the cabin. If the app detects the airbag has deployed, it automatically notifies a call centre, sending emergency services to your location if required.
Safety features
The all-new model is longer, wider and taller than its predecessors, which gives it a noticeably more spacious cabin and cargo area. It’s almost as roomy as a Mitsubishi Outlander or Nissan X-Trail, although both have cheaper entry-point options. Although not yet tested by ANCAP, it has a comprehensive list of active safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition system, and cross-traffic and blind-spot monitoring.
A handy innovation is the wiper’s washing nozzle, which is built into the wiper arm. This provides a better spray straight onto the windscreen with less water use. The hands-free access power tailgate is another convenient feature, as are the 90-degree opening doors that make getting in and out easier, especially if you’re securing kids into their car seats. The thinner roof pillars also provide a better view from inside the car.
On the road
The CR-V has the same 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine you’ll find in the Honda HR-V and Civic. Under normal driving conditions, the power is adequate and delivered quietly, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) gets a bit noisier under hard acceleration.
The all-wheel-drive version is essentially a CVT front-wheel drive, with the all-wheel-drive kicking in when it encounters wheel slippage. It’s mainly a vehicle for mud and snow but has hill descent and a full-size spare tyre – important features if you’re heading off road.
The bottom line
Honda has a reputation for high quality, and you get this in the new, family-friendly CR-V.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $57,000 (estimated driveaway) |
| ANCAP safety rating | 5 stars |
| Fuel consumption | 7.7L/100km (91 RON fuel) |
| Warranty | Five years with unlimited kilometres |
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