Review: Honda CR-V pleases fans, but is it worth it?

In 2008, the Honda CR-V started to be made in Mexico and cost less than R$90,000. “Everyone” bought one, and the model appeared here in the comparison “New Peruas” (read here): the massive replacement of stations and minivans by the now ubiquitous SUVs began. Today, the Honda CR-V is made in the USA and costs three times as much. This does not mean that it is not exceptional: it has evolved without losing its usual qualities.

In a week behind the wheel of SUVwhat pleased me most was the cabin, ideal for family use. Spacious and versatile, it has a rear floor without a raised tunnel, ensuring great comfort for up to five occupants, and plenty of storage space (like the one between the seats, with a sliding shelf), as well as electric front seats and a reclining rear seat – which, when folded down, leaves the floor flat and allows you to carry tall objects, increasing the generous trunk.

When carrying children and shopping, opening the rear lid by passing your foot under the bumper is practical. Furthermore, the rear doors open to 90o, facilitating access for people, car seats, etc.

+Comparative: Jeep Commander vs. Caoa Chery Tiggo 8
+MOTOR SHOW 442: subscription car special, Volvo C40, Commander vs. Tiggo 8, Audi RS3, Renegade turbo and more
+ Evaluation: Chevrolet Spin is a “cheap” seven-seater option; it is worth it?
+ Evaluation: Toyota SW4 is a car for everything (or almost everything)
+ Rating: the best version of the Jeep Commander
+What is the best version of the Jeep Compass 2022?

As a driver, I was also treated well by the Honda CR-V. The panel proves that a mixed cluster can be better than a 100% digital one: it is analog in the “basics” and digital in the extras, such as the Google Maps instructions that appear there. In a time of unnecessary digital complications, the ease of use is surprising, such as the semi-autonomous systems and the head-up display adjusted by “physical” and easy buttons. Finally, there are still items such as an electric handbrake with auto-hold, induction charger, “premium” sound and a right blind spot camera.

Furthermore, the Honda CR-V’s suspensions are extremely comfortable and well adjusted and the mechanics deliver more than you imagine: coupled with a well-adjusted CVT transmission, the 1.5 turbo guarantees a smooth and comfortable drive, with excellent consumption for a model of its size and with the safety of all-wheel drive: we achieved 13 km/l on the highway and 10 in the city. At this point, the arch-rival Toyota RAV4, R$22,000 more expensive, has the advantage for being a hybrid – but loses in equipment, finishing and beauty (internal and external).

But it’s not the Toyota that would leave me in doubt here. Entering the controversy of SUVs versus sedans, until the hybrid CR-V arrives, I would consider, without even changing dealers, the Accord, priced at R$306,000 – not as versatile, but with a hybrid system that is even better than Toyota’s. But, to be honest, I don’t really know… Because, if at the current price this CR-V today can be worth it just for the fans, I need to admit that I am one of them.

Flávio Silveira | Editor

Honda CR-V: Counterpoint

● Over the years, my experiences aboard the Honda CR-V have always been interesting – although the performance of the old 2.0 naturally aspirated engine left me a little disappointed when accelerating and restarting, especially with the most loaded SUV. This changed after it returned to our market, still in 2018, bringing the 1.5 turbo engine.

And the current generation of the sports utility vehicle has preserved the excellent qualities, such as the cabin’s livability/finishing and the pleasant handling delivered by both the mechanical package and the suspensions. An evolution appears in the new driving assistants and the beautiful redesigned look.

Like Flávio, I enjoyed the practicality of the motorized trunk lid. But, unlike my writing colleague, when in doubt between which of the “premium” Hondas to take home, as I am a fan of sedans, I would spend a little more to show off with the Accord. After all, it’s already a hybrid – and it gets more than 20 km/l effortlessly! – in addition to being much more in line with my personal taste and lifestyle and providing sharper handling.

Rafael Poci Déa | Reporter

BUY YOURSELF…

s You want a well-built SUV, very well equipped and that brings exclusivity in design, but without being too ostentatious.
s You’ve owned a CR-V before and value its typical qualities: versatility, attention to detail and use of space.

DO NOT BUY IF…

t Your priority is value for money. There are similar and attractive models for this price or even less, some with seven seats.
t If you are worried about using less fuel and are thinking about a hybrid – then you can buy the RAV4 or wait for the CR-V Hybrid.

Also consider these Honda CR-V competitors

Toyota RAV4 SX – R$ 292,390
It has a 2.5 gasoline engine and three electric motors. There are 222 hp and consumption of up to 18 km/l in the city and 15 on the highway (read more here).

Honda Accord – R$ 305,900

It has the hybrid technology that Honda is offering in the Honda CR-V in Brazil, but it is more expensive and without the same versatility (read the review here)

---

TECHNICAL SHEET

Honda CR-V Touring

Basic price R$ 270.200
Car evaluated R$ 270.200

Motor: four cylinders in line 1.5, 16V, double variable camshaft, turbo, direct injection
Displacement: 1498 cm3
Fuel: Gasoline
Power: 190 cv a 5.600 rpm
Torque: 2,000 to 5,000 rpm at 240 Nm
Exchange: continuously variable automatic (CVT), seven simulated gears, S and M modes
Direction: electrical, variable ratio
Suspensions: MacPherson (d) e multi-link

Exit mobile version