[Honda CR-V 2024 Review]: Worth the Extra Cost of a Hundred Million Dong?

At a time when the domestic car market in 2023 is experiencing many fluctuations due to the impact of the post-Covid-19 economic situation, car manufacturers are “racing” to lower prices. Typical examples are Mazda CX-5, which has just launched a facelift version while simultaneously reducing the price. Following suit are Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe, Nissan Kicks, Subaru Forester, Ford Territory, etc.

It can be said that the “price war” has never been hotter than this year. Not only for less popular models, but even best-selling models and luxury brands also participate in this trend.

In such a context, the newly-launched Honda CR-V with comprehensive changes and a price increase is definitely shocking news for many consumers. However, when looking at the issue, Honda has always positioned its products higher than its competitors in the same mainstream vehicle segment.

Furthermore, the 2024 CR-V is a completely new generation product with many improvements. In particular, this is the first time Honda Vietnam has introduced advanced hybrid operation technology. Not to mention the 4-wheel drive system, which is being brought to the country for the first time at an even higher price than the hybrid version. So, is the price increase of the Honda CR-V 2024 worth it?

Firstly, in terms of design, the shape of the 2024 CR-V can be considered a transformation. Honda engineers have reshaped the previous bulky CR-V with many curves into a true SUV model, with a square and sturdy shape.

The appearance of the new Honda CR-V 2024 has also been adjusted. The Japanese 7-seater SUV now has the dimensions of 4,691 x 1,866 x 1,681 (mm). This means that the car’s dimensions have increased in length, width, and height. At the same time, the wheelbase of the CR-V has also been improved, significantly enhancing the interior space experience.

The new front design of the CR-V now has a synchronized design with the latest Honda models recently launched, such as the City, Civic, and BR-V. The grille is more compact and angular, with a honeycomb hexagonal grille and a dark black tone; giving a sporty feeling.

The Honda CR-V 2024 continues to be equipped with standard features on all 4 versions, including full LED lighting system, including both main lighting and turn signals (integrated into the daytime running lights), as well as fog lights (except for the G version) located below the front bumper.

In addition to typical LEDs, the high-end versions of the new CR-V also feature intelligent lighting technology with the ability to adjust the high beam/low beam (part of the Honda Sensing safety assistance package); or smart cornering lights that turn on when the driver changes the steering angle, and intelligent automatic light angle adjustment on the hybrid version.

Although the ground clearance of the car remains at the same level as the previous version, on the new generation, the CR-V has been equipped with eye-catching dual-spoke wheels, with a size of 235/60R18, consistent with the previous model. Especially, the front tire arch is now equipped with a reflective sheet similar to products for the US market, providing increased safety for the car.

Inside the car, the metal gray paint on the trim strips is eye-catching, making the car appear more vibrant. Meanwhile, the rear design of the car has improved significantly compared to the previous generation (no more bulging curves). Along with that, the brake lights are now more refined, with a hook-shaped design placed vertically, hinting at European design influences.

Entering the cabin, it can be seen that the stretched body has greatly improved the space of the Honda CR-V 2024: Passengers in all three rows have a more comfortable seating position than the previous generation. However, the third-row seats can accommodate passengers only if they are under 1.7m tall and are truly comfortable if they are children or people under 1.6m.

In the front, similar to the exterior design, the interior layout of the 2024 CR-V is completely synchronized with the recently launched sibling – the Civic. The most prominent feature is the honeycomb grid that divides the dashboard into two clearly defined layers, with hidden air vents inside, providing a modern yet striking appearance.

In the center of the dashboard is the position for the modern touch screen infotainment system, with full Android Auto connectivity and even wireless Apple CarPlay (except for the base G version). However, the size of this screen is quite modest – only 9 inches (and 7 inches for the G version).

If it were upgraded to over 10 inches or even 12 inches, this entertainment system would undoubtedly provide a much better user experience. Along with that is the full range of USB, type C connections, wireless charging (depending on the version), and an 8-speaker standard audio system, especially on the RS version, using a 12-speaker Bose system that provides a completely different entertainment experience.

In the driver’s position, you will find a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters. The steering wheel design brings a youthful and sporty atmosphere to the car, with a hexagonal shape in the center. On both sides of the steering wheel are shortcut buttons for entertainment and Honda Sensing safety system adjustments.

Particularly, the seats on the Honda CR-V 2024 are equipped with standard 8-way power adjustment with 2 memory positions for the driver’s seat and 4-way power adjustment for the passenger seat in all versions. The automatic anti-glare rearview mirror is present on 3 high-end versions, while the sunroof is only equipped on the 4-wheel drive petrol version and the RS hybrid version.

Overall, the user experience that the Honda CR-V 2024 provides to passengers is very positive: modern and convenient; both design and function have been comprehensively improved. In terms of smart and modern technology, it is clear that this Japanese SUV is leading the segment.

First of all, we have to mention the Honda Connect technology package, which is standard on all CR-V 2024s rolling on Vietnamese roads. This system provides a full range of intelligent management features, making owning and using the car more convenient and safer. Features include: location-based tracking and management; remote locking/unlocking of the car; error checking and maintenance reminders; even sending notifications to car owners or relatives in the event of a collision…

Next, Honda Vietnam is one of the pioneers in advanced driving assistance technology. Specifically, all Honda cars on the market in Vietnam are equipped with the Sensing features; regardless of the segment, whether expensive or affordable.

In addition to the familiar features, Honda engineers have added some intelligent features to the Sensing package, such as an intelligent adaptive lighting system; capable of maintaining the high beam (long-range lighting) while adjusting the beam angle to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.

The Honda CR-V 2024 also supports automatic collision avoidance steering, with an expanded camera view compared to the previous version, increasing safety. Along with that is the presence of a 360-degree camera system that allows the driver to observe the surroundings of the car and completely eliminate blind spots.

As a completely new version, the Honda CR-V 2024 has improved its chassis system. As a result, the driving experience has become completely different from before: much more convincing; even though Honda in general and CR-V in particular have always had better driving dynamics than other Japanese or Korean competitors in the mainstream vehicle segment.

The suspension system has been upgraded to give the CR-V 2024 a more compact steering wheel. The feeling when cornering is significantly different when controlling the 4-wheel drive version. However, the suspension system is still slightly softer and there is still some rear suspension slack when running with a full load of 7 people.

The gasoline-powered versions still use the VTEC 1.5 turbocharged engine, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a maximum horsepower of 188 and a peak torque of 240 Nm. The power of this familiar engine has been proven through many previous generations of CR-V.

With this engine, although it cannot be considered powerful, the car still does not lack power when the driver needs to overtake or accelerate immediately. In return, the strengths of the Honda CR-V are still maintained, including renowned fuel efficiency, smooth operation, and durability over time.

The most special version – the Honda CR-V e:HEV – is equipped with a hybrid engine with the following configuration: 2.0L engine with a power of 146 horsepower and a torque of 183 Nm. When combined with an electric motor of 181 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque; the power that the car brings to the driver can reach 204 horsepower.

With this hybrid version, it is clear that the acceleration ability of the CR-V 2024 has been significantly improved. At low speeds, the car prioritizes the use of the electric motor and can operate in pure electric mode. At this time, electrical energy is supplied from the battery system and is sent directly to the motor to be converted into kinetic energy.

In hybrid mode, the gasoline engine is used to run the generator to generate electricity and convert it into kinetic energy to be transmitted to the wheels through the motor. At high speeds, the clutch system is closed, and at this point, the wheels only use kinetic energy directly from the gasoline engine.

The conversion between the gasoline engine / electric motor / or both occurs completely automatically and is managed by the computer system, users cannot actively intervene as they wish.

At the same time, the priority of the Honda CR-V hybrid is fuel efficiency (with a shocking figure – only 3.4L/100km in urban areas – as announced by the manufacturer) and smooth operation (especially in the city when daily commuting), rather than improving the driving experience in a sporty style (although the car still has a Sport mode).

In conclusion, Honda CR-V 2024 is a completely new and upgraded version with full “high-end” features that provide a completely different user experience compared to the previous generation. So it is a price increase that is completely justified; even when placed in a context where all competitors are racing to reduce prices, this can still be shocking news.

But if assessed fairly, the Honda CR-V 2024 is still a high-end choice, providing a different experience compared to other competitors in the mainstream segment. This will continue to be a suitable choice for families with spacious and comfortable space, many conveniences, smoother and more stable operation, and especially a much more youthful design.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)

Photos: Huy Bách