[CAR REVIEW] Honda CR-V: Users are impressed by the driving experience, Honda Sensing safety, and fuel efficiency

Having owned the Honda CR-V since February 2021, Mr. Tung has been driving the car for over a year and has covered more than 25,000 km. On average, he drives over 2,000 km per month, with the main route being the Hanoi – Thai Nguyen expressway.

Prior to owning the Honda CR-V, Mr. Tung owned a smaller crossover in a lower segment. However, with a large family that includes a husband and wife, three children, and two grandparents, the old car couldn’t meet Mr. Tung’s needs. Therefore, after careful consideration and consultation, Mr. Chu Tung decided to upgrade to the Honda CR-V.

Before purchasing the car, Mr. Tung and his family considered and test-drove many other models in and above the segment for comparison. Among the options available, Honda CR-V left the most impressive driving experience.

The car runs on gasoline, resulting in a quiet and odorless ride. Moreover, the interior space of the CR-V is sufficient for 7 people, meeting the needs of the entire family. This led Mr. Tung to make the decision to buy the car.

After a year and a half with the Honda CR-V, Mr. Tung highly appreciates the performance of the engine and transmission. With a 1.5L turbo VTEC configuration, the car meets the demands of gentle city driving, with speeds typically under 50 km/h. In most urban scenarios, the car doesn’t activate the turbo, providing a smooth experience.

However, when driving on high-speed or long-distance roads, at higher speeds, the turbo engine kicks in. This gives the CR-V ample power for overtaking or accelerating at speeds of 80 – 100 km/h or more.

The steering wheel and chassis system of the Honda CR-V are particularly impressive. The CR-V’s steering wheel adjusts according to the speed:

Within the city, the steering wheel feels very responsive and light. On the highway, the Honda CR-V offers a smooth, precise steering experience. The driver can easily perceive the wheel’s trajectory based on each steering action. This not only adds excitement to the driving experience, but also helps the driver operate the vehicle more safely and confidently.

In addition, the 2020 version of the Honda CR-V is equipped with numerous amenities, meeting passenger expectations and on par with previous Korean models.

One feature that Mr. Tung appreciates and often uses is the Panorama panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, convenient trunk opening, and especially the safety driving support technology package – Honda Sensing.

While frequently driving on the Hanoi – Thai Nguyen expressway, Mr. Tung relies heavily on the Adaptive Cruise Control mode. This feature enables the car to automatically follow the vehicle in front and maintain the preset speed.

The lane-keeping assist and lane deviation minimization features are also very helpful when driving on the highway. With these features, drivers can confidently operate the Honda CR-V at high speeds in a relaxed and convenient manner.

However, it’s important to note that these features only serve as support and don’t completely replace the driver. Each time the driver releases the steering wheel, the car immediately reminds and warns them. When changing lanes, the driver must use the turn signals; otherwise, the steering wheel automatically tightens and prevents the lane change. These are standout safety features in the Honda Sensing system, greatly appreciated by Mr. Tung.

In addition, Mr. Tung praises the fuel efficiency of the Honda CR-V. Based on his personal experience, with a mix of urban and highway driving, this 5+2 seater car consumes an average of 7-8L of petrol per 100 km.

In terms of fuel consumption, the Honda CR-V is even more efficient than Mr. Tung’s previous smaller crossover, despite the CR-V’s larger size and heavier weight.

Fuel efficiency is a common advantage of Honda cars with VTEC engine technology. However, in addition to that, the Honda CR-V also has a few points that haven’t quite impressed Mr. Tung.

Firstly, the soundproofing ability of the Honda CR-V is not particularly impressive. At high speeds, exterior noise infiltrates the cabin quite noticeably. Another point is the rear multi-link suspension system, which provides a sharp driving feel for the driver. However, when heavily loaded, the shock absorbers cause the rear of the car to sag, impacting aesthetics and potentially leading to difficulties when traversing rough terrain.

Furthermore, Mr. Tung has upgraded some interior features to better meet his daily needs. These include a 360-degree camera system paired with a large screen, support for wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity (the original screen only supports wired connections), a dashcam, and rear seat sunshades.

In summary, after using the Honda CR-V for over 1.5 years and covering 2.5 thousand km, Mr. Tung rates the car at 8/10. Temporarily overlooking its shortcomings, given the price range of 1 billion VND, it’s challenging to find a “flawless” car. According to Mr. Tung, the CR-V is a well-rounded choice within his budget that satisfies his needs.

Most importantly, the Honda CR-V provides a sense of security: it’s durable, reliable, encounters few minor issues, operates with stability, offers useful safety features, provides sufficient equipment, and offers suitable space for a 7-person family.

Mr. Phan (Tuoitrethudo)