The Honda CR-V stands for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle.” As its name implies, the compact crossover has proven itself to be a worthy choice for many modern Filipino families with the urban jungle being their territory. It was in the late '90s when the Philippines saw the beginning of what is now one of the most popular automotive categories in the country. Two decades later, the CR-V remains to be one of the most prominent nameplates in the segment. It now has five rich generations under its belt, and for the first time in Asia, Honda is offering the CR-V with a diesel engine.
The CR-V is available in two variants – the 7-seater diesel and 5-seater gasoline. The diesel-powered CR-V has 3 subvariants: SX Diesel 9AT AWD, S Diesel 9AT, and V Diesel 9AT. All of these will be using the 1.6 i-DTEC turbodiesel engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Gear Selector. The 5-seater variant, on the other hand, will be powered by a 2.0 i-VTEC gasoline engine, which comes with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Launch
The fifth-generation Honda originally entered the Philippine market on August 8, 2017. It came available with four variants and two engine options. The first being a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and the second being a 1.6-liter turbo diesel motor. The gasoline engine was only made available with the 5-seater variant while the diesel motor can only be found in the vehicle’s 7-seater configuration. A limited Touring variant would later be added to the lineup then discontinued
On October 22, 2020, Honda Philippines would later refresh the compact crossover and launch it alongside its stablemate the Honda City. The Japanese brand would also add the Honda SENSING safety suite to the S and SX variants of the CR-V.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Honda CR-V comes in a compact crossover form factor that utilizes the Honda Compact Global Platform and comes in either a front-engine front-wheel-drive or front-engine all-wheel-drive layout. Engine options for the crossover include a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter turbo diesel motor. The gasoline powertrain makes 154hp at 6,500rpm and 189 Nm of torque at 4,300rpm. The diesel engine, on the other hand, makes120hp at 4,000rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. Both engine options meet the EURO 4 requirements for the Philippines.
For suspension, the Honda CR-V rides on MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension setup at the rear. Stopping power comes from ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear. Depending on the variant the compact crossover will ride on between 17 to 18-inch alloys wheels. Tire sizes start at 235/65/R17 for the entry-level variant and go all the way up to 235/60/R18 for the higher trim levels.
Chassis
Class
Compact Crossover
Body Style
5-Door SUV
Platform
Layout
Front Engine, Front-Wheel Drive
Front Engine, All-Wheel Drive
Platform
Honda Compact Global Platform (10th-generation Civic)
The CR-V handles well as the car isn't bouncy and can still absorb road imperfections without impacting the vehicle’s ride comfort. The vehicle does have body roll but it isn't as severe as SUVs. While the crossover does have an all-wheel-drive system, it isn't recommended to take it off road.
The power delivery of the diesel and gasoline variants are smooth thanks to their respective transmissions. The 9-speed does an excellent job of keeping the engine within its powerband, while the CVT keeps things optimized for the gasoline engine.
Technology Features
The Honda CR-V features either a 5 or 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system depending on the variant. Higher grades get access to smartphone mirroring applications such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as navigation, while lower variants only get Bluetooth, Aux, and USB connectivity.
All variants of the compact crossover come standard with a driver attention monitoring system as well as rear air-conditioning vents with independent controls for the rear passengers. Two 12-volt accessory sockets are also available across the variant lineup. Smart key with a push to start system is available for the higher grades, while the lower grades get a keyless entry system as standard. For those who want to make the most out of their fuel, an Eco button is available to change the mapping of the vehicle. It also includes an Eco-coaching feature to help you get that extra mile.
Exterior
The Honda CR-V comes with a refined yet straightforward and uncomplicated design language. It gives the compact crossover a sportier look while retaining a premium feel. Other exterior features include power-adjustable and power-folding side mirrors as well as refreshed bumpers. Lighting elements for the CR-V range start with halogen projectors for the lower trim-level, while full LED lighting along with auto-leveling can be found on the higher variants. At the rear, all variants of the compact crossover come with LED guide type tail lamps.
The Honda CR-V comes in six colors: Crystal Black Pearl, Dark Olive Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, and White Orchid Pearl
Interior
On the inside, the Honda CR-V features and black interior with black leather seats for all variants. Over in the center of the dashboard is a 5-inch or 7-inch infotainment system depending on the variant. It features Bluetooth and a hands-free telephone feature as standard for both sizes. Sound is sent through 4-speakers for the lower variants, while the higher trim-level gets an 8-speaker sound system in a 4-speaker 4-tweeter configuration. For air-conditioning, CR-V features single-zone automatic climate controls for the lower grades, while the other higher variants get dual-zone and intelligent dual-zone automatic climate controls.
A notable feature of the CR-V is the lack of a physical gear lever for the diesel-fed variants. The single gasoline variant comes with a more conventional gear lever, however. For convenience, the crossover also features a multi-view reverse camera to make parking a breeze. It also comes with a lane watch camera and a low tire pressure warning system.
Safety
The Honda CR-V in the Philippines now comes standard with the following safety features: dual front airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, 3-point seatbelts for all occupants, vehicle stability control, and ISOFIX tethers. For the 2021 model refresh S variant has now gained access to Honda SENSING as standard. This gives the vehicle new safety features such as Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Low-Speed Follow, and Lane Keep Assist.
Connect with the top Honda sales agents in the Philippines. These agents have good reply speeds, process transactions quickly and have good customer reviews
The 2021 Honda CR-V comes back to the market with a new face in the Philippines. Watch our review of Honda's new and improved compact crossover that has features like a wireless charger and a panoramic sunroof. Under the hood beats the same 1.6-liter diesel engine with enough punch to make bigger diesel SUVs worried. A comfortable runabout for the city or out of it, catch it on this episode of Behind the Wheel.
Honda is on a streak these days, releasing a new model after another. This time, it’s the all-new CR-V that can carry seven people and is powered by a new 1.6L i-DTEC turbo diesel engine.
Our Verified Buyer Reviews come from confirmed customers that have had their purchase registered on the AutoDeal platform.
Lyle Asprwe
Verified Buyer
Honda CR-V 1.6 S DSL AT Honda SENSING
Purchased from Honda Cars, Makati
4.8/5
July 20, 2021
Overall the experience of acquiring and eventually using the crv is nice. We were aptly catered to by our agent dealer from Honda Magallanes politely and delivery date was on sched......
Overall the experience of acquiring and eventually using the crv is nice. We were aptly catered to by our agent dealer from Honda Magallanes politely and delivery date was on schedule. I just hope we get the same treatment with their aftersales team.
We bought our honda CR-V in late 2019. At first we didn't have any problems until this year. At some slopes for some weird reason the gear won't shift and stays at a high rpm. Ever......
We bought our honda CR-V in late 2019. At first we didn't have any problems until this year. At some slopes for some weird reason the gear won't shift and stays at a high rpm. Everything else is awesome though just the gearbox problem
Excellent car and am really surprised. The engine may only be 1.6T diesel, but as Caco said in the review, it is quite capable. I test drive several SUVs before opting to the CR-V......
Excellent car and am really surprised. The engine may only be 1.6T diesel, but as Caco said in the review, it is quite capable. I test drive several SUVs before opting to the CR-V and power wise on city driving, the power difference is barely noticeable.
As for space, yes it is a 5 for me. I came from a sedan (Elantra) and the reason I upgraded to a larger vehicle is not to haul more people but for a more spacious and comfortable trip. True enough, the CR-V delivers on interior space.
I would have given this an all 5 rating but for interior features, I just can't get the Android Auto feature to work wirelessly so I guess it's an old Head Unit or simply doesn't support it unlike other cars. Also the rear seats can be reclined but not via the usual lever at the side but rather via a strap over your shoulder.
Ask our team of experts any question and we will do our best to give you the best answer possible.
Does the Honda CR-V come with a diesel engine?
The Honda CR-V comes with a diesel engine in the Philippines, however, a gasoline-powered variant is also available for the lower trim-levels.
Will Honda change the CR-V for 2020?
A facelifted CR-V was launched in 2019, which will presumably come in 2020 for a complete lineup change for Honda Cars Philippines.
Is Honda CR-V all-wheel-drive?
The top-spec CR-V SX variant is the only trim level that comes as an all-wheel-drive in the Philippines. Other variants only come as front-wheel drive.
What does C, R, and V stand for in the Honda CR-V?
The name of the Honda CR-V is play on the initials of the phrase Compact Recreational Vehicle.
Is the Honda CR-V a good car?
Based on our reviews, whether you're looking at the gasoline or diesel variant of the CR-V, it presents a good compact SUV offering for any car buyer. It's spacious and can provide power when needed, plus it's laden with tech features that make driving safe and convenient.
Important: AutoDeal.com.ph aims to provide the most accurate and updated vehicle information as possible. However, please note that vehicle specifications, prices, and images may be changed by the manufacturers and dealerships without prior notice. Always test drive a vehicle before purchasing. If you spot a potential mistake, feel free to contact us at info@autodeal.com.ph.
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Tested Variant: Honda CR-V 1.6 SX Diesel AT AWD
