By Veeno Dewan
The popular Honda CR-V compact crossover is a top seller for the company and enters 2024 with a host of changes from 2023. Now in its sixth-generation model, there is an exterior design refresh, more technology and for the first time in Canada, a gasoline hybrid model option. The look is conservative, high quality and nicely honed.
The base gasoline engine is a mostly carryover 1.5L four-cylinder unit updated to reduce noise and vibration. The engine also gains a more effective high-response turbocharger for more constant peak power output over a wider rpm spectrum range. Output remains the same as the outgoing CR-V, with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft. of torque. Peak torque (1,700 – 5,000 rpm) now arrives quicker.
As it was with the departing model, the 1.5 turbo is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), that Honda has tweaked for a more responsive shift action. The CVT also features Step-Shift programming that simulates gear shifts at full throttle. All CR-V models come with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the LX model, where it is optional. The AWD system has been updated so that it can now send up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels.
The 2023 CR-V hybrid model however has an all-new 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine (145 hp / 138 lb-ft.) paired with Honda’s fourth-gen 2-motor hybrid system. Combined output is rated at 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft. of torque and allows for about 61km of pure electric driving range. The 2024 Honda CR-V line up comprises: LX, EX-L (AWD), and Touring Hybrid. The front-wheel drive LX is $35,125 add all-wheel drive and it is $37,925. The Sport is $42,075 and the EX-L is $44,275. The top-tier Touring Hybrid is $49,775. We evaluated the EX-L version that adds exterior upgrades, including fog lights, optional one-touch power tailgate, and a power moonroof. Additions also include: a 7-inch touchscreen display, satellite navigation, and a premium sound system plus an optional full-color heads-up display. The EX-L offers a range of advanced safety features, including blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
The CR-V features a dash mounted seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the EX-L and Touring trims get a nine-inch screen and wireless smartphone connectivity, plus a wireless phone charger. Thankfully, Honda kindly retained the easier to use multimedia volume knob.
Interior highlights include a neat high quality, well-designed and comfortable cabin with good visibility, a huge amount of storage front and rear, a large center console and new seats. The dash is very well designed with stylish hidden vents behind the Honda Civic style honeycomb look dash-panel. Ergonomics are great the display screen bright and clear to read and there are sensible controls and knobs. Meanwhile, rear legroom is increased along with cargo capacity to 1,028 L, increasing to 1,113 L total by lowering the load floor in the LX, Sport, and EX-L models. With the 60/40 split rear seat folded, 2,166 L of total cargo space is available.
Safety is good with Hondas as standard suite of advanced functions, multiple new airbags, collision avoidance and programming for improved pedestrian and cyclist recognition.
On the road, the CR-V is no track star, but it feels refined and composed when compared with the competition. Around corners, the CR-V stays composed and under control. The responsive steering offers enough feedback to smooth over bumps and small potholes and the suspension is pliable.
The CR-V is no Honda Si and errs more to comfort than performance, with the 1.5-liter turbo-4 churning out 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque with no turbo lag detected. Three console operated drive modes are a handy touch with Normal/Snow and Econ modes. Road and wind noise is well insulated. Fuel economy is rated at: (Regular 87) 8.4 / 7.1 / 7.8 L / 100 km (city / highway / combined). Down side are few, towing capacities is low at only 1,000 lb of capacity and the CV-R is not as sporty as its competitors in the acceleration and handling department, not that it will matter to most Honda buyers who value reliability and longevity in their vehicles.
To sum up, the new 2024 Honda CR-V continues the best attributes of the previous generation CR-V with a respectable number of improvements and remains an extraordinarily strong contender in the compact family CUV market. No doubt, it is poised to continue as a strong competitor in the segment and a sales winner for Honda. Fit, finish and equipment levels are good, Highly recommended for families everywhere.
2024 Honda CR-V Priced from: $35,125 to $49,775. Plus, options, PDI and freight.t
More info at www.honda.ca
