2021 Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD Review

Today, Malaysia's C-segment SUV market is highly competitive. When choosing a car for family use, people value both practical space and safety features, as well as performance. The 2021 Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD is a popular contender in this segment. It not only continues the reputation of the CR-V series but also offers targeted upgrades in features and performance, such as a full set of standard active safety systems and a 193PS turbocharged engine. In this test drive, we focused on experiencing its daily practicality, power response, and highway stability to see if it truly meets the core needs of Malaysian consumers.

From the exterior, the 2021 CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD retains a calm and imposing style, with smooth but understated lines throughout. The front features Honda's signature chrome grille design, paired with LED headlights and daytime running lights, offering high recognizability. The side profile has a waistline extending from the front to the rear of the vehicle, combined with 18-inch alloy wheels, giving it a more powerful presence. The rear LED lights adopt a cross-through design, complemented by a silver skid plate for a refined visual effect. The lighting system comes standard with LED, and the addition of automatic headlights and front fog lights is especially convenient for Malaysia’s changing weather conditions.

Sitting inside, the materials and layout of the interior emphasize practicality. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented by silver trim, giving it a premium feel. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is positioned at the top of the center console, operates smoothly, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it very convenient for daily use. The instrument cluster is a fully digital design, capable of displaying fuel consumption, speed, navigation, and other information in a clear and easy-to-read interface. In terms of features, the front seats support 8-way electric adjustment for the driver and 4-way electric adjustment for the passenger. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 ratio, increasing the luggage capacity from 522L to an even larger space, ideal for storing strollers or suitcases. The addition of rear air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet caters to the needs of rear-seat passengers. Features like keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, and electrically folding side mirrors make daily use more convenient.

Space is one of the key advantages of the CR-V. The car measures 4623mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1679mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2660mm. The front-row seating offers ample space, providing enough head and legroom for passengers up to 180cm in height. The rear seating area is even more impressive, offering more than two fists of legroom and over one fist of headroom, allowing three adults to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. In terms of storage, both front and rear door panels are equipped with storage compartments. The central armrest box has a large capacity and includes cup holders to accommodate daily small items with ease.

In terms of performance, this car is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine delivering a maximum power output of 193PS and a peak torque of 243N·m (official data), paired with a CVT transmission. In real-world driving, the car accelerates briskly, with a responsive throttle. It is easy to overtake or follow traffic at low speeds in urban driving. When switched to sport mode, the power delivery becomes more aggressive, and on highways, pressing the accelerator prompts the transmission to quickly adjust the gear ratio, providing power on demand. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 8.9 seconds, which is considered above average in its class. Fuel efficiency is also noteworthy, with an official combined fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km. During our test drive, urban conditions resulted in about 7.5L/100km, while highway driving reduced it to about 6L/100km, making it quite fuel-efficient for family users.

The handling and chassis performance are commendable. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, offering a stable and solid feel at high speeds while remaining light and effortless at low speeds, making it suitable for female drivers. The suspension system features a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It absorbs most vibrations when passing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, avoiding significant jolts. The body roll is well-controlled during cornering, providing good stability. The braking system is linear, with sufficient stopping power, giving drivers confidence during emergency braking.

Safety features are a highlight of this car. The entire lineup comes standard with the Honda Sensing safety system, including lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. During highway driving, the adaptive cruise control can automatically follow the vehicle ahead, and lane-keeping assist can correct the steering, significantly reducing driving fatigue. Six airbags (front dual airbags, side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, and other features are all included, making its safety performance among the best in its class.

In terms of ride comfort, the sound insulation is impressive. Wind and tire noise are well-controlled even at high speeds, ensuring that it does not disrupt conversations inside the cabin. The seat cushioning and support are well-designed, allowing for long drives without discomfort. The CVT transmission offers excellent smoothness with almost no noticeable jerks during gear shifts, providing a very comfortable daily driving experience.

Overall, the 2021 Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD has very clear core advantages: spacious interior, rich configurations, ample power, and high safety performance. Compared to competitors in the same class (such as the Toyota RAV4 2.0L or Mazda CX-5 2.0L), it offers stronger power, more comprehensive features, and a more advantageous price (RM 165,800), making it highly cost-effective.

This car is well-suited for a particular group of users: families that value space and safety, or young individuals who need to balance daily commuting with weekend outings. It can meet the needs of daily commuting as well as long-distance travel for the whole family, offering a balanced mix of utility and comfort.

In conclusion, the 2021 Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD is an all-around well-balanced C-segment SUV. It has no obvious shortcomings and meets the needs of Malaysian consumers in terms of space, power, features, and safety. It is one of the ideal choices for family users.