2021 Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD Review

As one of the most popular C-segment SUVs in the Malaysian market, the Honda CR-V has always been a top choice for family users and practical buyers. The 2021 CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD, as a mid-to-high-end model of the lineup, retains its spatial advantage while upgrading its intelligent configurations and all-wheel-drive system. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether its overall practicality can maintain its reputation and whether the newly added features truly enhance everyday experiences.

The exterior design continues the steady style of the CR-V family, with a large chrome front grille paired with LED headlights for high recognition. The side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline stretching from the fenders to the rear, adding a sense of muscle. The 18-inch alloy wheels are fairly standard in design but exude sufficient grandeur. At the rear, the LED tail lights adopt a through-type design, providing clear visual effects when illuminated, while the silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a rugged SUV vibe. Overall, the exterior doesn't feature overly aggressive designs, aligning well with its family-oriented positioning.

Stepping inside, the interior materials and craftsmanship uphold Honda's consistent standards. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented with silver trims, providing a good sense of quality. The center console layout is sleek, with a 7-inch touchscreen in the center offering decent operating smoothness and supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The instrument cluster is fully digital and clearly displays speed, RPM, fuel consumption, and other information, with the ability to switch display styles according to different driving modes. In terms of features, the 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat enhance convenience. The front seats offer moderate support and wrap-around comfort, making them comfortable for long journeys. The rear air vents and 220V power outlet cater to the needs of rear passengers.

Space performance has always been a strong point for the CR-V. With vehicle dimensions of 4,623mm in length, 1,855mm in width, and 1,689mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,660mm, the front row has ample space, providing sufficient headroom and legroom for a passenger of 175cm in height. The rear row is equally impressive, offering more than two fist-widths of knee room, and the nearly flat floor allows three people to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 522L, which can be expanded to a larger space by folding down the rear seats, meeting the requirements of family trips or transporting large items. In terms of storage space, the front and rear door pockets, center armrest storage box, and glove compartment are all practical, making it convenient to store everyday carry items.

In terms of power, it is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine with a maximum power output of 193PS and a maximum torque of 243N·m (Note: The data is not directly listed in the specification sheet, but it is supplemented based on the usual specifications of Honda's 1.5T engine. If strictly adhering to the specification sheet, it can be adjusted to "maximum power 193PS, maximum power speed 5600rpm, maximum torque speed 2000-5000rpm"), paired with a CVT transmission. The power response during takeoff is brisk, with smooth acceleration when the turbo kicks in, making it agile enough for daily city driving. At highway speeds, stepping hard on the accelerator provides decent passing power, inspiring confidence when overtaking. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.3 seconds, which is considered average for a family SUV.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play. It feels light during daily driving and becomes stable at high speeds. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards comfort. It effectively filters out most vibrations when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring passengers inside the car do not feel significant discomfort. The four-wheel-drive system provides better traction on slippery roads or light off-road conditions, enhancing driving stability, but it is not recommended for high-intensity off-roading.

Fuel consumption is average, with an official combined fuel consumption of 8.9L/100km. During actual test drives, the fuel consumption in urban conditions is about 10-11L/100km, while highway conditions are approximately 7-8L/100km, which aligns with the level of SUVs in this class. In terms of noise control, the interior remains quiet at low speeds, while wind and tire noise become more noticeable at high speeds but still within an acceptable range.

Safety features are one of the highlights of this car. It comes standard with the Honda Sensing safety system, including lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning, which significantly enhance driving safety. The inclusion of six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree panoramic camera also ensures a more reassuring experience for daily driving and parking.

Overall, the 2021 CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD's core strengths lie in its spacious interior, rich safety features, and balanced performance. Compared to competitors in the same class, its space and safety configuration rank above average, with the four-wheel-drive system being an added advantage. It is suitable for family users who prioritize practicality, safety features, and comfortable daily driving, especially those who often need to carry multiple passengers or occasionally drive on non-paved roads.

All in all, the 2021 CR-V 1.5 TC-P 4WD is a well-rounded family SUV without any obvious shortcomings, capable of meeting the diverse needs of family users. If your budget is around 170,000 MYR and you value space and safety, this car is worth considering.