2021 Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD Review

Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has always been a popular choice for family users. The 2021 Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD, as one of the mainstream models in this segment, maintains high attention due to its balanced configuration and reliable reputation. This time, we have obtained the real vehicle, and the main purpose is to evaluate its 2.0L naturally aspirated engine’s performance in daily commuting, as well as to assess whether its claimed configuration truly enhances practicality, providing potential buyers with a more intuitive reference.

In terms of appearance, the 2021 CR-V 2.0 2WD continues the tough and robust family design. The front features a large chrome grille paired with LED automatic headlights, which give it a high level of recognition. The side body lines are straight, and the 17-inch wheels are well-proportioned to the body, preventing it from appearing small. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a horizontal design, visually broadening the width, while the combination of rear fog lights and reversing radar meets the safety expectations for its price range. The overall design avoids excessive flashy elements, making it appealing and in tune with family users' aesthetic preferences.

Stepping inside, the interior layout focuses on practicality, with the center console tilted towards the driver for more convenient operation. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports the Sound Plus function and is paired with 8 speakers, offering audio quality that is above average within the same class. The instrument cluster adopts a full LCD design, clearly displaying information like fuel consumption and speed. The steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters and multifunction buttons, making it convenient to adjust the volume or switch songs during daily driving. In terms of materials, the top of the center console is covered with soft-touch materials, providing a decent tactile feel without any noticeable sense of being cheap. For features, the front seats support 8-way (driver) and 4-way (passenger) electric adjustments, the rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents, and the inclusion of a 220V/230V power socket makes it convenient for rear passengers to use electronic devices. Overall, the configuration outperforms some competitors in the same price range.

Space performance is a traditional advantage of the CR-V. The 4623mm length and 2660mm wheelbase ensure ample passenger space. For a 175cm tall passenger sitting in the front row, there is about a fist and two fingers of headroom. In the rear row, the legroom exceeds two fists, and the headroom allows about one fist, ensuring a comfortable experience even during long rides. The trunk offers a capacity of 522L, which can accommodate two 28-inch suitcases with space to spare. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design, which, when folded, expands the storage space to accommodate family trips or large items. Additionally, there are multiple storage compartments in the car, such as the central armrest box and door storage slots, making it easy to store small daily items.

In terms of performance, the 2021 CR-V 2.0 2WD features a 1997mL naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 154PS, with a peak torque output at 4300rpm. Paired with a CVT transmission, the power response during startup is relatively smooth, lacking the surge of turbocharged models, but it is entirely sufficient for daily commuting. During mid-to-high-range acceleration, pressing the accelerator deeply allows the transmission to shift gears smoothly, ensuring stable power output, though overtaking requires a bit of pre-emptive distance. There are two driving modes, Normal and ECON. In ECON mode, the power delivery is softer, making it suitable for congested urban roads.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel offers precise control with minimal play, making it easy for daily driving; the front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension are tuned for comfort, effectively absorbing most vibrations when going over speed bumps or uneven roads without feeling overly stiff; during cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, so it doesn't feel unsteady. The braking performance is stable, the brake pedal travel is moderate, and the braking force is released in a linear manner, which inspires confidence in daily driving.

In the fuel consumption test, we drove 50 km each on urban congested roads and highways, and the combined fuel consumption was approximately 7.8L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 7.3L/100km. However, considering the congested urban traffic conditions, this result is within the normal range for 2.0L gasoline SUVs in the same class. As for noise control, the cabin remains quite quiet at speeds below 60 km/h. At speeds above 80 km/h, wind noise and tire noise become more noticeable but do not hinder normal conversations.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2021 Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD lies in its balance—ample space, comprehensive features (such as 6 airbags, front and rear parking cameras, electric seats), and a reliable powertrain—all of which hit the key needs of family users. Compared to competitors in the same segment like the Toyota RAV4 2.0G, the CR-V offers richer features at a similar price point, making it more cost-effective; and compared to the Nissan X-Trail 2.0, the CR-V outperforms in terms of space and handling.

This car is suitable for family users who value practicality and reliability, especially those who often travel with family members and have certain requirements for space and features. It has no significant weaknesses, performs consistently well in all aspects, and is a safe choice for a family SUV. If you're looking for a comprehensive-featured, spacious C-Segment SUV, the 2021 Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD is worth considering.