2021 Honda CR-V Black Edition Review

The C-segment SUV market in Malaysia has always been a battleground for family users and young consumers, and the 2021 Honda CR-V Black Edition, as the top-spec version of the lineup, has attracted a lot of attention since its launch with its exclusive exterior kit and rich features. The core purpose of our test drive this time is to see whether this car can balance performance, comfort, and practicality in daily use, and to verify whether its top-spec identity is worth the value.

From the exterior, the identity of the Black Edition is very straightforward – the entire car adopts glossy black detailed accents, including the front grille trim, outer rearview mirror covers, 18-inch wheels, and the "CR-V" and "H" badges at the rear, combined with the dark body paint, which gives the overall style a sportier and more refined feel compared to the standard version. The LED headlights and daytime running lights on the front are standard, with sharp designs and sufficient brightness when lit. The side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the fender to the rear, making the body appear more elongated. The horizontally designed LED taillights at the rear echo the front styling, while the silver skid plate at the bottom of the rear bumper retains the ruggedness of an SUV. It is worth mentioning that the car comes with both front and rear fog lights, which are very practical during Malaysia's frequent rainy weather.

Opening the door, the interior feels more solid than expected. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, accented with silver trims, and maintains a simple and clear layout. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the central control hub, offering decent responsiveness and smooth operation, and supports the Sound Plus function. Together with the 8 speakers, it provides a satisfactory experience for daily music listening or navigation. The instrument panel is a full LCD design, offering clear displays and the ability to toggle real-time information like fuel consumption and power output. The steering wheel comes with paddle shifters and multifunctional buttons, making it very convenient to operate. The seats are one of the highlights of the Black Edition: the driver’s seat features 8-way power adjustment, the passenger’s seat has 4-way power adjustment, and the leather upholstery offers just the right amount of support and comfort, ensuring no fatigue during extended journeys. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding configuration, expanding the trunk capacity from 522L to an even larger space when folded down, making it easy to store strollers or large luggage items. In terms of space, the 2660mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom in the rear, with about a two-fist clearance for a 180cm passenger, without compromising headroom. The rear seats are also equipped with independent air conditioning vents and power outlets, catering to family users' needs in finer details.

Regarding power, the 1.5L Turbo engine delivers a maximum output of 193PS, with maximum torque sustained between 2000-5000rpm, paired with a CVT gearbox providing smooth daily driving. Power response at startup is quick, with no noticeable turbo lag, and acceleration to 60km/h feels light and effortless. When overtaking and pressing the accelerator deeper, the gearbox actively simulates shifting, delivering a direct power output. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.8 seconds places it at an upper-middle level among its peers. There are two driving modes available: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity is improved, with RPMs maintained at higher ranges, making it suited for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration. The chassis features MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear, tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or driving on bumpy roads, the suspension absorbs most of the shocks, and the body shows minimal bounce. Stability is commendable at high speeds, with moderate steering precision and minimal play. Body roll is well-controlled when cornering, imparting an overall feeling of stability in handling. As for fuel economy, after a week of test driving split equally between city and highway routes, we achieved an average fuel consumption of about 7.5L/100km – close to the official figure of 7L. For a 1.5-ton SUV, this performance can be considered economical.

The comfort details of daily driving are well thought out: the sound insulation is good, with wind and tire noise at 120km/h on the highway being within an acceptable range and not affecting conversations inside the car; electric parking brake and hill-start assist come as standard, making hill starts or parking very convenient; rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights automatically respond to weather changes, reducing the hassle of manual operation. Safety features are a highlight of the Black Edition, with 6 airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system, all providing sufficient safety assurance during daily driving.

In summary, the core strength of the 2021 Honda CR-V Black Edition lies in its balance: adequate power, practical space, and rich features, especially in terms of safety and comfort configurations, making it more comprehensive compared to some competitors in the same class. When compared to similarly priced versions of the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5, features like electrically adjustable seats and a full LCD instrument panel make it more appealing. Coupled with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, it offers exceptional value. This vehicle is ideal for users who prioritize family practicality—it provides ample space, is fuel-efficient, and has considerate features, while the exclusive Black Edition appearance also meets young people's desire for a refined aesthetic. If you're looking for a C-segment SUV with no obvious shortcomings that can balance daily commuting and family travel, it is a reliable choice.