2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo S Review

The C-Segment SUV market in Malaysia has always been a battleground for family users and young consumers. A balance between space, power, and intelligent features is the core consideration for most people when purchasing a car. As a veteran contender in this segment, the 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo S maintains its classic family-oriented attributes while optimizing its configuration and driving quality—such as the addition of dual-zone automatic air conditioning, rear independent air vents, and a re-tuned suspension system. The primary purpose of this test drive is to verify its actual performance in daily commuting and weekend family outing scenarios, and to see if it can continue the reputation of the CR-V series.

At first glance, the 2024 CR-V 1.5L Turbo S presents a style that leans towards being steady yet refined. The front adopts Honda's signature wide chrome trim, connecting the LED headlights on both sides, visually widening the proportions of the front end. The trapezoidal grille at the bottom, combined with the black honeycomb trim, adds a touch of sportiness. The side profile of the car features smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the hood to the rear, traversing the front and rear doors. Paired with 17-inch multi-spoke wheels, it looks neat and sleek. At the rear, the LED taillights are arranged horizontally and connected in the middle by a slim chrome trim, echoing the front design. The silver skid plate under the rear bumper enhances the SUV's robust character. The lighting system fully adopts LED light sources, and the automatic headlight function can quickly turn on in tunnels or dark sections, showcasing practical functionality.

Stepping inside, the interior predominantly features a black color scheme, complemented by silver trims for decoration. The overall layout is simple and orderly. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials, offering a delicate texture. The steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather, with multifunctional buttons laid out reasonably for convenient operation. The instrument panel is a 7-inch TFT LCD, capable of displaying information such as RPM, speed, and fuel consumption, with a clear and easy-to-read interface. The central control screen is a 7-inch Display Audio system that supports Bluetooth connectivity and the Sound Plus feature. The sound quality from its 8 speakers is slightly above average for this class. For configurations, the front row is equipped with an 8-way electrically adjustable driver's seat and a 4-way electrically adjustable passenger seat with a wide adjustment range, making it easy to find a comfortable seating position. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, which expands the trunk capacity from the regular 561L to 1668L when folded, suitable for storing strollers or suitcases. The combination of dual-zone automatic air conditioning and independent rear air vents allows front and rear passengers to adjust temperatures individually, enhancing comfort. Additionally, features like keyless entry, one-button start, and an electric sunroof are all included, providing exceptional convenience for daily use.

Space performance is a traditional strength of the CR-V, and its 2701mm wheelbase ranks it among the top in the C-Segment SUV class. The front row offers ample space, with a 175cm tall passenger having a headroom clearance of one fist and two fingers, and plenty of legroom as well. The rear space is similarly excellent; the same passenger sitting in the back will have over two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. Even during long rides, there is no feeling of being cramped. In terms of storage capacity, the front door pockets can hold two 500ml water bottles, and the central armrest box has sufficient depth for small items. The rear door pockets and the cup holders in the central armrest box also meet everyday needs. The trunk, in its regular state, can accommodate three 20-inch suitcases, while the expanded space with the rear seats folded down makes it more than adequate for storing luggage for family trips.

In terms of power, the 2024 CR-V 1.5L Turbo S is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 193PS and a peak torque of 243N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox. During actual driving, the power response is positive at the start, and a light press on the accelerator gives a noticeable push-back feeling; the mid-to-late acceleration is also very linear, and during acceleration from 80km/h, the gearbox can quickly adjust the gear ratio, making overtaking a smooth process. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, the throttle response is slightly slower, suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the power output is more aggressive, ideal for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration. The steering is precise with minimal play, and the effort feels moderate when turning. At low speeds, it feels light; at high speeds, it feels stable, providing ample confidence to the driver. The suspension system consists of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out most of the vibrations, ensuring passengers do not feel significant jolts. When cornering, the body roll is well controlled, the suspension provides adequate support, and the overall stability is good.

Fuel efficiency is an important concern for family users. During this test drive covering about 200km, including urban traffic, highway sections, and suburban roads, with an average speed of approximately 40km/h, the displayed fuel consumption was 7.2L/100km, which is basically consistent with the official combined fuel consumption figure of 7L/100km. The fuel economy performance is decent. Regarding braking, the brake pedal feels linear, with moderate initial braking force and sufficient stopping power in the later stages. During emergency braking, the car remains stable without noticeable nosedive. As for noise control, wind noise and tire noise slightly penetrate the cabin during high-speed driving but remain within acceptable limits. Engine noise is more noticeable during acceleration but gradually diminishes once the RPM stabilizes. Overall, the noise insulation is at a medium level within its class.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo S lies in its well-balanced product attributes: the spacious interior meets the needs of family users, the extensive configuration enhances daily convenience, and the stable power and comfortable suspension tuning are suitable for daily commuting and family outings. Compared to the Toyota RAV4 2.0L of the same class, the CR-V offers stronger power specifications and more features; compared to the Nissan X-Trail 2.0L, the CR-V excels in space performance. It is suitable for users who value space and practicality for family usage, as well as young customers who prioritize configuration and driving comfort. If you are looking for an SUV that can handle both daily commutes and family trips, the 2024 CR-V 1.5L Turbo S would be a good choice.