2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo V AWD Review

As Malaysian family users' demand for C-Segment SUVs gradually shifts towards "comprehensive balance," the 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo V AWD, as a popular contender in this segment, once again attracts attention with updated configurations and a mature power system. Its core selling points are the standard all-wheel drive, comprehensive intelligent safety features, and premium seating functions. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether these features truly enhance daily usability while evaluating its performance in balancing power and fuel consumption.

In terms of appearance, the 2024 CR-V maintains Honda’s signature robust style, with an overall design that appears more stable compared to the previous generation. The front face features a large chrome grille connecting the LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognizability; the trapezoidal air intake on the lower front bumper, paired with black plastic surrounds in the fog light area, adds a touch of off-road vibe. The body side's waistline runs from the fender to the taillights, complemented by 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, achieving visual harmony in proportions. At the rear, the through-type LED taillight cluster is embedded with the Honda logo in the center, creating a striking effect when lit. The silver skid plate under the rear bumper, along with the dual exhaust design (decorative only), further enhances the SUV's imposing presence. Full-LED lighting is standard across the lineup, and the addition of automatic headlights and daytime running lights improves convenience.

Sitting inside, the interior is mainly in black with silver trim accents, creating a practical and homey atmosphere. The asymmetrical design of the dashboard with the 9-inch central control screen tilted towards the driver minimizes visual distractions during operation. Physical buttons below the screen are reserved for controlling the air conditioning and volume, making blind operation more convenient. In terms of materials, the top of the dashboard and the armrests on the door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feel decent. Regarding core configurations, the 7-inch TFT instrument panel displays vehicle status, navigation information, and other content; the Sound Plus audio system with 8 speakers offers sound quality slightly above average in this segment. Seat functionality is a highlight, with the driver seat equipped with 8-way electric adjustment and the passenger seat with 4-way electric adjustment. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding, and once folded, the trunk floor is almost flat, providing flexible storage space.

In terms of space, the vehicle measures 4691mm×1866mm×1691mm with a wheelbase of 2700mm, placing it at the mainstream level among C-Segment SUVs. The front row provides ample seating space, with a 175cm passenger having a headroom of around one fist and two fingers after adjusting their posture; the rear row offers about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, making it comfortable even when fully seating three passengers. For storage capabilities, the large central armrest box in the front has considerable capacity, and the door panel storage slots can hold two bottles of water. The trunk’s regular capacity is 589L, which can be expanded to 1634L by folding the rear seats, meeting the luggage needs of family long-distance trips. For comfort, air vents are available in both the front and rear rows. The front row features dual-zone automatic climate control, while the rear row allows for independent air conditioning adjustment. The front seats include a heating function (though it's not often used in Malaysia's climate, it’s better than nothing), and the nearly flat rear floor allows the middle passenger to place their feet comfortably.

The powertrain is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 193PS/6000rpm and a maximum torque of 243N·m/5000rpm, paired with a CVT transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. In actual driving, the power response is enthusiastic during the start-up phase, and you can feel an obvious push-back sensation with a light press on the accelerator. During mid-to-high-speed acceleration, the smooth performance of the transmission is quite good. Although it lacks the shifting thrill of an AT transmission, the linear output of the CVT is more suitable for daily commuting. Switching to sport mode increases throttle sensitivity, maintains the engine at a higher RPM range, and provides ample power reserves for overtaking. The all-wheel-drive system offers better traction on slippery roads or during light off-road conditions. For instance, when driving on country roads during rainy weather, the vehicle's stability is significantly better than the two-wheel-drive version.

In terms of handling and suspension, the steering wheel has moderate weight, minimal play, and clear directional feedback. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, with a tuning bias towards comfort, effectively filtering out most of the surface bumps. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension's rebound speed is fast, avoiding unnecessary shaking. When cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, and the support is satisfactory. The braking performance is stable, with linear pedal travel, providing consistent brake force that responds well to input. During emergency braking, the car maintains a stable posture. In our specialized tests, we measured an actual fuel consumption of about 8.2L/100km under mixed driving conditions (urban traffic + highway cruising), which is slightly higher than the official 7.5L/100km. However, considering the added benefits of the all-wheel-drive system, this fuel consumption level is acceptable within its class.

Regarding driving comfort, noise control is well handled, with wind and tire noise remaining within acceptable levels during highway driving at 110km/h. Engine noise only becomes noticeably intrusive under heavy acceleration. The seats offer good support and cushioning, with minimal discomfort or back pain even after long periods of driving. The automatic start-stop function responds quickly, with minimal vibration during engine shutdown and startup, ensuring a comfortable ride experience. The ACC adaptive cruise control system is convenient for highway usage, allowing the vehicle to automatically follow and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, reducing fatigue during long-distance drives.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo V AWD lies in its well-rounded product strengths: rich safety features (5 airbags, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, etc.), practical space utilization, flexible power output, and the addition of the all-wheel-drive system. Compared to the Toyota RAV4 2.0L AWD in the same class, the CR-V has stronger power parameters and richer seat features. Against the Mazda CX-5 2.5L AWD, the CR-V is priced lower (RM 181,900 vs. CX-5’s RM 199,000), offering better value for money.

This car is suitable for users who prioritize family practicality, especially for those needing to occasionally deal with light off-road or slippery road conditions. At the same time, its comprehensive smart features can meet the demand for technological sophistication from younger users. If you are looking for an SUV that balances daily commuting, family travel, and light outdoor activities, the 2024 Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo V AWD is an excellent choice. With no significant shortcomings and consistently strong performance across the board, it is a family SUV you can "buy with your eyes closed."