Honda CR-V 2021 Review

The C-class SUV market has always been a major focus for family car consumers. A balanced space, practical configurations, and stable driving performance are the core needs for most people. As an entry-level naturally aspirated version in the series, the 2021 Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD, priced at RM 146,900 and equipped with standard features such as 6 airbags and electric seats, has become an alternative for many family users who value cost-effectiveness. In this test drive, we mainly focus on whether it meets the demands in daily commutes and family travel scenarios in terms of static practicality and dynamic performance.

In terms of appearance, the 2021 CR-V 2.0 2WD continues the family design language of the series, with an overall style leaning towards stability. The front fascia adopts a wide chrome strip connecting the LED headlights on both sides, with slender daytime running lights that are fairly recognizable when lit; the body side features smooth lines, 17-inch wheels paired with 235/65 R17 tires, offering a simple yet practical design; the rear LED tail lights adopt an L-shaped design, echoing the front fascia. The rear fog lights and reversing radar are standard, taking practicality into consideration in the details.

Inside the vehicle, black serves as the main color for the interior, with the upper part of the center console covered in soft-touch plastic, providing a fairly good tactile feel. The central control layout is clear, with a 7-inch touchscreen at the center that supports the Sound Plus function, paired with 8 speakers, sufficient for daily music listening needs. The instrument panel is fully digital, displaying basic information such as speed and fuel consumption with an intuitive interface. Configuration-wise, keyless entry, electrically folding side mirrors, 8-way electrically adjustable front seats, and rear air conditioning vents are all standard. The addition of a 220V/230V power socket facilitates the use of external appliances for rear passengers, making these features relatively competitive among vehicles in the same price range.

Regarding spatial performance, the body dimensions are 4623mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1679mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2660mm. For the front row, when a 175cm tall person adjusts the seat, there is a headroom of one fist and two fingers; for the rear row, legroom offers two fists of space and headroom one fist, with a comfortable seating posture. The nearly flat central floor ensures that even when three people are seated in the rear, they will not feel cramped. The trunk has a standard capacity of 522L, and folding down the rear 60:40 split seats can provide even more space, sufficient for strollers or suitcases, meeting the storage needs of family travel.

In terms of power, the 2021 CR-V 2.0 2WD is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 154PS and a peak torque output at 4300rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. During daily driving, the power output at the start is smooth with no sudden turbo lag, making it suitable for low-speed commuting in the city. For mid-range acceleration, the accelerator needs to be pressed hard to gain noticeable power, so it’s recommended to allow sufficient distance for overtaking. There are two driving modes available: Normal and Eco. In Eco mode, the throttle response is slightly subdued, making it more suitable for cruising and saving fuel.

As for handling and suspension performance, the steering wheel has moderate weight, minimal play, and accurate steering, offering a light and nimble feel during everyday lane changes or turning. With a combination of front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link independent suspension, the tuning leans towards comfort. It absorbs most bumps when passing over speed bumps or rough roads, ensuring rear passengers will not experience significant jolts. During high-speed cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, providing good overall stability.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.3L/100km. During the test drive, with 70% city roads and 30% highway, the actual fuel consumption was around 7.8L/100km. With a fuel tank capacity of 57L, the range after a full tank is roughly 730km, which can basically cover a week of commuting needs. The braking performance is stable, the brake pedal feedback is linear, and during emergency braking, the vehicle’s posture is stable with no noticeable nosedive.

As for driving comfort, the vehicle's control over tire noise and wind noise is adequate. At a highway speed of 110km/h, conversations inside the cabin do not require significantly raising your voice. The seat cushioning has moderate softness, and lumbar support is adequate, ensuring little to no fatigue during long drives. The electric parking brake and hill-start assist functions are very practical for starting on slopes, avoiding the risk of rolling backward.

Overall, the 2021 Honda CR-V 2.0 2WD's core advantage lies in its balanced practicality and cost-effectiveness. Compared to the 1.5T version at the same price range (starting from RM 165,800), although its power is slightly weaker, the price difference is nearly RM 20,000, and the basic configurations are not compromised, such as six airbags, electric seats, and front/rear parking sensors, all of which come as standard. It is suitable for families with a limited budget who prioritize practical space and configurations, particularly those whose daily commuting is primarily on city roads and who do not have high acceleration performance requirements. If you need stronger power or intelligent driving assistance (such as automatic emergency braking or lane departure warning), you may consider the 1.5T TC-P version. However, if you are only seeking a stable family-use experience, the 2.0 2WD version is already sufficient for most scenarios.