Honda 5th Generation CR – V Review

Honda CR-V Review –

Honda CR-V had a massive fan following in India. Despite that, Honda delayed its launch in the Indian market for several years and has finally launched it now.

The only thing that held it back earlier was its thirsty petrol engine and rising fuel prices. However, Honda is now introducing the 5th-generation CR-V in India with a diesel engine and a third row of seats, along with a feature-packed list and a premium Honda-like experience. Can it conquer the segment and our hearts once again?

How Does It Look? –

The Honda CR-V has evolved. Every part of this generation reflects that, featuring a bold front grille, subtle chrome accents on the sides, and sleek LED headlamps.

What gives the CR-V a solid road presence is its lower, wider stance and re-engineered bumper.

Dimensions & Weight –

Despite its wide stance, it does not lack space inside. In fact, the 5th-generation CR-V is longer, wider, and taller (L +47 mm, W +35 mm, H +4 mm). The wheelbase has been extended by 40 mm to better accommodate the third row of seats. The SUV now sits 208 mm above the ground in AWD and 198 mm in 2WD variants.

At the front, it gets a chrome grille with horizontal slats. (Note: The international version features a mesh grille to accommodate radar-based safety technology).

Headlamps –

The headlamps are all-LED, as are the DRLs and fog lamps. The headlamps are bright and illuminate the road very well. The diesel variant features chrome surrounds for the fog lamps, whereas the petrol variant gets only an underline garnish—the primary visual difference between the two. Chrome touches along the sides make the car look even more attractive.

Wheels & Tyres –

The 235/60 R18 wheels look large, bold, and are taller and wider than before. The tail lamps are fully functional and come equipped with guide lights and turn indicators.

Overall, the CR-V looks a step ahead of its predecessor—more aggressive, with better road presence and a high-tech vibe.

Interior & Features –

Dashboard –

Starting with the dashboard, it feels vastly superior compared to the previous CR-V. There is extensive use of soft-touch plastics and leather, giving it a luxurious feel. Matte wooden trim on the dashboard, center console, and door pads subtly enhances the cabin appeal.

Instrument Cluster –

The driver gets a 7-inch TFT color display instrument cluster that uses clean graphics for easy readability. A personal favorite is the Torque Distribution Display in the AWD variant, which shows the real-time torque split across each wheel—a fun feature to have!

The driver’s seat is electronically adjustable and includes lumbar support.

Steering Wheel & Infotainment –

The steering wheel is wrapped in soft leather and feels premium to hold. It features controls for audio, calls, volume, cruise control, and instrument cluster menus. The diesel variant also gets paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Atop the dashboard sits a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While it gets essentials like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it misses out on built-in navigation.

Cabin & Practicality –

In making the cabin feel premium, Honda hasn’t forgotten its core value of practicality. You get plenty of storage space throughout the cabin, including an innovative center storage bin with a sliding tray.

For added convenience, Honda has equipped the CR-V with LaneWatch Assist. When you indicate left, a camera positioned under the left ORVM streams live video feed to the central display, allowing you to check side traffic quickly. This feature is especially useful given the CR-V’s wide body.

The rear bench is flat and wide, meaning seating three adults side-by-side should be easy. However, the seats are placed somewhat low and close to the floorboard, which leaves you wanting a bit more under-thigh support.

The cabin feels airy thanks to a large panoramic sunroof. In the diesel variant, the second row can slide forward and backward to create more legroom for third-row passengers. In both petrol and diesel models, the second-row seatbacks recline. The second row also gets dedicated AC vents along with two 2.5A USB charging ports.

(Note: If you plan to be chauffeur-driven and are over 6 feet tall, we highly recommend the petrol version.)

Third Row & Boot Space –

Capacity –

For the first time across 5 generations, the Honda CR-V comes with a third row of seats. To clarify, the third row is available exclusively with the diesel engine, not as an optional add-on.

Space at the very back is tight, making the CR-V best described as a 5+2 seater. Adults will find knee room lacking, making the third-row seats best suited for children—even if the middle row is slid forward. Visibility in the third row is surprisingly good due to the large glass area and elevated seating position. Rear passengers also get dedicated AC vents and a bottle holder on each side.

Boot Space –

• 3-Row Diesel CR-V: Offers 150 liters with all seats up, 472 liters with the third row folded, and expands up to 936 liters with both the second and third rows folded flat. The last bench folds in a 50:50 split, while the second row splits 40:60.
• It includes an adjustable rear tray near the boot opening that can be raised to create a flat loading area.
• The diesel model uses pull-straps to fold the seats down, whereas the 2-row petrol version gets convenient release handles.
• 2-Row Petrol CR-V: Offers 522 liters behind the second row, which expands to 1084 liters when folded flat—plenty of space for large luggage.

Engine & Performance –

Diesel Engine –

For the first time in 5 generations, the CR-V gets a diesel engine in India—a 1.6-litre i-DTEC unit producing a modest 120 PS of power, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Transmission & Driving Dynamics –

This is the same 9-speed transmission used in the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque.

As a result, acceleration in the CR-V feels smooth and linear. While it isn’t thrilling and won’t push you back into your seat, it pulls off the line cleanly. It is an enjoyable car to drive in city traffic. Although it is a 9-speed unit, the top two gears come into play only at triple-digit speeds.

For a sportier feel, engaging Sports Mode holds lower gears longer. You can also take manual control using the paddle shifters (diesel only).

If you want a punchier acceleration experience, the Diesel 2WD is the one to pick. Being 59 kg lighter than the AWD variant, its acceleration feels much livelier.

Petrol Engine –

The petrol variant carries over the proven 2.0-litre i-VTEC motor, producing a healthy 154 PS mated to a CVT transmission.

Unlike the diesel, Honda hasn’t updated the gear selector to buttons here, retaining the traditional gear lever instead. Available solely in 2WD, the petrol engine is refined and revs freely up to 6,000 rpm.

Like the diesel, this engine-transmission combo is tailored for relaxed city commutes and smooth highway cruising. The CVT allows you to cruise comfortably at 100 km/h at just 2,000 rpm.

• For City Commuting: The petrol engine offers the most relaxed drive.
• For Acceleration/Spirited Drive: Choose the Diesel 2WD.
• For Complete Package (Handling + Stability): Choose the Diesel AWD.

Ride, Handling & Safety –

Ride & Handling –

The AWD variant shines when it comes to ride quality. Thanks to suspension dampening valves with separate circuits for low and high-frequency impacts, the CR-V absorbs large potholes effortlessly while staying planted during high-speed highway runs and cornering.

The AWD variant weighs 1725 kg, which keeps it firmly glued to the road at higher speeds. However, at low city speeds, the ride may feel slightly firm over rough patches because low speeds do not activate the high-frequency dampening valves.

When it comes to handling, Active Torque Vectoring sends the right amount of torque to individual wheels, keeping this 15-foot-long SUV composed and under control. Combined with wider tires, taking it through a set of twisty corners is genuinely fun.

• For Winding Mountain Roads: The AWD is definitely the pick.
• 2WD Variants: Feel lighter than the AWD. While their ride quality is slightly bouncier over undulations, they still deliver a compliant ride.

Safety Features –

The CR-V comes loaded with safety equipment, including:

• ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, and Hill Start Assist
• 6 Airbags
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Multi-angle Rearview Camera for easier parking

Our Verdict –

The Honda CR-V is back! Honda’s strategic additions—such as the new diesel engine, a third row of seats, and a premium cabin experience—work strongly in its favor. Coupled with the excellent ride quality and handling of the AWD variant, it offers a true premium Honda experience.

However, if you require the third row, keep in mind that it is suitable mostly for children, available only with the diesel engine, and slightly compromises second-row headroom for tall passengers.