Honda CR-V: Old vs New

The Honda CR-V has been known for its reliability and practicality for a long time. It is loved by SUV enthusiasts for its consistent performance, durability, and comprehensive range of advanced features. To keep up the interest of customers, Honda gave the CR-V a generation upgrade in 2022, making it more attractive, bigger, and better equipped.

The all-new sixth-gen Honda CR-V made its way to Malaysia just last month and has been a sensation among car enthusiasts and buyers alike. 

With the new model, Honda Malaysia is not just taking a step forward; it is making a huge leap in the segment. The comprehensive SUV package of the all‑new CR‑V contributed to its soaring popularity, amassing over 2,000 bookings in just one month, confirms the automaker.

Today, we’ll be comparing the old CR-V with the new 2024 CR-V and see how much the SUV has changed and what new elements it benefits from.

Variants and price

The old Honda CR-V was available in three trims - 2.0L 2WD, 1.5L TC-P 2WD, and 1.5L TC-P 4WD, priced from RM 139,913 to RM 157,616. However, the lineup of the new CR-V is completely different. It includes four variants - S, E, V, and RS Hybrid offered at a starting price of RM 159,900. The E and V trims are priced at RM 169,900 and RM 181,900, respectively. Honda has added the hybrid variant to the SUV’s range for the first time; its pricing will be announced later this year.

Also read: New Honda CR-V: Variants explained

Dimensions

Dimensions	New CR-V	Old CR-V
Length	4,691 mm	4,623 mm
Width	1,866 mm	1,855 mm
Height	1,681 mm	1,679 mm
Wheelbase	2,700 mm	2,640 mm

Size-wise, the new CR-V is 68 mm longer, 11 mm wider, and two mm taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase has also grown by 40 mm to 2,700 mm.

Exterior

The new CR-V is not only bigger than its predecessor but also bolder, thanks to the revamped design. On the front, we can clearly observe a remarkable difference between the new and old versions. The latest model features an aggressive and larger hexagonal grille bracketed by sleeker headlights and a longer bonnet. Towards the rear, it dons the redesigned Volvo-esque tail lights. The side profile also looks sharper with a strong shoulder line and new sets of wheels. The base-spec version is kitted with 17-inch silver alloy wheels while the E and V come with 18-inch alloy wheels. 

The RS trim confirms its unique identity with an active shutter grille on the front lower bumper, RS body styling elements, RS badging, black side mirror covers, roof rails, sleek door handles, shark fin antenna, and 18-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels.

Drivetrain

The E, S, and V variants of the new CR-V are powered by the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine available on the older model. The said mill produces a maximum power of 193 PS at 5,600 rpm and a peak torque of 243 Nm at 2,000 - 5,000 rpm. It comes mated to a continuously variable transmission tied with the FWD system in the S and E and AWD in the V trim. 

The biggest update under the bonnet is the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) mild-hybrid mill powering the top-spec RS variant. It comprises a 2.0-litre NA Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine acting as a generator and an e-motor, which combinedly kick out 184 PS and 335 Nm. The power is sent to the wheels via an e-CVT gearbox.

Interior 

Compared to the predecessor, the cabin of the new CR-V looks more clean and premium. The newly designed dashboard has a wide honeycomb mesh strip, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a freestanding infotainment touchscreen. The base trim features a 7.0-inch display just like the predecessor while the higher trims gain a bigger 9.0-inch unit. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is wireless on the E, V, and RS.

As for the driver display, the new CR-V boasts a 7.0-inch TFT semi-digital instrument display, like the predecessor. However, the hybrid RS exclusively comes with a 10.25-inch fully digital unit and a head-up display.

The gearshift lever now has a more natural and horizontal orientation on the centre console, alongside the electronic parking brake switch, brake hold, and Econ buttons for the turbo. Additionally, the console features a new hill descent control button. A wireless smartphone charger is also available on the E, V, and RS.

Honda has also replaced the old 8-speaker audio system with a new 12-speaker Bose audio system (on the RS trim only), which is a first for Honda Malaysia. The range-topping variant also comes with a Smart Key car, red contrast stitching on the upholstery, steering wheel, gear shift lever cover, and door cards along with silver accent inserts with an aluminium finish, surrounded by gloss black details.

Both old and new CR-Vs are also equipped with a dual-zone air-conditioning system with rear vents, paddle shifters, Smart entry with push-start button, USB ports, power-operated front seats, and remote engine start.

Safety

In terms of safety, the new CR-V sets the benchmark for active and passive safety performance in an SUV. It comes packed with a total of eight airbags (including two knee airbags) for the first time and the Honda CONNECT telematic system as standard across all variants. In comparison, the older model was offered with six airbags.

Coming to the Honda Sensing suite, the latest model benefits from an upgraded pack mated to a Wide‑Angle Radar, Camera, and Sonar Sensor. The number of safety systems in the ADAS package has now increased to nine with the inclusion of Adaptive Driving Beam. The list of continuing bits include - Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Low-Speed Follow,  Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, and Auto High Beam. Also part of the kit is Honda LaneWatch, a multi-view camera system (360‑degree on the higher trims), a tyre pressure monitoring system, and parking sensors.

In a nutshell, the 2024 Honda CR-V is one step ahead of the older model in all aspects, be it the looks, comfort, performance, or features. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Honda e:N1 EV to hit Thai shores soon; Will it come to Malaysia?