Back in 1995, with the launch of the first generation of the CR-V, Honda was one of the pioneer brands that began to experiment with a new conceptual fusion: combining in the same car aesthetic and functional characteristics typical of an off-road vehicle but with the comfort and the driving dynamics of a car. The result was the birth of compact SUVs, a new category that, almost 30 years later, has emerged worldwide as the reference segment in versatility and usability.
Now, the sixth generation of Honda's CR-V, the company's best-selling model in the world, is presented with a bolder and more robust appearance – with an "Americanized" style, of course – and exceptional levels of functionality, safety, comfort, performance and efficiency.
For the first time in the model, a fully hybrid propulsion system (e:HEV) or a plug-in hybrid drive package (e:PHEV) is also offered. This expansion of the range of propulsion alternatives represents the multi-path approach that the Japanese firm contemplates to achieve full electrification through a wide diversity of products and alternatives according to the needs of its customers.
Engineers have perfected all aspects of the model, focusing on the distinctive values of the CR-V without forgetting the traditional values of sportiness and reliability of the Honda brand, with the aim of creating a more complete, capable and efficient SUV. To achieve this, the company has provided its most sophisticated driving assistance systems, active safety and the most advanced connectivity technologies at its disposal, as well as the use of top quality materials throughout the cabin, which has contributed to elevate the general vehicle proposal, which can now compete in quality with distinguished prestigious brands.
Among the actions implemented to achieve a more sophisticated and refined vehicle is the review and update of the brand's well-known e:HEV powertrain, which now incorporates a smaller battery in the CR-V, but with a higher energy density, and a more efficient engine, while the new e:PHEV powertrain, with its larger battery, offers up to 82 km of all-electric range.
The new CR-V 2024 is equipped with a 2.0 Atkinson cycle engine and two electric motors, IPU automatic transmission (either with a small or large battery depending on whether it is the HEV or PHEV variant). The combustion block develops 148 HP and 189 Nm but reaches a total power of 184 HP and 335 Nm with the contribution of electric assistance in both cases. Its maximum speed is 193 km/h.
The average consumption per 100 km is 5.9 liters for the hybrid and 0.8 liters for the plug-in; a variant that is available for the first time in this model. The hybrid is also available with 2WD or 4WD drive and its towing capacity is now estimated at up to 1,500 kg.
The battery of the PHEV variant has a capacity of 17.7 kW/h, while that of the smaller HEV is 1.06 kW/h. The first offers up to 82 km of autonomy in fully electric mode and its total combined range is 828 km thanks to its 46.5-liter gasoline tank. With the battery depleted, it records a consumption of only 6.2 liters. For its part, the full hybrid uses 5.9 liters and thanks to the 57-liter tank, it reaches a total range of up to 966 km.
Plugged into a charging socket, it recovers from 0 to 100% capacity in 2.5 hours and while driving, its ability to regenerate and recharge electricity allows it to recover the full charge after approximately one hour of driving. In addition to the driving modes, the PHEV has different energy management possibilities or programs: Auto, EV, Charge, Save, while the predictive ECO-Assist function in combination with the navigation system performs optimal energy management. the modes according to the orography or the characteristics of the route.
The new CR-V retains its usual silhouette, but with a design evolution that enhances its presence on the road. It starts from a more aggressive and defined style at the front, with a large opening and a stylized grille opening, where the e:HEV and e:PHEV variants are distinguished by their own designs. At the rear, the combination of the vertical brake light and the turn signal is an intelligent evolution of the unmistakable design of the model's taillights, with LED optics that achieve a new iconic, unmistakable lighting.
Its dimensions are 4,706 mm, with a wheelbase 40 mm greater than in the previous version, and a total distance 80 mm greater as well. This means that in addition to offering rear seat occupants class-leading legroom, it also has more boot capacity and greater stability at high speeds.
The rear cargo space reaches 596 liters in the hybrid and 636 liters in the plug-in. Also new for the CR-V is the presence of a Head Up Display and the HONDA SENSING 360 system, the first application for Europe of this complete omnidirectional safety and driver assistance system that eliminates blind spots around the vehicle and further contributes to avoid collisions.
The CR-V 2024 range, available in 6 exterior colors, is structured in the HEV 4x2 Elegance, HEV 4x4 Advance and PHEV 4x2 Advance Tech versions. Prices start at 51,545 euros for the access version (or €49,645 financing with the brand) and rise to 61,760 euros for the top version (€59,760 with financing). The first deliveries will take place starting in October.
