Review: 2024 Honda CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS - No car is perfect, but this strikes it pretty close
Arvind · Jul 21, 2024 11:00 AM
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At WapCar, we stand by a central belief: there's no such thing as a perfect car – only the perfect car for you. When you prioritize your needs and budget, the choice becomes crystal clear. Forget the marketing fluff and lifestyle mantras; it’s about finding what truly fits your requirements.
Before its grand Malaysian launch, I had the privilege of driving the 2024 Honda CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS in Thailand. From those initial impressions, it was undeniably evident that this was a class-defining vehicle. With its tech and features, it impressed, but only if it came at the right price (i.e.: less than RM 200k) - which it did.
Having driven it on Malaysian roads, a new realisation hits home. The 2024 CR-V RS isn't just one of the best cars on the market today; it has all the makings of WapCar’s Car of the Year. The fact that the range-topping CR-V RS even outsells the entry-level 1.5L S variant speaks volumes about its appeal. Again, no car is perfect, but the 2024 CR-V RS strikes incredibly close. Let's drive.
Overview
Launched at the tail-end of last year, the Honda CR-V was the fourth and final model of a salvo of new products introduced in 2023. The locally assembled (CKD, Pegoh) 2024 Honda CR-V is offered in four variants at the following prices:
CR-V 1.5T S: RM 159,900
CR-V 1.5T E: RM 169,900
CR-V 1.5T V AWD: RM 181,900
CR-V 2.0 RS Hybrid: RM 195,900
The 2024 CR-V RS features the 2.0-litre dual-motor i-MMD petrol-electric hybrid powertrain which develops 184 PS and 335 Nm. Official fuel consumption figures claim 5.0 litres/100km for the 2.0L e:HEV RS.
Compared to the Civic e:HEV RS hybrid the CR-V e:HEV RS produces more torque at 335 Nm instead of the Civic's 315 Nm, due to a redesigned propulsion motor assembly; the maximum motor speed has also been increased (to 14,500 rpm) which increases top speed.
Power is routed to the front wheels through the Honda e-CVT automatic transmission.
The 2024 CR-V are supplied as standard with the (passive reacting) Amplitude Reactive Damper suspension system. It uses a second piston valve within the absorber, to provide precise damping force depending on driving conditions.
This generation is also the first generation to introduce the Hill Descent Control (HDC) that aids drivers when descending down steep hills - maintaining speeds between 3-20 km/h when engaged.
As for safety, the Honda Sensing ADAS suite is standard on all variants and features 9 safety functions that include:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Low-Speed Follow (LSF)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Auto High Beam (AHB)
Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
For the CR-V RS variant, the AHB function is upgraded to the newly introduced Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) system.
The resin resonator installed on the wheelrim of the 2024 CR-V RS
Additionally, the 2024 CR-V RS also receives the RS packages which include specific emblems and the RS body colour scheme, as well as 18-inch Berlina alloy wits specialised resonators which reduce vibration and road noise.
Elsewhere, the 2023 CR-V RS will also get the new Active Shutter Grille which opens/shuts based on the car’s aero efficiency and cooling needs, the hands-free powered tailgate with walkaway close, 360-degree camera and 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Rivals
Given its price tag and spec, the 2023 CR-V RS is rivalled by the Mazda CX-5 2.5G Turbo (2WD) which is priced at RM 183,622 (Premium colour) and develops 228 PS and a whopping 420 Nm. If you want to cast the net a bit wider, there is the (180 PS/265 Nm) Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Max which is priced at RM 195,888.
The Mazda CX-5 is the most powerful and offers superb handling but weak brakes mar the driving experience, the Tucson on the other hand delivers unique styling but its ergonomics disappoint. Thus, the CR-V still wins overall in terms of tech, practicality, refinement and fuel efficiency, albeit whilst being the most expensive of the trio.
Exterior
The 2024 CR-V RS has matured in its design, opting for bold, angular lines reminiscent of American and European SUVs. Given its strong looks and squared-off proportion – you get a sense that the CR-V RS is grown up and wants to box with the big boys. That said it still pays homage to traditional CR-V traits, such as the vertical C-pillar taillights, which look superb.
Also, it’s nice that the lower rung variants ‘S’ and ‘E’ variants don’t look so bare bones even if compared to say the 'V' and RS variants, given the differences are mainly the wheels and some garnishing bits.
However, the RS package, which paints the lower body and bumper regions as well, doesn't work as well with the Platinum White Pearl option, in my opinion. Though the painted bumper finish complements the other CR-V colours, in white, it tends to obscure the car's body lines and look rather bland.
As for the 18-inch wheels, some might appreciate a shinier finish but I love how stealthy and intricate they look.
Interior
But if the truth is in the pudding, any CR-V has to impress on the inside – and the 2024 CR-V RS does.
Though the overall layout of the dashboard is familiar, given the Honda Civic, the first impression is just how wide the cabin is. The seats are nicely padded and position you beautifully towards the steering wheel and pedals – previously only the Mazda CX-5 did this.
The range-topping RS variant includes a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster paired with a 9-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Android Auto still requires a wired connection (Apple CarPlay doesn’t), but the system connects easily and works smoothly too.
The 2024 CR-V RS truly impresses on the inside. Despite the familiar dashboard layout reminiscent of the Honda Civic, the first thing you notice is the cabin's width. The seats are nicely padded, positioning you perfectly towards the steering wheel and pedals – a trait previously seen only in the Mazda CX-5.
The 2024 CR-V RS also boasts aluminium-look garnishes, red ambient lighting, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality and depth
In the rear, the CR-V RS excels in packaging, offering better legroom and headroom compared to rivals like the CX-5 and Tucson. It comfortably seats two with extra space for a backpack or two and can accommodate three with the flat centre seat, though longer trips might require some stretching.
A standout feature is the rear seats' ability to slide fore-aft by up to 190 mm, recline by eight steps up to 10 degrees, and feature a stadium-seat layout for better outward visibility and reduced motion sickness. Kids in the rear seats will quickly nod off to sleep on longer drives.
Boot space is excellent, offering 589 litres, enough to fit multiple travel bags. With the second-row seats down, it expands to a whopping 1,072 litres, capable of accommodating a two-seater sofa. The 2024 CR-V RS variant offers the same boot space as the turbo variants, despite carrying a battery, but it comes with a repair kit instead of a full-sized spare tire.
However, the 2024 CR-V RS isn't perfect. A glaring omission is the lack of lights for the vanity mirror, surprising in a car priced around RM 200k. There are also some hard plastics in the lower door panels and centre console, which you might expect a better finish for the price.
Despite these minor flaws, the refinement levels are greatly improved over its predecessor, especially in terms of tyre and road noise. With an almost silent drivetrain under gentle driving, the 2024 CR-V RS offers a pleasant driving experience on par with its direct rivals.
The 2024 CR-V RS features the most advanced iteration of Honda’s two-motor full hybrid powertrain. Though the working principles are the same – the 2.0-litre 142 PS/189 Nm four-cylinder engine can either drive the wheels (at predetermined speeds) or harvest energy for the battery and propulsion motor.
Where it differs from the Civic RS is the design of the latter propulsion motor. The CR-V RS’ system houses the propulsion motor and generator on a separate axis to achieve a 6.5 percent increase in torque to 335 Nm. The system also has a more compact Power Control Unit (PCU) and Intelligent Power Unit (IPU).
On the road, the engine quietly fades into the background, seamlessly switching between its modes to deliver smooth power and acceleration. The 2024 CR-V RS effortlessly glides at low and mid-speeds. Throttle modulation is great, with every inch of pedal movement matched by a healthy dose of torque. It accelerates up to the speed limit with little fuss.
Keep your foot pinned to the floor, and the 2024 CR-V RS will hit upwards of 160 km/h rather quickly. In our 0-100 km/h test, it delivered a best time of 8.2 seconds, which is plenty quick for daily driving and around 2.5 seconds quicker than what we achieved in the CR-V Turbo AWD variant.
On the highway, the 2024 CR-V RS has all the qualities you’d expect from something of its price and stature: a stable, weighted feeling at speed, good stability and body control, and beautifully calibrated brakes that seamlessly transition between regenerative and mechanical braking.
That said, it isn’t the sharpest if you’re looking to hustle it through a series of corners. Weighing in at 1,735 kg, the 2024 CR-V RS isn’t a featherweight, but it does well to mask its weight in the corners.
It also feels rather flat during quick direction changes, with its mass spread out nicely between the front and rear axles, allowing it to feel planted and poised.
The 2024 Civic RS has a fourth button on the panel below the AC vents to access Sensing functions quickly
As for downsides, and we’re nitpicking here, the 2024 CR-V RS lacks a physical button on the small control panel like the Civic RS, which allows you to quickly access the Sensing features on the instrument cluster. Without it, you have to scroll using the steering wheel controls, which is tedious while on the move.
We also felt that the Active Cruise Control speed modulation – especially when adjusting to a merging vehicle ahead – isn’t as smooth as in the Civic RS. The slightly abrupt responses are most discernible when crawling in traffic at lower speeds.
Fuel Efficiency
Meanwhile, fuel efficiency is superb. Over a 60/40 mix of highway and city driving, covering a total distance of 128.6 km, the 2024 CR-V RS required a top-up of 6.87 litres.
This returns an average fuel efficiency of 5.31 litres/100 km. It’s safe to say nothing comes close, especially for an SUV of this size.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, the 2024 CR-V RS delivers a brilliant powertrain that is refined, powerful, and fuel-efficient, surpassing all its immediate rivals. The superbly designed cabin is practical and comfortable, with rear seat comfort and spaciousness that can rival larger, more expensive SUVs.
This is complemented by surefooted handling and on-road composure, which inspire confidence at speed while remaining easy to drive around town.
On the downside, some interior plastics could be of better quality for the price, and the lack of vanity mirror lights is a notable omission. Additionally, while the Sensing suite remains the most comprehensive in its class, the ACC could offer smoother reactions, particularly in speed modulation in traffic.
No car is perfect, but in the Class of 2024, few come as close to that accolade as the 2024 CR-V RS in providing a superb vehicle for such a wide range of buyer profiles.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
