Initially introduced in 1995, the Honda CRV has continued its sales success all over the globe. Presently in its fifth iteration, the 2019 Honda CRV is bound to follow in its predecessors’ tire tracks of great sales figures and legendary Honda reliability. In case you are wondering, “CRV” actually stands for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle and that is exactly what this crossover is all about.
The current generation CRV got its last update and facelift in 2017, which means that it is still quite new in its segment. This new model is larger, lighter, more efficient, and better equipped than any of the previous CRVs. The CRV’s main rivals include the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, Ford Escape, and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Exterior
The 2019 Honda CRV is not only a handsomely-styled crossover SUV, but also looks chic and upscale. The front fascia of the new CRV gets a well-sculpted hood, suave LED headlights, expansive grille with generous doses of chrome, and a muscular bumper that houses the fog lamps, lower air intake, and a faux skid plate.
The CRV’s poised side profile showcases a strong character line, stylish alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, and the ubiquitous black plastic cladding for the lower body. The most standout design feature of the CRV’s rather flat rear is its large but swanky taillights. These lights are also connected by a smart-looking chrome bar that stretches across the big tail gate at the top.
The 2019 Honda CRV comes in at 4.586 meters in length, 1.855 meters in width, 1.678 meters in height, and boasts a 2.660-meter wheelbase. The CRV has a maximum boot capacity of over 1,100 liters with the second row folded.
Interior
The cabin of the 2019 Honda CRV is definitely a posh and well-designed space. Just as with the new Accord, Honda seems to have significantly improved the design, quality, and fit and finish of the interior of the new CRV. There are now more soft touchpoints and higher quality trim, along with improved NVH and comfort.
The CRV has enough room for 5 adults, and even taller passengers won’t have any qualms in the second row. Practicality and the general layout of controls are great, and so is the comfort and design of the seats. The CRV offers plenty of features and some of these are automatic HID headlights, 18-inch rims, power tailgate, keyless-entry with push-button start, leather upholstery, power-operated front seats, electric sunroof, automatic dual-zone climate control, electronic handbrake, digital driver’s display, cruise control, and a touchscreen infotainment unit with navigation.
Safety features in the 2019 CRV include the usual catalogue of airbags and electronic nannies. On top of these and just as with their other newer cars such as the Accord, the new CRV also comes equipped with Honda Sensing. This adds blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, plus a lane-departure camera.
Engine and performance
Under the hood, the 2019 Honda CRV can be equipped with either a 1.5-liter turbocharged, or a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-popper. The base 1.5-liter unit produces 188 HP and 243 Nm of torque, while the 2.4-liter mill makes almost identical 184 HP and 244 Nm of torque. Also, both engines come mated a CVT, though only the bigger motor comes with all-wheel-drive.
The CRV isn’t exactly a speed machine, though it can do the 0-100 km/h run in less than 10 seconds, and top speed is 200 km/h. Meanwhile, fuel consumption numbers vary between 6.8-8.4L/100 km depending on the engine and drive configuration (FWD or AWD).
Verdict
Depending on the variant, the 2019 Honda CRV costs between AED 94,395 to AED 132,195, and insurance premium starts at AED 2,124 for the base 1.5-liter EX variant.
