Honda CR-V 6th Generation Revealed

Honda North America released their next-gen of Honda CR-V 6th generation. CR-V was classified as a small crossover until a few generations ago, but it has grown over the years and is now in the C-segment sports utility vehicles category “C-SUV.” CR-V stands for Compact Recreational Vehicle [it’s no more compact] and started production back in 1995 as the first generation.

CR-V is a very important model for Honda and especially in the US, and it can be judged from the fact that ever since its launch in 1997, Honda has sold over 5 million units of CR-V in the United States alone, with an average of 300,000 units or more a year since the 4th generation & in fact the 5th gen CR-V outsold the best selling Civic in North America. More importantly, CR-V is one of Honda’s worldwide most sold models.

CR-V competes in a tough segment, including Tucson, Sportage, Rav4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, VW Tiguan, and the list is long. Statistically, CR-V is a runner-up in US & globally, with Rav4 leading the game. Like most of the Honda lineup [ Civic, Accord, Pilot, Ridgeline, HR-V, Odyssey ] primarily designed & developed by Honda North America, the new model is also a result of Honda design studio in LA.

Exterior

Like the 5th generation CR-V which shares its platform with the 10th gen Civic, the 6th generation will share its DNA with the 11th generation Civic which is basically the modified previous generation Honda’s modular global platform. The new CR-V is now bigger than ever, wider & longer, with more rugged and sophisticated looks.

On the front, it takes inspiration from USDM Passport SUV [ read here > https://bit.ly/3PmB2rQ ] as well as Ridgeline Pickup [ read here > https://bit.ly/3axk4YO ]. The new generation is 2.7-inch longer in total length, 1.6-inch longer in wheelbase, and 0.4-inch wider, giving it a more aggressive stance compared to the previous generation. Like 11th generation Civic, the CR-V has also repositioned the A-pillar, which is moved 4.7-inch backward, 2.8-inch outward, and 1.4-inch lower. This gives the vehicle an impression of a longer bonnet while improved visibility on the front.

The front has an overall updated look with a new upright wider grille, new standard LED headlights with DRL, and a newly planted bumper. On the side profile, the side view mirrors are now shifted to door panels, which is the similar design feature we saw on the 11th gen Civic that will improve the outward frontal visibility.

It may look like a Volvo from the rear, but it is not because the elongated vertical tail lights from the first generation are still in this new generation. A roof-mounted spoiler and newly designed LED taillights give it a European premium look. CR-V will come with 235/60R18 alloys standard, while upper trims will have 235 / 55R19.

Interior

If I blindfold you and let you open your eyes while sitting in the new CR-V, you might think this looks like the 11th gen Civic. Yes, the inspiration is visible, especially with a 7or 9-inch touch screen infotainment screen. Apple car-play and android auto come standard, while upper trims get a 15W wireless charger and wire-free cell phone integration. Top of the line also gets a 12-speaker Bose premium Audio system similar to the one we have seen on 11th gen US Civic.

As per Honda, the Bose new CenterPoint technology and Surround-Stage digital signal processing is used, which places all passengers in the middle of the music, regardless of their seating position; this gives a theatrical listening experience. CR-V gets a 7-inch digital cluster similar to the partial digital cluster with an analogue gauge we have seen on PKDM Civic. Nope, there is no option for the fully digital 10.2-inch as seen in the 11th gen Civic.

Like typical newer Honda, the model has a list of convenience features, including dual-zone climate control, power driver and passenger seats and, heated auto-dimming rearview, leather seating on upper trims, and split rear seats, power door mirrors. Yes, there is the option of a sunroof, but no panoramic roof exists. Because of the overall increase in dimensions, the interior room has seen improvement. The cargo space is also one of the largest in the segment, with 36.3 cubic feet of volume, which can be increased to 39.3, while folding rear seats can increase capacity to 76.5.

Mechanicals

Let’s open the bonnet. North American standard model [basic two trims] will be available with a 1.5T 4 cylinder engine [ same as the previous generation and also similar to the Civic]. This engine makes 190hp & 243Nm of Torque. This engine is coupled with a CVT and a driver-selectable ECON / Normal / Snow modes.

The other engine option for North America is 2L Naturally Aspirated [upper two trims], and this engine comes in Honda’s all-new 4th-generation two-motor hybrid-electric system cars. The new system improves efficiency and performance. This engine makes 204hp and 335Nm of Torque. This model is also capable of towing 453 kilograms of the trailer load. Like the standard 1.5T, the Hybrid also comes with the same driving modes with an additional Sports setting.

AWD will also be available as an option for all variants. Honda has implemented an all-new intelligent AWD system with traction management for slippery situations and can send 50% torque to the rear wheel if required. Hill Descent control now also comes standard, which helps control steep or slippery declines with lower tractions.

As per Honda, the overall dynamics of the new CR-V have been improved with sportier handling and driving experience, thanks to a 15% increase in chassis stiffness. The rear subframe is also stiffer, while the rear multilink suspension is also tuned.

Safety

Honda vehicle safety is based on Advanced Compatibility Engineering/ACE architecture, improved for the newer 6th generation. The front and side protection is improved against a crash. Like the 11th generation Civic, CR-V now uses the next generation of Driver and Front Passenger Front Airbags, designed with a doughnut-shaped cradle in the center on U-shaped deployment to reduce brain injury by better controlling head motions in certain types of crashes. Its also for information that this is the world’s first such airbag design with such a feature.

There will be 10 standard airbags, including the rear passenger side, front driver, passenger knee airbags beside front SRS, along with side and curtain airbags. CR-V will come standard with Honda Sensing, and some improvements have been made regarding the new wide-angle camera and millimeter-wave radar.

The new front camera has a 90-degree field of view while radar has a 120-degree field of view; these improvements help recognize objects like pedestrians or vehicles, white road lines, and even bicycles and motorcycles, especially at road intersections. The rest of Honda Sensing’s typical features remain the same, although Traffic Sign Recognition/ TSR, as well as Blind spot information (BSI), is now available across all trim levels.

Pricing

Honda USA didn’t reveal pricing, but it is expected to be similar and possibly with a little bump to the 5th generation. The expected base pricing is around $27,000 while a fully loaded Hybrid can be near mid $30,000. The model will go into production at 2 US plants and one Canadian plant for North American demand.