Honda CR-V Automatic

The Honda CR-V Automatic is a well-rounded SUV that caters to a wide range of needs. It comes with a 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine or a 2.0-litre petrol engine, both mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine, though not the most refined, offers good torque and responsiveness, especially in city driving. The CR-V boasts a premium cabin with features like powered front seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ride quality is one of its standout aspects, handling various road conditions with ease. Additionally, the CR-V offers advanced safety features such as driver and curtain airbags, brake hold assist, and hill start assist. Although it has been discontinued in India, the CR-V remains a desirable option for those seeking a comfortable, feature-rich SUV with good fuel efficiency.

The Honda CR-V Automatic, particularly the 2018 and later models, offers a compelling package for those seeking a blend of comfort, features, and practicality. While it may not be the most powerful SUV in its segment, its 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, especially in urban settings. The ride quality is exceptional, handling bumps and potholes with ease, and the handling is surprisingly good, with minimal body roll in corners. However, the diesel engines refinement is a letdown, with a noticeable diesel drone. The interior is plush, with premium materials and a host of features like a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as the laggy touchscreen and compromised second-row headroom in diesel variants, the CR-V remains a solid choice for those prioritizing comfort and convenience.

The 2024 Honda CR-V has introduced a new hybrid Sport-L trim, which slots between the Sport and Sport Touring trims. This new trim features leather seats, a power liftgate, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and sporty gloss-black trim accents. It also comes with a 9-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone charging. I think this addition makes the CR-V even more appealing to those looking for a blend of style and functionality.

Honda has emphasized the advanced safety features in the 2024 CR-V, including the standard Honda Sensing suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Additionally, features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims. This robust safety package is a significant selling point for the CR-V.

The 2024 Honda CR-V boasts improved power and efficiency, particularly with its hybrid models. The hybrid trims, including the new Sport-L, offer a combined output of 204 horsepower and 247 pounds-feet of torque, along with impressive fuel efficiency ratings of up to 40 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models. This makes the CR-V a strong contender in the compact SUV market.

The 2024 Honda CR-V features a redesigned interior with ample cargo space and comfortable seating. The vehicle offers up to 76.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats folded, and the interior includes features like heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Bose Premium Sound System on the Sport Touring trim. I believe the interior updates make the CR-V a great choice for families and road trips.

Honda has highlighted the technological advancements in the 2024 CR-V, including a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen display depending on the trim, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. The top trims also feature a navigation system, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a premium audio system. These tech features enhance the driving experience significantly.

The Honda CR-V, during its time in the Indian market, was priced between Rs 28.27 lakh and Rs 29.49 lakh (ex-showroom). On-road prices varied depending on the state and local taxes, but you could expect to pay around Rs 32-35 lakh. This pricing positioned the CR-V as a premium offering, competing with other high-end SUVs. While the price might seem steep, the CR-Vs extensive feature list, comfortable ride, and robust build quality justify the cost. However, with Honda having discontinued the CR-V in India, these prices are now relevant only for those looking to purchase from existing stock or the used car market.

The mileage of the Honda CR-V Automatic is a significant factor for potential buyers. The diesel automatic variant offers a claimed fuel efficiency of up to 19.5 kmpl, which is quite impressive for an SUV of its size. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 11-14 kmpl in city driving and up to 17-18 kmpl on the highway. This makes the CR-V a relatively economical choice, especially for those who prioritize fuel efficiency without compromising on comfort and features.