2023 Honda CR-V Launched in Thailand – 2.0L e:HEV Hybrid, 1.5L VTEC Turbo

Honda Thailand has officially launched the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V into the Kingdom’s market space. This sixth-gen mid-size SUV now comes with Honda’s proprietary e:HEV hybrid powertrain, while boasting either five-or-seven seat configurations – making it a semi three-row SUV of some sort.

2023 Honda CR-V 1.5 Turbo EL (left) and 2.0 e:HEV RS (right)

Shown at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), the Thai-spec CR-V comes in two powertrain flavours that spreads across five variants, where the E, ES 4WD and EL 4WD will get the turbocharged ICE powertrain, and the e:HEV ES and range-topping e:HEV RS variants are primed with the hybrid e:HEV powerplant instead.

For the non-hybrid variants, each of them are primed with Honda’s signature turbocharged mill, the 1.5-litre 4-cyl VTEC Turbo that is paired with a CVT automatic gearbox, capable of churning up to 190 HP and 242 NM. Meanwhile, the hybrid models boast a larger 2.0-litre 4-cyl Atkinson Cycle mill with i-MMD rated at 204 HP and 371 NM that is mated with an e-CVT gearbox.

Visually, the sixth-gen CR-V truly elevates the styling of the nameplate, featuring a slew of classy and sporty bits. Up front, the new CR-V dons a very upmarket-looking front fascia, featuring the redesigned hexagonal front grille finished in black. Flanking the new grille is a pair of LED headlights with Adaptive Driving Beam, LED DRL and sequential LED turn signals on the top part. The lower part of the front bumper features a pair of air vents that sat besides the LED fog lamps.

On the side, all CR-V variants ride on the same 18-inch alloy wheels, while the top-specced RS model rolls on a bigger set of 19-inch alloy wheels with dual five-spoke design, finished in two-tone hue. Another key feature is the automatic folding side mirrors, where the left side comes with a novel Honda LaneWatch camera – part of the car’s advanced drivers assistance system (ADAS) suite.

At the rear, the next-gen CR-V boasts LED taillights with aggressive L-shaped design, sleek rear spoiler, as well as a faux diffuser that matches the body hue. There’s also a powered tailgate at the back, providing more convenience in hauling up the mid-size SUV.

On board, the new CR-V almost mimics the Civic FE, in terms of the front dash layout and at least. Crowned at the centre of the front dash is a 9-inch touch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay mobile connectivity supported, plus a dedicated physical volume knob at its side. Drivers will get a larger 12-inch digital instrument cluster (not available in E variant) that is primed in front of the leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The range-topping RS variant adds novel features like the head-up display (HUD) for the drivers, built-in navigation for the infotainment system, 12-speaker Bose sound system, plus aluminium silver trims and red stitching finishes around the cabin.

Elsewhere, the new CR-V is brimmed with premium equipment such as a wireless charging pad, panoramic sunroof, rear air-cond vents, plus two USB Type-C ports for the rear passengers to charge up their devices on-the-go.

On the safety front, the CR-V comes equipped with Honda Sensing ADAS suite that sports safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Lane-Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), and many more.

Honda Thailand offers the new CR-V in six hue options, namely the Canyon River Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, as well as Ignite Red Metallic – the last one is exclusive for the RS variant.

The Thai-bound 2023 Honda CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo starts at THB 1.419 million (RM186,478) for the baseline E spec, THB 1.599 million (RM208,967) for the ES 4WD spec, and THB 1.649 million (RM215,501) for the seven-seater EL 4WD variant. On the other hand, the hybrid variants are priced at THB 1.589 million (RM207,660) for the e:HEV ES, while the range-topping, fully-loaded e:HEV RS spec commands the heftiest price tag of THB 1.729 million (RM225,956).

With the neighbouring Kingdom now debuting the next-gen CR-V, it is safe to say that it won’t be long until we see one displayed in Honda showrooms across our country. As we previously reported, Honda Malaysia is planning to launch at least three new models this year, with one of them possibly being this new CR-V, poised to replace the ageing fifth-gen CR-V. Specs for the Malaysian-bound CR-V will probably mirror the Thai ones, perhaps with the exception of the seven-seater model, and maybe Honda Malaysia will also exclude the panoramic sunroof option.

Folks, what are your thoughts on this sixth-gen Honda CR-V? Looking forward to seeing this mid-size SUV rolling down our roads soon? As always, don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below…