Review: Honda CR-V 2.0 e:HEV RS – Versatile And Efficient, But Pricey!

Latest sixth-gen Honda CR-V marks the first time said model nameplate takes on an electrified twist, specifically in range-topping 2.0 e:HEV RS form featured.

Electrified? Do Tell…

Yes. In fact, this sixth-generation iteration of Honda’s evergreen and genre-defining mid-sized crossover SUV has been electrified for the first time in range-topping 2.0 e:HEV RS form as tested. Much of its hybrid heart is familiar too – we sampled a similar setup in the Honda Civic 2.0 e:HEV RS.

According to Honda, its unique new approach towards the series-parallel hybrid format delivers high fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions without compromising much on performance and drive dynamics. And the results are very telling indeed in this high-riding SUV cousin of the Civic mentioned.

Instead of a 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill as seen in variants below which, this electrified CR-V range-topper instead adopts a 2.0-litre nat-asp 4-cyl petrol mill augmented by an e-motor and compact 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.

To refresh your memory, the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cyl mill plonked up front serves, for the most parts, as a generator to charge the rather compact 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery fitted aboard. Instead, most of this CR-V’s drive stems from the e-motor that said battery juices.

Like the Civic, as well as smaller-sized and hybridised HR-V, City and City Hatchback variants, Honda’s e:HEV setup only sees the combustion (ICE) mill clutch in under hard acceleration and at higher cruising speeds. For the uninitiated, it will take time to get used to this cycle.

Added electrification not only results in a zippier CR-V compared to its ICE-powered twins, it also leads to a very frugal one with Honda claiming a low average fuel economy of just 5.0 litres/100 KM.

Bolstering this CR-V's fuel efficiency further is the 'ECON' drive mode available.

Do that and you’ll certainly appreciate how much zippier this electrified CR-V feels compared to its pure ICE-powered variants slotted below – evident with its quicker 9-second century sprint time too. Above all though comes this hybrid powertrain’s frugality that’s almost second to none.

Certainly, light-footed drivers won’t find it hard to meet Honda’s claimed 5.0 litres/100 KM fuel economy figure, more so when it’s set into ‘ECON’ drive mode. Simply put, this CR-V is the undisputed segment leader on this front indeed and will appease those who prioritise this ability.

Though not the nimblest or most agile in class, the CR-V 2.0 e:HEV RS is certainly one of the most comfortable and most refined offering in class thanks to its added electrification.

Is The Drive Any Good?

Honestly, this is a bit of a mixed bag. Firstly, the extra weight borne out of the added electrification does see this CR-V feel a little less agile and planted than its simpler ICE-powered iterations. This is especially true when hustled through the twisties – i.e. the Karak Highway stretch.

Certainly, rivals like the slightly smaller but recently refreshed Mazda CX-5, as well as budding left-field alternatives like the Hyundai Tucson and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, all beg to differ in the drive dynamics department. However, these rivals lack the electrified refinement promised by this CR-V hybrid.

As mentioned, added e-power does make for a zippier version of the CR-V, evident through its claimed 9-sec century sprint time.

That said, should you keep the driving pace sane, then this electrified CR-V continues to deliver on high levels of ride comfort that its nameplate is renowned for, perhaps in slightly better stride too. Much of the latter stems from its smooth and near-silent running i powertrain.

This is certainly a much quieter thing to be in compared to the ICE-powered variants slotted below which, but this is perhaps a given with any electrified hybrid offering. The bonus here is of course the added zippiness mentioned, which really shines in the typical daily urban driving cycles.

Certainly, the hybrid setup in this CR-V felt perfectly adept for the typical urban driving regimes. It also delivers surprisingly good electric-only range that's perfect for low- and moderate-speed short commutes and runabouts.

Whilst on this front still, we’ll add that you shouldn’t let the 1.1 kWh battery pack’s ‘compact’ status fool you either. In ‘ECON’ drive mode mentioned, it offers very decent electric-only driving range, and this ability comes into its prime during the typical short, low- and moderate-speed commutes.

Our only gripes stem from this CR-V typically muted steering and chassis feel, and the slightly noticeable tyre roar exuded by the factory-fitted Toyo Proxes R45 tyres shod onto our tester. Nevertheless, none of these stood as deal-breakers, as is the level kit this range-topper packs.

In this range-topping form, Honda has certainly earned some much-needed style points in this variant of the CR-V.

What Else Does This Range-Topper Boast?

First and most obvious here is the arguably ‘sporty’ styling delivered by Honda’s RS aesthetic treatment inside and out. The latter is evident through the gloss black-finished upper and lower grille inserts, 18-inch wheels, side mirror caps and rood rails, not forgetting the subtle aerokit it wears.

By the way, the RS-specific exterior touches mentioned do bode well with the ‘Platinum White Pearl’ paint our tester is dressed in. However, take note that said hue is a special premium, and will cost you an additional RM600 on top of the base sale price.

Gloss black-finished upper and lower grille inserts, 18-inch wheels, roof rails and side mirror caps plus subtle aerokit are all typical hallmarks of Honda's sporty RS exterior aesthetics.

Back to the RS treatment and, inside, it brings sporty-looking black leather upholstery with red contrast pipe-stitching, plus a set of shiny sports pedals. Apart from aesthetics, this RS-badged range-topper also boasts a slew of exclusive kit not primed in most other variants in its line-up.

Highlights of the latter include a larger and interactive 10.2-inch TFT digital instrument panel, a heads-up display (HUD) module, Honda’s latest and novel ‘Key Card’, Active Sound Control suite, a dedicated ‘Sport’ drive mode button, as well as a higher-end Bose 12-speaker audio setup.

Other key additions exclusive to the RS variant as tested include a HUD module, the larger and iteractive TFT instrument panel, novel 'Key Card', and a high-end Bose 12-speaker audio setup.

All of which comes on top of key basics such as keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, dual-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear vents, powered tailgate, not forgetting Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay stemming from its 9-inch central infotainment touchscreen unit.

The same applies on the safety front and, like its other range-toppers, this CR-V is laced with a bevy of Active Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features from the full Honda Sensing suite, which only lacks a bi-directional blindspot monitor (BSM) – you get just Honda LaneWatch left-side camera view instead. Otherwise, the package still delivers a high degree of semi-autonomous driving abilities.

From the get-go, the CR-V offers a respectably large 589-litre standard boot space. This can be expanded slightly thanks to second-row seats that can slide forwards and back slightly. The powered tailgate is standard kit from the E-grade onwards.

Second-row seats can also be folded flat down to grant a cavernous 1,072 litres of cargo space. In other words, this SUV is ready for those annual trips to IKEA.

Is It Still Practical As Ever?

Despite the up-market additions on board and, critically, the added electrification, Honda didn’t compromise on the CR-V base practicality. In fact, you’ll still find no less than 589 litres of cargo-lugging real estate when you pop the rear hatch.

Need more? Fret not as this space is expandable slightly thanks to second-row seats that can slide forwards and back, or massively by folding them flat to attain a cavernous 1,072 litres instead. The presence of a powered tailgate – available from the E-grade onwards – simply adds convenience here too.

That, coupled with all the cleverly placed small storage solutions in the cabin like the deep centre armrest and centre console bins, all make for a very nifty and practical SUV for the daily indeed.

This range-topping CR-V does boast the full Honda Sensing ADAS suite enabling high-degree of semi-autonomous driving. It perhaps lacks a bi-directional blindspot monitor (BSM), but there's at least the Honda LaneWatch Camera view in its stead.

And The Price Of All This?

As tested, the CR-V 2.0 e:HEV RS costs a princely RM195,900 excluding insurance, or the tasty premium pearl white paintjob option mentioned.

Yes, the first electrified hybrid CR-V is also the first in its lineage to ALMOST break the RM200,000 threshold, and perhaps puts this range-topper just slightly out of reach for some. 

For perspective, this electrified range-topper is RM14,000 costlier than the ICE-powered 1.5V variant slotted below, which boasts arguably similar amenities and kit minus the RS-exclusives highlighted.

One key new addition here is a novel cabin ambient lighting suite (left) primed in the V and RS grades whilst dedicated rear A/C vents is standard across the board.

Overall, fit and finish plus the choice of materials used on board are executed well in high quality, though we argue more affordable left-field choices have caught up on this front, as well as kit and tech count.

Yikes! That’s Pricey!

It certainly is, and it seriously begs the question if said premium is worth meeting.  Should you be able to meet such a premium though, you’ll be glad to know that said price does at lease include decent after-sales coverage from Honda Malaysia.

It consists of a 5-year, unlimited mileage base vehicle warranty, a separate 8-year, unlimited mileage hybrid battery warranty plus up to five times free labour service within a 5-year or 100,000 KM span.

Certainly, if you seek a crossover SUV that boasts nearly unmatched fuel efficiency, packaged with equally high comforts, practicality and, arguably, luxe, then this H-badged range-topper is indeed second to none in this space. So, are you willing to meet that premium then?

SPECIFICATIONS

Honda CR-V 2.0 e:HEV RS

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