Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo V AWD Review: Serves Its Purpose

Joshua Chin May 2, 2026

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While perhaps not as fancy as its Chinese competition, there are still some reasons yet to choose the CR-V.

Now, this writer will be the first to hold his hand up and admit that this review may be a tad redundant, because what has to be said about the CR-V has already been said in the three years since its local launch. What’s more is that — thanks to the weird Automacha review timeline — this review may not be all that relevant either, given that it concerns the pre-update model he had on test before the changeover happened.

Then again, it is sometimes still worthwhile to repeat what has perhaps been said multiple times before. Because, in the case of the CR-V at least, for those looking to spend their hard-earned dough (or commit to a long-term loan) on a family SUV, this Honda still really just serves its purpose really, really well.

See, while the new crop of Chinese competitors may edge it out on sheer bang-for-buck and equipment count, the CR-V still manages to do the bigger-picture things just that little bit better. And for this writer at least, who cannonballed it all the way to Ipoh and back on a day trip, it was, for instance, easy to appreciate just how comfortable this CR-V is on the cruise.

As some families will likely find during their balik kampung journeys, the CR-V is particularly adept at munching motorway miles. It remains decently stable and planted at (and sometimes above) highway speeds, while being adequately damped to cope with the occasional imperfections in the road.

What lies under the hood is decently powerful too. A comparatively puny 1.5-litre it may be, but turbocharging does nevertheless mean that this behemoth is capable of moving along with a fair lick of pace. Interestingly too, the power delivery is leans towards linearity, rather than delivering that typical punch-in-the-stomach turbo shove… which further adds to the overall grown-up feel of this CR-V.

And speaking of growing up, this gigantic generation of CR-V no doubt capitalises on Honda’s typical Tardis-like packaging. There were no complaints whatsoever when it came to head- or legroom for four generously proportioned Malaysians on board, and in some markets, there are even two additional seats tucked into the cavernous boot.

Adding to that, the rear row is slightly raised over the front, with there also a decent amount of foot space beneath the front seats despite them being electrically adjustable. The rear seats themselves can recline to a rather significant degree as well, further enhancing comfort for those in the back.

Turning now to perhaps the opposite of comfort, it has to be said that this CR-V has a surprising ability to feel nimble when the road demands it too. The steering has a relatively quick rack for good responsiveness, and while the suspension remains typically cushy, it does actually retain just enough firmness for this SUV to hold its own when the road gets twisty.

Having gotten the macro points on what makes this CR-V so good out of the way, it is worth noting that it still surprises with a few smaller thoughtful touches. For instance, directions from Google Maps via Android Auto is mirrored onto the instrument cluster. The central climate control dial also doubles as a display, showing fan speed as it increases and decreases.

Funnily enough though, one feature that perhaps encapsulates everything there is to say about the CR-V is actually its cameras.

Both the Honda LaneWatch side camera and the surround-view system are disappointingly low in resolution, but the latter compensates with a wide visual field that makes parking this behemoth a relatively easy task. Rather cleverly too, there are physical buttons at either end of the indicator stalk to activate each camera — a smart and intuitive solution.

And really, that pretty much sums up the CR-V. It is not the newest nor the most hip car on the market, and it may miss out on some of the flashy kit that dazzles in the showroom. But like many Hondas, this largest model in its current lineup absolutely nails the day-to-day livability basics — which is precisely why it has been, and still remains, the go-to safe choice for those in the market for a sensible family SUV.