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When it comes to the entry-level models, these are vehicles that often come with far fewer features than that of their higher-end counterparts. This is what makes these variants more affordable as they offer you less to keep a competitive price point. Such isn’t the case with the 2021 Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT, the latest iteration of the popular crossover that manages to offer you a lot without sacrificing features. While it’s better known for its diesel-powered model, the gasoline variant still has a lot to offer for especially for those looking for high-end features but with an affordable price tag.
4.4 / 5
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.0/5
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 4.0/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.5/5
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.5/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.5/5
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 4.5/5
What You Will Like
- A great number of features even for a entry-level model
- Customizable infotainment system
- Impressive ride comfort
What You Won't Like
- Delay in the paddle shifters
- No power adjustability for the driver's seat
Exterior
On the outside, the Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT largely retains the same look and feel as its pre-facelifted model. Where the two differ are in the minor details. The facelifted model now comes with a new front bumper, a new blacked-out grille, a revised rear bumper garnish, smoked taillights, and a new set of 18-inch wheels. The new front bumper together with the blacked-out grille gives the crossover a more squared appearance at the front giving it a more macho-looking stance. Together these improvements give the vehicle a more imposing look, thanks to the reduction of chrome.
As this is a minor facelift, the 2.0 S variant largely retains the same exterior kit as the pre-facelifted model. It still comes with LED headlights paired with LED daytime running lamps and it still comes with halogen foglights. Looks-wise the 2.0 S variant still looks about the same as its diesel-powered SX brother with the exception of more rectangular LED foglights and of course the i-VTEC badge at the back. All in all the Honda CR-V 2.0 S does well to look and feel above its price point. It has similar looks to the SX model and even shares the same 18-inch wheel design.
Interior
Enter the cabin and you are greeted by a familiar layout. Honda hasn’t changed much with the interior of its popular crossover especially since this latest version is a minor upgrade. Everything is still easily within reach and the controls haven’t changed from the pre-facelift model. It still retains soft-touch materials all around and especially on the dashboard which helps maintain a premium looking and feeling cabin area. One thing to take note of, however, is that Honda has moved the location of the USB ports from inside the center console to under the gear shifter for the 2.0-liter S model. Aside from that nothing else has changed with the vehicle
You still get comfortable leather seats all around with the same rectangular pattern as before. Over in the rear air vents are still present along with two USB ports as well. While the model does carry the S badge, there are no power seats here as it only comes with manual adjustability. While the power-adjustability feature would have been a great addition, it is understandable why Honda didn’t include it in its entry-level model.
Space is plentiful with the 2.0-liter S model as there is no third row to obstruct the rear. With its other variants, the third row creates a bump at the rear reducing cargo space to below 1,000-liters. Without the third row, however, cargo space increases to about 1053-liters worth of space.
Comfort
Like its pre-facelifted model, the updated Honda CR-V rides comfortably. Its suspension can easily handle and absorb bumps, potholes, and even rough roads effectively. The fully independent suspension paired with the unibody chassis is by far better than your standard pickup-platform vehicle (PPV). Pair this with its great NVH characteristics and plenty of interior space and you easily have one of the most comfortable crossovers available in the market.
The 2.0-liter gasoline engine along with the CVT pair well together to further aid in the comfort factor of the CR-V. Power delivery is smooth and linear and doesn’t come with any abrupt jolts when it comes to acceleration. The brakes on the crossover deliver a strong bite making it easy to modulate when you have passengers in the vehicle and need to come to a stop.
Technology
Even as the entry-level model, the Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT already comes well equipped. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen that also doubles as a reverse camera and comes with a plethora of customization options. It even comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Just like before it’s easy to connect pair your smartphone with the infotainment system and operating it is a breeze. The loadout is plenty for most, but we feel that 7 inches of screen real estate look a bit dwarfed compared to the competition.
Thanks to Honda shifting to an Android-based infotainment system, the head unit can be easily configured to your liking. We even discovered that there is a web browser available along with a calculator application in the head unit. What you will need it for? We don’t know but it’s still a nice feature to have.
Safety
Just like its pre-facelifted model, the Honda CR-V S comes well equipped. It comes standard with dual front airbags one for the driver and one for the front passenger, side airbags, and curtain airbags. Aside from this, it comes with a lane watch camera along with a blind spot monitoring system that activates when you turn to the right to give you an even greater view of your surroundings. The crossover also comes with a security alarm system with an immobilizer, a low tire pressure warning system, vehicle stability control, agile handling assist, and of course ABS with EBD. Overall pretty standard equipment especially for its segment but still very much welcomed nonetheless.
Driving and handling
Under the hood, the Honda CR-V S CVT model comes with a 2.0-liter motor that pushes out 154hp and 189 Nm of torque. While it isn’t the most powerful engine out there, it pairs well with the crossover and with the CVT. You don’t get a shot of torque found with its diesel brethren, however, you’re in for a smoother drive. It’s more of a relaxed ride, but when needed, put the pedal to the metal and the crossover unleashes all that its gasoline engine can muster, not saying it’s a lot. That being said, the gasoline motor is adequate for the weight of the vehicle, but it’s not fast by any means.
Despite its large size, the crossover remains agile and confidence-inspiring especially if you want to take it on a spirited drive. The steering can feel a bit numb but it still gives you a general idea of what is going on with the suspension and the tires. Aside from this, the Honda CR-V 2.0-liter S drives well with a smooth and pliant ride.
If you want to do a sportier drive, the 2.0-liter S variant also comes with paddle shifters. Given that it is a CVT, it still lacks that direct get up and go, however, once the vehicle gets going you are in for a comfortable ride. If, however, you want a slightly sportier drive you can put utilize the paddle shifters and the transmission will hold a gear. However, there is a delay when it comes to shifting. It is to be expected though as the CR-V is no race car.
Fuel efficiency
Despite the notions of a large displacement gasoline engine being a thirsty motor, the Honda CR-V does well to make sure its motor sips from the gasoline you give it. During our testing, we were able to get 7.6km/L in snail’s pace traffic in the city, once the roads cleared up, we were able to clock in 14.4km/L at an average speed of 60 km/h. On the highway, the CVT did well to give great fuel efficiency numbers as we were able to get 20km/L. Thanks to its transmission, eco button, and eco coaching, the crossover was able to deliver good fuel efficiency results.
Verdict
The Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT priced at P1,678,000 faces stiff competition especially with the newer options entering the market today. However, the crossover still delivers well when it comes to its premium look, outstanding ride quality, and features that it has. It’s nice to see that Honda has added more features to the vehicle especially with the lane watch camera as it makes driving the crossover much easier. All in all, the Honda CRV 2.0 S CVT is ideal for those looking to get a 5-seater vehicle that comes at an attractive and competitive price and is well equipped.
Exterior Photo Gallery
Interior Photo Gallery
Specifications
Engine
n/aFuel Type
DieselPerformance
n/aTransmission
Automatic-
Summary
-
Name Honda CR-V S AT Body Type Crossover Price PRICE ON REQUEST Transmission Category Automatic -
Engine
-
Engine Size n/a Displacement n/a Number of Cylinders n/a Number of Valves n/a Transmission Type -
Performance
-
Drivetrain n/a Max Output (hp) n/a Max Torque (nm) n/a *estimated -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Diesel Emissions Standard n/a Fuel Capacity n/a Combined Fuel Consumption n/a *estimated -
Dimensions
-
Length n/a Width n/a Height n/a Wheelbase n/a Turning Circle n/a Ground Clearance n/a Trunk Capacity n/a Number of Doors 5 Number of Seats 5 -
Safety & Security
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Driver's Airbag Front Passenger's Airbag Side Airbags Curtain Airbags Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
-
Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size n/a Wheels Metal Type n/a Airconditioning System n/a Entertainment System n/a Connectivity n/a Navigation Ready Warranty n/a Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
-
Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes n/a Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
Colors
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