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Honda CR-V 2024 review: VTi L7

Honda reinvigorates its best-selling SUV to meet the expectations of the modern family.

The Honda CR-V hit our shores in 1997 and it’s been a popular medium SUV for families ever since but the recently launched 2024 (sixth-generation) version sees some much-needed updates to help keep it competitive in a hotly contested market.

The newest generation CR-V maintains a handy seven-seat configuration but the technology and safety systems have been overhauled to please the modern driver.

However, it’s the restyling of its looks which will catapult it towards the front of the mid-size SUV pack… and the position is well-earned. This is (now) a good-looking vehicle.

But Honda had to shake things up because the medium SUV class is one of the most popular categories in Australia and it’s awesome to see a hybrid variant being offered, even if it is only available on the top-spec model.

The CR-V has solid competition from the likes of the recently updated Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail and Volkswagen’s family-friendly Tiguan Allspace.

This week I’m road-testing the VTi L7 front-wheel drive grade with my little family of three to see just how practical this revamp has been.

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Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

There are seven variants for the CR-V and our model sits smack bang in the middle of the line-up and will cost you $53,000 drive-away.

The price positions it a little more on the expensive side compared to its rivals. Based on a NSW, 2000 postcode, you can pick up the Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire for $49,240 and the Nissan X-Trail ST-L drive-away for $50,865.

Only the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI Elegance has it beat with its $65,774 price tag! You don't feel short-changed by the price, though, because the L7 is a well-specified model!

The CR-V VTi L7 will cost you $53,000 drive-away. (Image: Glen Sullivan) The CR-V VTi L7 will cost you $53,000 drive-away. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The interior gets some lovely premium items, like a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and leather-appointed trims throughout. The L7 also has satellite navigation which features five-year complimentary over-the-air map updates. 

The driver gets an eight-way adjustable electric seat which also features two-position memory function and four-way lumbar support. The front passenger’s seat has four-way adjustable positioning but misses out on the extra lumbar support. 

There are some solid features that make this family-friendly, like the hands-free powered tailgate with kick function and there is handy operating button to the left-hand-side of the steering wheel, so you can throw the kids out (and their bags) without leaving your seat on the school run!

There are seven variants for the CR-V and our model sits smack bang in the middle of the line-up. (Image: Glen Sullivan) There are seven variants for the CR-V and our model sits smack bang in the middle of the line-up. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

I’m quite taken by the looky-loo mirror that you can pop down to suss out what shenanigans your kids are up to in the back but it’s the massive door apertures that win me over.

The rear doors open to almost 90-degrees, allowing for even the bulkiest car seat to slide in without bumping the door.

Other standard items include 18-inch alloy wheels, sequential turn signals at the front of the car and a full suite of LED exterior lighting. 

Our test model is fitted with carpet mats for all three rows, which will set you back $310 (fitted) but its nice to see the paintwork colour options are available at no extra cost.

The CR-V's interior gets some lovely premium items and leather-appointed trims throughout. (Image: Glen Sullivan) The CR-V's interior gets some lovely premium items and leather-appointed trims throughout. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?

Honda has absolutely nailed the design of this generation CR-V! The previous model was nice to look at but by getting rid of all of the bulbous cutaways (especially in the rear) and lifting the old sloping nose, we now have a design that seems far more purposeful for this SUV class.

The LED exterior lights, including sequential turn signals and daytime-running lights at the front, are long and enhance the larger shape. The L7 sports a few black intake vents and an extended grille, which makes it look more robust, as well.

Honda has absolutely nailed the design of this generation CR-V! (Image: Glen Sullivan) Honda has absolutely nailed the design of this generation CR-V! (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The dashboard has a horizontal-theme with its layout but everything feels cohesive because of the placement and size of its components. The headliner is the 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system and it's a driver orientated cockpit, which is nice.

The panoramic sunroof creates an open-air and light-filled cabin space and there are a few thoughtful features, like the extendable sun visors and sunglasses holder.

It may draw mixed views but I like the honeycomb metal panel that hides the air-vents as it adds some serious personality to the front of the cabin.

The headliner is the 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system and it's a driver orientated cockpit, which is nice. (Image: Glen Sullivan) The headliner is the 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system and it's a driver orientated cockpit, which is nice. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?

For a medium SUV, the cabin is fairly practical with its use of space but front passengers definitely benefit the most.

I have plenty of head- and legroom for my 168cm (5'6") height and while the seats feel a tad narrow, they’re extremely comfortable.

The black leather-accented trims are nice under hand and its great that both front seats feature electric adjustments but it’s a shame that only the driver’s side has adjustable lumbar support.

The heat function is also a nice touch and helps elevate the premium feel of the interior.

While the seats feel a tad narrow, they’re extremely comfortable. (Image: Glen Sullivan) While the seats feel a tad narrow, they’re extremely comfortable. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

In the middle row, the seat is hard and positioned like stadium seating, which offered my seven-year old a great view this week but mean an adult feels like they’re perched on top of, rather than in, the seat.

The seat is wide and the floor flat, though, so middle seaters should be comfortable on longer trips.

The rear doors have a massive aperture, almost 90-degrees, but they’re heavy to close and my son was constantly slamming them shut to compensate (most annoying).

He likes the directional air vents and had plenty of space to pop his bits and pieces into the map pockets on the back of the front seats.

  • The rear doors have a massive aperture, almost 90-degrees. (Image: Glen Sullivan) The rear doors have a massive aperture, almost 90-degrees. (Image: Glen Sullivan)
  • In the middle row, the seat is hard and positioned like stadium seating. (Image: Glen Sullivan) In the middle row, the seat is hard and positioned like stadium seating. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Access to the L7’s two extra seats in the third row is fairly good because the middle row has a 60/40 split and a ‘one-lever’ action which slides the seats forward and out of the way.

The legroom is minimal, though, and you’d be better off thinking of them as sometimes seats for adults. One of the carpet mats is adorably small (like a hand's width in size) but that should indicate the footwell space.

Amenities and individual storage throughout the car are fantastic and make the cabin feel practical and well-thought out. All three rows enjoy directional air vents.

Front occupants enjoy a decently-sized middle console and glove box, as well as, a utility tray that fits a large phone.

Access to the L7’s two extra seats in the third row is fairly good. (Image: Glen Sullivan) Access to the L7’s two extra seats in the third row is fairly good. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

There are two cupholders in the front and middle rows, as well as drink bottle holders in each door.

The third row also gets a couple of cool fold-out drink bottle holders but if your drink is skinny, it may move around a little as the base doesn’t have a raised lip.

Charging options are good with a wireless charging pad, a 12-volt port, as well as, a USB-A and USB-C sockets up front while the middle row gets a couple of USB-C jacks. Third rowers miss out completely, though.

The rest of the technology is modern and is easy to use, which to me is the perfect combo. The 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system is responsive to touch and looks great.

  • The only space which feels awkward is the boot space. (Image: Glen Sullivan) The only space which feels awkward is the boot space. (Image: Glen Sullivan)
  • The third row doesn’t fold flat and that makes a ledge. (Image: Glen Sullivan) The third row doesn’t fold flat and that makes a ledge. (Image: Glen Sullivan)
  • You get a temporary spare tyre in the L7. (Image: Glen Sullivan) You get a temporary spare tyre in the L7. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

It’s easy to connect to the wireless Apple CarPlay and there is also wired Android Auto for those users. The 7.0-inch partial digital instrument panel is easy to read and has traffic sign recognition.

The only space which feels awkward is the boot space. The third row doesn’t fold flat and that makes a ledge. You can flatten it out with a small panel that slides into position at the front but it's dicky to look at and use.

That said, it is a good size at 472L with the third row stowed and you can bump that capacity up to 1457L.

You get a temporary spare tyre in the L7 and a hands-free powered tailgate, which is always handy!

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?

Unless you're looking at the hybrid variant, all CR-V's share the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. The L7 is a front-wheel drive and has maximum outputs of 140kW and 240Nm.

The L7 features a continuously variable auto transmission but it’s delightfully smooth and the engine has enough guts to make it a pleasant open-roader but you have to be consistent with the accelerator on hills.

All CR-V's share the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. (Image: Glen Sullivan) All CR-V's share the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?

The L7 has an official combined cycle fuel economy figure of 7.3L/100km and my real-world usage averaged 8.3L/100km.

That's after a week of mostly open-road driving, so I would expect it to be higher in an urban setting but it’s a solid result.

Honda recommends minimum 91 RON petrol and based on the combined cycle figure and the 53-litre fuel tank, expect a driving range of around 780km.

Driving – What's it like to drive?

The CR-V has pleasant road manners and is fairly responsive with power without sounding too tinny when you have to put your foot down. It can lurch a little in stop/start traffic but is otherwise a very easy car to get around in.

The CVT is smooth and there’s no lag as can be the case with other CVTs at lower speeds. The suspension is medium-feeling and while you’ll feel the bumps, it’s pretty well-cushioned.

The L7 has active noise cancellation technology and that means the cabin is quiet, even at higher speeds, and you can chat easily with all occupants.

The CR-V's reversing camera is clear. (Image: Glen Sullivan) The CR-V's reversing camera is clear. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The narrower pillars and wide windows provide ample visibility. The CR-V feels stable in corners and doesn’t move around too much when you hit winds on the open-road.

The L7 isn’t a difficult car to park but the experience would benefit massively from a 360-degree view system.

The reversing camera is clear and I like the dynamic guidelines but the field of view throws out your spatial awareness and I have found myself relying more on the front and rear parking sensors this week.

The CR-V has pleasant road manners and is fairly responsive. (Image: Glen Sullivan) The CR-V has pleasant road manners and is fairly responsive. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?

The CR-V has a bunch of safety features which is great for a family car and the driver attention monitor is sensitive enough to be effective but not too intrusive in the cabin.

At the time of this review the new CR-V hasn’t been assessed by ANCAP but does feature 10 airbags, which is more than you usually see in this class.

The new CR-V is yet to receive an ANCAP safety rating. (Image: Glen Sullivan) The new CR-V is yet to receive an ANCAP safety rating. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

The following safety features come as standard at this grade level, LED daytime running lights, active cornering headlights, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, emergency stop signal, forward collision warning, intelligent seat belt reminders, lane keeping assist, lane departure alert, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, reversing camera, as well as, front and rear parking sensors.

There are three top tethers in the middle row with ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard positions.

The centre row is possibly wide enough for three skinny child seats but there is plenty of room for front passengers when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?

Honda shows up some of its competition with its ownership costs! With the CR-V you’ll enjoy a five-year/unlimited km warranty, as well as, a five-year capped price servicing program.

Services are a flat $199 per service, which is cheap for the class but servicing intervals could be annoying if you put a lot of kays on your car because they’re set at every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever occurs first (15,000km is more common).


The Wrap

The Honda CR-V L7’s redesign wins in my book. It looks modern and its tech feels up to date. The boot is a bit awkward to use and the comfort with that back seat could improve, but otherwise it is a solid family car. The bonus of having those two extra seats in a medium SUV is great for families who need the flexibility.

My son didn’t gush about this one but did mention how awesome his view was!

Likes

Technology looks modern and is easy to use
Looks great inside and out
Solid features list

Dislikes

Slightly expensive compared to rivals
Only one hybrid model available
Awkward boot space

Scores

Emily:

4

The Kids:

3.5

$53,000

Based on new car retail price

VIEW PRICING & SPECS

Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.