Modified Honda CR-V: From bodykits, to making it ready for the outdoors 

Updated Jul 15, 2022 | Same topic: Tuning & Mods

The current CR-V isn’t popular for modding, but options do exist. 

Since the 1990s, the Honda CR-V has been a popular choice as a family car. Later on, the older first and second-generation CR-V models have become popular among car enthusiasts for modding. As such, these have extensive aftermarket support until the present. 

A picture of a CR-V equipped with the Mugen body kit

The Honda CR-V with the Mugen body kit. It can also come in other colors

But how about the currently available Honda CR-V? Well, here are some tips & advice to get your Honda CRV modified so that it has its own unique identity. 

Honda CRV Modified: Body kits 

For something as practical as the CR-V, you’d be surprised that there’s actually a lot of available body kits for it. Even more interesting is the fact that big Japanese brands in performance actually sell kits for the Honda-made crossover. 

Specifically, there’s the CR-V Mugen kit which provides a roof-mounted rear wing, a front under spoiler, and a front grille garnish. The said brand even provides floor mats and trunk mats, as well as a set of 19-inch alloy wheels. 

In its entirety, the CR-V Mugen kit costs around Php 113,000 before taxes and shipping. 

A picture of the CR-V with the Modulo body kit

The CR-V Modulo kit

Another body kit for the Honda CR-V is the one from Modulo. It isn’t as extensive as the Mugen CR-V body kits, but it does come with a set of 18-inch wheels, a tailgate spoiler, chrome exterior garnishes, a roof rail, a faux skid plate, a side skirt, among others. 

The Modulo CR-V body kit however, is only available in Thailand. But if you looked hard enough, you might spot these on local online selling sites, or even at a local car parts importer. Maybe. 

Honda CRV Modified: Aftermarket wheels 

To further spice up the look of your fifth-generation Honda CR-V, you might want to get a new set of wheels. Then again, you might want to stick to using the same 18-inch size as the stock wheels. We recommend this in order to keep the crossover’s handling characteristics and fuel efficiency. 

A picture of steelies from RT Wheels for the CR-V

Well, if you really want to [Photo source: RT Wheels]

For this, there are brands like Rota Wheels with the GR-A, GR-6, and many other sporty-looking choices. There are also brands like RTX, NS, Voxx, or RT Wheels if for some reason you want to put steelies on your CR-V. Even Black Rhino might have some wheel models that can suit the Honda CR-V. 

>>> Related: List of second hand CR-V Philippines

Honda CRV Modified: SEMA inspired 

On the other side of the spectrum, you might want to make your CR-V look more like a proper SUV. Or rather, something that can handle rough roads and look outdoorsy as well. 

For this, you should check out the builds from the 2019 SEMA Show. It sports a 1.5-inch lift, a modular roof rack from Jsport, and all-terrain tires. It even has a nudge bar complete with auxiliary lighting, plus a rear spare tire gate, as well as a Roofnest Falcon clamshell tent. 

A picture of the Honda CR-V from the 2019 SEMA Show

The outdoor-oriented Honda CR-V from the 2019 SEMA Show

Of note, CR-V lift kits are rather rare in the local market. In other regions, one popular brand that can provide this is LP Adventure. It costs around Php 60k, and it includes aluminum trailing arm spacers, steel top plate spacers, endlink supports, etc. 

To conclude, the current Honda CR-V might not have a large aftermarket compared to the older models. But some options do exist. You just have to find them. 

For more car modification guides and other car related articles, keep it here on Philkotse

Know more about Honda CR-V 2024

Honda CR-V

The 2024 Honda CR-V is a midsize crossover SUV. For the Philippine market, it has three variants: the V Turbo CVT, VX Turbo CVT, and the RS e:HEV (hybrid) e-CVT. 

The latest version of this Honda model has two different engine options. For the top-spec hybrid trim, it uses a 2.0-liter gasoline four-banger paired with a dual motor and lithium-ion battery. The combustion component alone produces up to 145 horsepower and 183 Nm of torque. The electric-powered component meanwhile, can churn out 181 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque. 

Aboard the V and VX trims meanwhile is a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine that can churn out 187 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. 

Only the VX gets all-wheel-drive, while the rest are front-wheel-drive. All trims then use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but the one on the hybrid trim is an electronic CVT (e-CVT). 

In terms of dimensions, the all-new CR-V is 4,691mm long, 1,866mm wide, and 1,681mm (1,691mm for VX) in height. Both the hybrid and the V’s wheelbase then spans 2,701mm (2,700mm for VX). 

Locally, the Honda CR-V competes against the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Cherry Tiggo 8 Pro, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Peugeot 5008, etc. 

 

Honda CR-V Launch

The Honda CR-V was introduced to the Philippine market in September 2023. It launched with three different variants: the top-spec RS e:HEV CVT, the mid-spec VX CVT AWD, and the entry-level V CVT FWD. At launch, their prices ranged from Php 2.100 million to Php 2.590 million.

Honda CR-V Exterior

The 2024 CR-V carries the sleekness and the sportiness of the modern Honda design. Present on its front end are a pair of sharp LED headlamps which are outlined by LED daytime running lamps, a black-colored hexagonal mesh grille, and an angular front lower bumper. 

honda cr-v philippines exterior

The sides then feature power-folding side mirrors, a straight window line, and black plastic claddings for the VX and V. Its rear likewise gets a power tailgate, and a distinctively shaped pair of LED taillights. 

honda cr-v philippines door handles

honda cr-v philippines headlights

honda cr-v philippines wheels

The RS hybrid trim stands out among the three as it gets plenty of additions mainly focused on style. This includes a black color for its side mirrors and antenna, body-color mudguards, and a set of 18-inch piano black alloy wheels.

Honda CR-V Interior

Inside, the top-spec RS e:HEV can seat up to five, whereas the V and VX can accommodate up to seven. 

Present on all trims is a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, leather seats (w/ red stitching for the RS), a push-to-start button, USB A and C charging ports, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat (w/ power lumbar support for RS), auto-dimming rearview mirror, etc.

honda cr-v philippines dashboard

honda cr-v philippines touchscreen

Only the RS and VX get rain-sensing wipers but exclusive only to the highest-spec trim are a sunroof, paddle shifters, and a drive mode selector with normal, eco, and sport. The rest do get an eco-drive mode. 

For air-conditioning, the RS e:HEV gets a dual-zone automatic climate control system while the V and VX get a triple-zone automatic climate control system. All have physical buttons, as well. 

Technology & Safety Features

Present on all CR-V trims is a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and audio streaming. Likewise available to all CR-V variants is a wireless charging pad. 

Sound is fed to the CR-V’s cabin by a 12-piece Bose sound speaker (RS) or an eight-piece sound system (VX and V). 

Present on all trims of the 2024 CR-V is the Honda Sensing driver-assistive suite. This includes features like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive driving beams, lead car departure notification, and a driver attention monitor.

Those advanced safety features are then supported by seven airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, a 360-degree view camera, tire pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchors, parking sensors (eight for RS, four for VX and V), a security alarm, an engine immobilizer, etc.

Platform & Chassis

The CR-V uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a multi-link suspension system for the rear. Braking is done via disc brakes for all four wheels and an electronic parking brake. 

Engine & Drivetrain

There are two engine options for the 2024 CR-V. For the RS e:HEV, it gets a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with a dual-motor, lithium-ion battery setup. The gasoline mill alone produces up to 145 horsepower and 183 Nm of torque. The electric component then adds 181 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque to its output. Power is then sent to its front wheels via an e-CVT. 

The VX and V, both utilize a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that’s good for 187 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. Both use CVT, but the V is front-wheel-drive, while the VX is all-wheel-drive. 

There are five available color options for the 2024 CR-V. This includes Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinium White Pearl, and Canyon River Blue Metallic. 

The Honda CR-V is more than a competent challenger to other similarly sized crossovers when it comes to making power, and on-board features. It is also on top of the totem pole when it comes to providing a comprehensive safety kit. All the more to its credit is the fact that the latter comes as standard to all three of its trims. 

Honda CR-V Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
  • Stylish looks

  • Comprehensive safety kit

  • Generous output figures

  • Plenty of onboard features

  •  Reduced cargo space on certain trims

Honda CR-V Q&A

1. What kind of car is the Honda CR-V 2024?

Sized and designed like a Volkswagen Tiguan, the 2024 Honda CR-V is a five-seat small crossover.

2. How many color options are there for the Honda CR-V to choose from?

The Honda CR-V is available in 4 colors including Ignite Red Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Platinum Pearl White, Cosmic Blue Metallic.

3. Is there a diesel Honda CR-V in the Philippines?

Honda Philippines offers the Honda CR-V in two variants – the five-seater gasoline and the seven-seater diesel.

4. Is the Honda CR-V 2024 Philippines a good car?

Yes, the CR-V is one of the country's most popular cars in the compact crossover segment. The Philippines saw the beginning of the Honda CR-V in the late 1990s and after two decades, it still remained one of the most prominent nameplates in its class.

5. How much is the Honda CR-V 2024 Philippines?

Honda CR-V 2024 price Philippines ranges from Php 2,100,000 to Php 2,610,000.

 
 

₱ 2,100,000 - ₱ 2,590,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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