Honda CR-V 2018 brief review: 8 coolest things you probably didn't know about

Updated Jan 20, 2021 | Same topic: Highlights of the Week

The Honda CR-V 2018 can be all things to all customers – if they opt for the right variant for them.

When we informed that the diesel-powered Honda CR-V 2018 finally arrives, priced from as low as P1,569,00 and the newest compact crossover has stepped up its game by using a couple of new tricks: diesel engine and seven seats, many car lovers sent messages of excitement to us, showing an interest in our upcoming review about the fifth-generation Honda CR-V. Of course, we all know everyone’s purchasing those damn things.

>>> Full review Honda CR-V 2018 diesel 7-seater

2018 Honda CR-V launched in the Philippines

Yep, Filipinos are purchasing shitload of this go-anywhere vehicle. According to car news, the segment is not having signs of slowing down in the near future as there have been more crossovers coming to the Philippines for a short time only. In fact, the total sales of SUV and crossover have surpassed far other segments’ sales, making them one of our best buddies on the road.

The Honda CR-V 2018 sales even have gone through the roof. This newest crossover has signaled an intention to alter the fact that it’s never really been perceived a dynamic model for a younger audience. Now, let’s start to discover the beauty of the diesel 7-seat CR-V with Philkotse.com.

1. Honda’s first diesel-powered vehicle

Honda CR-V 2018 angular rear view

The new Honda CR-V hides something unique underneath the sleek hood – a diesel engine

While it seems to be indistinguishable from the Euro-spec models in terms of design, the new PH-market Honda CR-V hides something unique underneath the sleek hood – a diesel engine. The arrival of this runabout vehicle marks the first time the Japanese car brand unveils a diesel-powered vehicle in the Philippines. The new motor promises excellent fuel economy and genuine driving pleasure at the same time. Plus, its low-emissions character makes it an ideal choice for today’s lofty emission standards.  

2. More agile chassis

The Honda CR-V 2018, apart from its vaunted diesel engine, comes with a new chassis that was cleverly designed to be more agile. Since this crossover has always been little more than an upgraded AWD Honda vehicle (All-Wheel Drive), the 2018 version sticks to the same strong recipe, meaning it inherits many of the AWD model’s powerful drivetrain and chassis components. The AWD models with such features are truly great vehicles, so the CR-V 2018 follows this is too.

3. High ground clearance

Although the old Honda CR-V sits a little bit high off the ground (up to 198mm-plus), the crossover keeps a ground hugging, hunkered down stance. To increase the enduring performance capability, Honda gives the all-new Honda CR-V a higher ground clearance of 208mm.

The All-New Honda CR-V: See The Extraordinary

4. Superior interior

The cabin of the all-wheel-drive CR-V might quite hit the same marks as its’ attractive appearance and follow the design language in the current Honda Civic, but there are a few upgraded materials found sprinkled in some key places. As with the Civic, there’s a versatile center console. Moreover, you’re also quite impressed with the back of the volume control – a quintessential device for shutting up the radio.

>>> Related: List of Honda CR-V for sale a affordable prices on Philkotse.com

5. Effective yet brisk performance

Apart from the top-in-class and roomy interior space, what’s actually new for the CR-V is what’s under the metal. The Honda CR-V 2018 is equipped with a new turbo diesel engine mated to an equally fresh 9-speed automatic transmission. Each engine-tranny combo, particularly the non-gasoline variants, promises fantastic fuel economy combined with responsive power and smooth ride when needed. The term “punch” truly is the best description of this new motor’s character.

6. Roomy cargo space

Honda CR-V 2018 cabin

Apart from having more gears than normal compact SUVs, the all-new Honda CR-V now comes available with a roomy third row

Much news was announced at the beginning of this year when it was launched that the Honda CR-V 2018 would sacrifice storage options and instead come with manually folding third-row seats. Would the area be ample? Is the fifth-generation CR-V biting off more than it can chew? Well, that place is indeed a large luggage room. 472L of cargo and stuffs can be accommodated in the back with the third-row seats folded, while around 967L can be towed with the third and second row folded.

7. Adaptive cruise control

A white Honda CR-V in the crash test

Honda CR-V 2018 scored 5-star rating from ASEAN NCAP

And as for safety, the CR-V 2018 naturally comes with Honda’s award-winning safety system. In case you’re unaware, the Honda CR-V 2018 scored 5-star rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP) crash test with a total of 88.80 points. Besides the familiar stability control and SRS airbags, the cushy runabout vehicle is fitted with high-tech features such as road departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and other Honda Sensing suite for its higher versions. All these are engineered to provide a pleasant, safe and happy journey.

8. Extra legroom in the third row

While the Honda CR-V 2018 has seven seats, fitting full-size adults in the third row is probably a stretch. Honda designers had the foresight to include little room for legs and heads, but it still requires contortion to place your feet in the third row. If you’re on the hunt for a diesel-powered vehicle with seven seats, you might consider taking a look at this one.

Please check the table below for the new Honda CR-V 2017 prices in the Philippines:

Variants Fuel Type Transmission Price
Honda CR-V 2.0 S CVT Gasoline CVT ₱1,539,000
Honda CR-V 1.6 V Diesel 9AT Diesel Automatic ₱1,569,000
Honda CR-V 1.6 S Diesel 9AT Diesel Automatic ₱1,759,000
Honda CR-V 1.6 SX Diesel 9AT AWD Diesel Automatic ₱2,049,000

Latest updates on upcoming Honda cars can be found in our Complete guide to the Honda Philippines' local lineup.

Know more about Honda CR-V 2024

Honda CR-V

The 2025 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. 

>>> New and used Honda CR-V 2025 for sale in the Philippines

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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Price List

Variants  Price
Honda CR-V V Turbo CVT ₱2,100,000
Honda CR-V V Turbo CVT (Platinum White Pearl) ₱2,120,000
Honda CR-V VX Turbo CVT ₱2,280,000
Honda CR-V VX Turbo CVT (Platinum White Pearl) ₱2,300,000
Honda CR-V RS e:HEV E-CVT ₱2,590,000
Honda CR-V RS e:HEV E-CVT (Platinum White Pearl) ₱2,610,000

Honda CR-V Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Stylish looks
  • Comprehensive safety kit
  • Generous output figures
  • Plenty of onboard features

Cons

  • Reduced cargo space on certain trims

Honda CR-V FAQs

1. What kind of car is the Honda CR-V 2025?

Sized and designed like a Volkswagen Tiguan, the 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Philippines?

Honda CR-V 2025 price Philippines ranges from Php 2,100,000 to Php 2,610,000.

₱ 2,100,000 - ₱ 2,590,000

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