Hondas may be fast, efficient, and practical, but they’re hardly marketed as being rugged and ready for the trails. Philippine releases are especially notorious for having a clause that specifically prohibits them from being used as public utility vehicles, so there’s that.
In the U.S. market, the carmaker is a bit less timid in convincing buyers that its model range can go the distance, not just on the tarmac. There’s the Ridgeline midsize pickup for instance, whose second-generation guise has recently been updated with a more ripped aesthetic to complement its already formidable capabilities. The ongoing quest to capture more of a market that places a premium on ruggedness has driven Honda to introduce the TrailSport grade for its SUV and light truck offerings.
“TrailSport represents the next chapter in our rugged direction and will bring exclusive styling to our existing light trucks that will appeal to buyers seeking adventure,” according to American Honda Executive Vice President of National Operations Dave Gardner. “Our U.S. engineering team is leveraging more than 20 years of experience creating highly capable light trucks to develop this new series of adventure-ready vehicles.”
The Honda Passport could be one of the models to receive the new trim
Specific models will come with the new trim as the top dog in their respective lineups. The changes will start with the exterior, bringing more aggressive styling for the front and rear ends, along with robust body cladding for the profile. Meanwhile, high-contrast upholstery stitching as well as all-weather floor mats will be standard for the cabin.
The changes are not just limited to looks, however. Planned future upgrades for specific nameplates will include more rugged tires with full-size spares, higher ground clearance, underbody shielding, suspension systems tuned for off-road use, and an expanded repertoire of functions for Honda’s all-wheel-drive system.
A Honda CR-V TrailSport variant sounds like a good idea
It looks like Honda is taking shots at Stateside rivals such as Jeep’s Trailhawk line, itself an off-road trim level offered on four of the American carmaker's crossovers. The enhanced grade boasts improved articulation, traction, ground clearance, and water-fording capabilities over standard models, with designated variants distinguished by the Trail Rated 4x4 badge.
One local model that can greatly benefit from having a TrailSport variant is the CR-V, going well with its diesel power and generous seating. Do you think that Honda’s current Philippine releases deserve a TrailSport edition?
Find more automotive news coming and SUVs cars for sale at Philkotse - The most trusted car listing website in the Philippines.
Know more about Honda CR-V 2024
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.
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.
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.
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
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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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