The Honda CR-V has always occupied a niche but respected position in the Indian SUV market. It was the sophisticated, smooth, and supremely comfortable choice—the gentleman of the segment. We are primarily looking at the 5th Generation CR-V (2018-2020), which was the last model officially sold in India before its discontinuation.
The 5th Gen CR-V, especially the facelifted Special Edition, was a significant departure, finally offering a diesel engine and an optional third row (for the diesel variant). It competed in the ₹28 Lakh to ₹33 Lakh (Ex-showroom) segment, a space now occupied by heavily updated rivals.
The last recorded Ex-showroom starting price for the Honda CR-V was approximately Rs. 28.34 Lakh for the base 2WD Petrol CVT variant, going up to Rs. 32.84 Lakh for the top-end 1.6L AWD Diesel AT.
While the CR-V is officially discontinued in India today, its reliability, comfort, and significant presence in the used car market make this review critical for any premium SUV buyer. It was a vehicle that prioritised refinement over outright punch.
Quick Specs Table (Key Highlights)
We will focus on the two main engine options offered in the final iteration of the CR-V in India:
| Feature | 2.0L Petrol (2WD CVT) | 1.6L Diesel (AWD AT) |
| Engine | 1997 cc, 4-Cyl i-VTEC | 1597 cc, 4-Cyl i-DTEC Turbo |
| Max Power | {1526500 | {1184000 |
| Max Torque | 1894300 | 300 2000 |
| Transmission | CVT (7-step paddle shifts) | 9-speed Automatic |
| Boot Space (5-seater) | {522itres} | 522\ |
| Ground Clearance | 198 | 198 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57Litres} | 57 |
Exterior Design & Road Presence: Subtle Sophistication
The 5th Gen CR-V moved away from the softer, minivan-like styling of its predecessors toward a more rugged, squared-off SUV aesthetic.
- The Stance: It has a confident, planted look. It’s wider than the old model, giving it a solid road presence without being aggressive. The ground clearance is adequate for most Indian conditions.
- The Details: The signature thick chrome wing grille dominates the front, flanked by sharp LED headlights with a distinctive DRL signature. At the rear, the elongated $\text{L-shaped}$ LED tail lamps that hug the rear glass are instantly recognisable as CR-V.
- Does it turn heads on the road? It turns heads with a quiet nod of approval, not a shout of flashiness. It is perceived as a premium, mature family SUV. It doesn’t have the loud, boxy presence of a Fortuner, but it carries the badge value and styling of a global best-seller. The diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels add a necessary touch of flair.
Interior, Comfort & Features: A Masterclass in Ergonomics
The CR-V’s cabin is where Honda truly played its strengths: practicality, high quality, and logical design.
Dashboard & Material Quality
The dashboard features a neat, multi-tiered design. The layout is clean and intuitive.
- Material Quality: This is a highlight. You get a pleasant mix of soft-touch materials on the upper dash and door trims, faux wood inserts (tastefully done, thankfully), and high-quality leather upholstery. It feels expensive and built to last.
- Touchscreen: The touchscreen infotainment system with Honda’s Advanced Display Audio is functional, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and works well, though it now looks small compared to the units in its modern rivals.
Space & Comfort
The CR-V shines here, especially in the 5-seater configuration (Petrol).
- Front and Rear Space: The seats are supremely supportive and wide—true long-distance cruisers. Rear legroom is immense, almost limo-like.
- Can 3 people sit at the back? Yes, the cabin width is generous, and the floor is nearly flat, making it genuinely comfortable for three adults on the second row for medium journeys. Rear passengers get dedicated AC vents behind the front armrest, along with two power outlets.
- Features Check:
- Sunroof: A large panoramic sunroof adds to the airy feel of the cabin.
- Missing Features: Crucially, the Indian CR-V missed out on features like Ventilated Front Seats (a big miss for a car in India) and any form of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite, which its modern rivals now offer.
Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics: Smooth Operator
This is where the difference between the two engine options becomes stark, defining the character of the CR-V.
The Petrol (2.0L i-VTEC with CVT)
- Performance: The naturally aspirated engine is typical Honda—refined and butter-smooth. However, with and onlyf torque mated to a CVT, it feels unhurried and slow off the mark. It is perfect for relaxed city driving but becomes noisy and strained on the highway when you try to overtake quickly, due to the typical CVT rubber-band effect.
- City Drive: The steering is light and effortless, making it relatively easy to park and maneuver despite its size. The CVT means no gear jerks, ensuring a supremely comfortable city commute.
The Diesel (1.6L i-DTEC with 9-Speed AT)
- Performance: Despite the small displacement, the turbo diesel’sof torque makes it feel much punchier and more responsive than the petrol variant, especially at city speeds. The 9-speed ZF automatic gearbox is a masterpiece, shifting quickly and seamlessly, completely eliminating the CVT woes. This combination is much better suited for highway cruising and provides the necessary stability for quick maneuvers.
Suspension: The Indian Pothole Absorber
- Suspension: The CR-V’s suspension setup (MacPherson strut up front, multi-link at the rear) is tuned for absolute comfort. The suspension absorbs potholes easily and silently, riding over broken patches with a plushness that rivals more expensive German SUVs. Body roll is well-controlled for a vehicle focused on comfort, but it’s not a corner-carver like a VW Tiguan.
Safety (Crucial Section): Built on ACE Technology
Honda has an excellent global reputation for safety, anchored by their proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure.
- Build Quality: The structure is robust, designed to distribute crash energy effectively.
- Airbags: All variants were equipped with 6 Airbags (Dual Front, Front Side, and Curtain). Standard features included ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist, and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).
- NCAP Rating: The 5th generation CR-V (the model sold in India) received a maximum 5-Star Rating from Euro NCAP (tested in 2018). While not tested by Global NCAP, the Euro NCAP results and structural rigidity are highly reassuring.
- Missing Feature: Lack of the full Honda Sensing ADAS suite in the Indian model was a major drawback against rivals like the Hyundai Tucson.
REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)
This is the segment where the diesel variant truly shines and the petrol variant suffers due to the CVT.
| Powertrain | ARAI Claimed Mileage | Real World City Mileage (Estimated) | Real World Highway Mileage (Estimated) |
| 2.0L Petrol CVT (2WD) | 14.4 | {8.0}9.5 | {11.013.0 |
| 1.6L Diesel AT (2WD) | 19.5\ | 13.015.0 | 16.018.0 |
The petrol mileage is disappointing for stop-start city traffic, largely due to the CVT. However, the real mileage in city traffic for the diesel is exceptionally good, making it a fantastic long-distance cruiser and one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its premium segment.
THE COMPETITION: Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Tucson vs Volkswagen Tiguan
The CR-V directly faced the established European and Korean challengers in the 28Lakh to 35Lakh premium mid-size SUV segment.
| Feature | Honda CR-V (Discontinued) | Hyundai Tucson (Latest Gen) | Volkswagen Tiguan (Latest Gen) |
| Price (Ex-showroom Est.) | Rs. 28.34 – 32.84 Lakh | Rs. 28.60 – 35.50 Lakh | Rs. 35.17 Lakh (Monotone) |
| Engine Power (Diesel) | 118 BHP / 300 Nm (1.6L) | 186 BHP / 416 Nm (2.0L) | N/A (Only Petrol) |
| Engine Power (Petrol) | 152 BHP / 189 Nm (2.0L) | 156 BHP / 192 Nm (2.0L) | 190 BHP / 320 Nm (2.0L Turbo) |
| Transmission | CVT/9-speed AT | 6AT/8AT | 7-speed DSG |
| Key Feature Advantage | Cabin Comfort, Diesel Mileage (1.6L) | Segment-best ADAS, Ventilated Seats, Design | Superior Driving Dynamics, Petrol Power, AWD Standard |
| Safety Rating | Euro NCAP 5-Star | Euro NCAP 5-Star | Euro NCAP 5-Star |
Winner: Which one provides better Value For Money (VFM)?
For the new car buyer, the Hyundai Tucson is the clear VFM winner today. It offers a powerful diesel engine, segment-first ADAS, and a massive feature list at a competitive price.
However, for a buyer looking at the used car market, the Honda CR-V 1.6L Diesel offers fantastic VFM due to its superb reliability, excellent diesel mileage, and plush ride quality. Its high initial depreciation makes it an attractive second-hand luxury SU
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FINAL VERDICT: The Unsung Hero of Comfort
The Honda CR-V was an SUV that quietly did everything well, focusing on occupant comfort and Honda’s bulletproof reliability. Its biggest failing was its decision to bring the diesel with onlBHP}$ (despite the good torque) and missing key features like ADAS and ventilated seats at a premium price point. It was a great vehicle that got overshadowed by newer, flashier, and more feature-loaded competition.
Buy it if (in the used car market):
- You prioritise supreme comfort, refinement, and Honda’s unmatched reliability over outright performance.
- You do frequent long-distance drives and want excellent diesel mileage ($\sim 16\text{ kmpl}$ on the highway).
- You want a mature, sophisticated, and spacious $\text{5-seater}$ family SUV.
Skip it if:
- You want sporty performance (the petrol CVT is particularly dull).
- You must have ADAS, ventilated seats, or a modern, larger touchscreen display.
- You want and need throw for regular use CR-V was cramped).
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q: Why was the Honda CR-V discontinued in India?
A: The primary reasons were low sales volumes, which did not justify the high investment needed to upgrade the engines (especially the diesel) to meet the new BS6 emission norms. Furthermore, its premium pricing put it in direct competition with established luxury brands, where it struggled to keep up with the features and power of its rivals.
Q: Is the Honda CR-V a reliable car and are its spare parts available?
A: Yes, the CR-V is globally renowned for its high reliability and low maintenance costs (excluding major accident repairs). Spare parts for the Gen model are still available through authorised Honda service centres, though some specific components may take longer to procure.
Q: Does the Honda CR-V have a CNG option?
A: No. The Honda CR-V was only offered with Petrol and Diesel engine options in the Indian market. Its displacement and premium nature make a CNG option commercially unviable.