BIMS 2023: 6th generation Honda CR-V makes ASEAN debut

The completely new generation of Honda’s compact SUV entry, the first ever model in that segment as well, has finally reached the region. The 2023 Honda CR-V for the ASEAN market was recently unveiled at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show and is a sign of what’s to come to the Philippines.

The Honda CR-V’s sixth generation model was unveiled last year for the North American market and receives a mix of sportier, more premium, and more rugged styling, following the brand’s latest design language for its crossovers as first seen on the larger Honda Pilot.

What has to be the biggest change for the ASEAN market Honda CR-V is what’s found under the hood. To be exact, the model revealed in Thailand can be had with the brand’s e:HEV hybrid powertrain. This combines a 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with two electric motors. It produces 178 horsepower and a healthy 335 Nm of torque, paired to an E-CVT. 

Another option is a familiar 1.5-liter turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder from the Honda Accord which produces 190 hp and 240 Nm, paired to a CVT. It is also good to note that the turbodiesel option which is very popular here in the Philippines has been discontinued since last year. We don’t know if Honda will continue manufacturing the said powertrain for export markets such as ours.

Now for the looks, like mentioned, the all-new Honda CR-V gets a sportier and more premium appearance compared to before. It is also a bit simpler at the same time. The most obvious exterior difference is the bumper which gets a more angular look. 

An RS variant is also available for the first time on a CR-V, giving it body-colored front and rear bumpers, blacked-out side mirrors, LED rear fog lights, blacked-out sharks fin antenna, and 19-inch alloy wheels. 

Inside, like before, the Thai-market Honda CR-V gets options for 5- and 7-seater arrangements. The design itself remains identical with the North American version with its sleeker design. For this version though, it gets more premium and tech touches such as faux wood trim, an available digital instrument cluster, and 12-speaker Bose surround sound system.

Now the biggest question is whether Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) will launch the hybrid-powered CR-V in our market. HCPI has been known to not go all out when it comes to engines for local spec models. A hybrid Honda CR-V would definitely make sense with the sudden popularity of hybrid vehicles locally including its most direct competitor, the Toyota RAV4 which is exclusively available with a hybrid powertrain. The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER is also rumored to be coming soon to the market.

When will it arrive in the Philippines? We don’t know but it could definitely come within the year or early next year.