These might be the specs of the Honda CR-V for its mid-cycle refresh for PH
There is no doubt that the current generation Honda CR-V, its sixth since 1998, is doing very well in our market. We don’t have the exact sales figures, but just looking out to the streets will show you that it’s a staple on our roads.
Released locally in 2023, it’s already ripe for a mid-cycle update, following Honda’s usual timeline of pretty much every three years or so. Unsurprisingly, information about the update has already found its way to the internet, revealing some big changes for what is otherwise a minor model update.
For starters, we might see a revamped variant lineup for the compact crossover, possibly starting with a new entry-level 1.5 V Turbo HuNT CVT variant, followed by a new mid-grade 2.0 VX e:HEV E-CVT, and topped-off by a new 2.0 RS e:HEV AWD E-CVT. These replace the current 1.5 V Turbo CVT, 1.5 VX Turbo AWD CVT, and 2.0 RS e:HEV E-CVT variants.
This also means that Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) may soon be offering a more affordable variant with its e:HEV hybrid powertrain, which already currently holds a huge chunk of the model’s local sales despite being on the pricier end of the segment.
The new base HuNT variant will still remain powered by the brand’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder VTEC turbo engine, making 190 horsepower and 240Nm of torque, mated to an Earth Dreams CVT.
Meanwhile, the new VX e:HEV and RS e:HEV AWD will get the current RS e:HEV’s R20-based 2.0-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine that runs the Atkinson Cycle, making 148 horsepower and 183Nm, paired to dual electric motors making 184 horsepower and 335Nm (207 horsepower combined), and a lithium-ion battery, mated to an E-CVT. The latter will obviously be getting Honda’s Realtime All-Wheel Drive system which has been requested by many customers.
The new 1.5 V Turbo HuNT CVT, as its name suggests, will be getting the HuNT package, consisting of unique copper-colored garnishes on the front grille and around the front fog lights, silver front bumper garnish, and running boards.
Meanwhile, the new 2.0 VX e:HEV E-CVT and 2.0 RS e:HEV AWD E-CVT will remain largely identical to the variants they are replacing from the current lineup. New for the former is a blacked-out finish for the 18-inch alloy wheels and hybrid system-related displays. For the latter, added is RS logo embroidery on the front seats.
All variants lose their LaneWatch cameras in favor of a Blind Spot Information System on the side mirrors, while other standard features will remain the same such as the RS package for the RS e:HEV, a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an eight-speaker audio system (12-speaker Bose for RS), and leather seat upholstery, among others.
Of course, these are unconfirmed at the moment and may be subject to change as we get closer to the local launch. Pricing is also not yet available. But with these expected updates, do you think the Honda CR-V will be able to sell even more, or at least continue being a strong seller for the brand locally?
