2025 Honda CR-V V: Feelings matter, too
Journalism is traditionally a highly cerebral profession.
Having actually gone to journalism school, the principles of objectivity, fairness and comprehensiveness, were drilled into me for four years. And having been a journalist for a decade has made me particularly finicky about the words I use to ensure that my stories are, generally, bereft of feelings.
For instance, there’s a world of difference between “The president announced a new housing project” and “The president’s pioneering housing project will uplift the lives of hundreds of Filipinos.” It’s quite clear which one would go to the news section and which one wouldn’t.
It’s the same with cars – the vast majority of buyers will study important numbers like price, features, fuel economy and after-sales in choosing their next ride. As an enthusiast and racing driver, I add things like handling, performance and feel, which are what make automobiles more than just a form of mobility.
This is, perhaps, why I absolutely adore the 2025 Honda CR-V V, even though so many other crossovers have made their way to our shores.
Classic design
Having already tested the top-spec CR-V e:HEV, I found that this entry-level variant was just as pleasant to behold.
The huge LED headlights flank the prominent grill, while the lower bumper has intricate chisels for a more taut face. Down the side, this fully accessorized test unit has nifty features like the window deflectors and matte-black trim on the fenders and lower doors, although the side steps seem unnecessary in a crossover this low.
The CR-V V also uses the same 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 tires as all the other models, although these are painted silver here. Out back, the tall LED taillight assembly is a traditional CR-V design feature, while the large tailgate spoiler and twin exhaust pipes give some sporting credentials.
Overall, the latest CR-V is an evolution of over 25 years of nondescript yet inoffensive design. Those looking for edgier aesthetics may veer towards the People’s Republic, particularly the exciting GAC Emkoo and Jetour Dashing.
Capacious cabin
Where the CR-V V really sets itself apart is its interior.
There is positively palatial space for five, easily the largest in its class. And its humongous cargo area can be turned into additional seating because this crossover has a third row with dedicated air-conditioning – just make sure to slide the second row forward because anyone taller than 5’4” will find their heads touching the roof.
Like the top-of-the-line CR-V e:HEV, there’s fine black leather upholstery all over, plus soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door cards for a more premium feel. But bizarrely, the second row gets scratchy door-card plastics.
Up front, there’s a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a powerful tri-zone climate-control system. As before, all the controls are wonderfully easy to use and don’t require you to dig through menu after menu on a touchscreen (a major flaw in the excellent the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i).
Luxury features include the very supportive, electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory and a wireless charging pad. However, both the rear-view and LaneWatch cameras could use better lenses, especially when driving at night.
This base-model CR-V is reasonably equipped, but those who want better value for money may prefer the Sealion 6 DM-i that adds a massive moonroof, air-conditioned seats, a very clear 360-degree camera, and a nifty, voice-activated assistant.
Impeccable driving manners
Yet another reason I greatly enjoy the CR-V V is the way it drives.
When I tested the hybrid CR-V, I found top-end acceleration lacking, even though it packed a 2.0-liter engine with a combined output of 181 horsepower and 335 Newton-meters of torque. This non-electrified variant uses the same turbocharged 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine as its sedan sibling, the Honda Civic.
This produces 187 horsepower and 240 Newton-meters of torque, coursed through a continuously variable transmission. It may seem to have less on paper, but this CR-V has my kind of gusto because the boost is distributed evenly throughout the powerband, thus offering much better acceleration at redline.
This is all reined in by excellent brakes with a well-weighted pedal, firm yet pliant suspension and light, quick steering that could use a touch more feel. All these make the CR-V V nicer to drive than the Sealion 6 DM-i, but those who want a crossover with unimpeachable dynamics will gravitate to the superb Mazda CX-5.
Fuel economy is also surprisingly good for a non-hybrid crossover – I got 9 to 12 kilometers per liter in the city and an incredible 20 to 23 kilometers per liter on the expressway. For comparison, the CR-V e:HEV got 12 to 15 kilometers in the city and a rather low 15 to 18 kilometers per liter on the open road because it had to frequently charge its battery.
And for the ultimate in safety, the Honda SENSING adaptive driver assistance system (ADAS) that comes standard in all CR-V variants is still the best in the business.
Sensational
At P2,100,000, the 2025 Honda CR-V V is not exactly a bargain.
Electrified rivals from China like the P1,548,000 BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, the P1,698,000 GAC Emkoo Hybrid, and the P1,748,000 Jetour Dashing i-DM offer superior fuel economy, more modern styling, and cutting-edge technology.
Even the midrange Mazda CX-5 Sport AWD with its gutsy 2.5-liter engine comes in at just P2,050,000, although its ADAS is comparatively lackluster. And yet, if it were my money, I’d buy the Honda – its hugely practical cabin, class-leading safety features, and above-average driving dynamics mean, I wouldn’t need to modify it much, to make it perfect.
It just feels absolutely right. And that’s something pure numbers simply cannot capture.
