2026 Honda CR-V e: HEV first drive
The refreshed Honda CR-V compact crossover was officially launched last February and the changes are more than just cosmetic.
Most notable was the expansion of the electrified e:HEV lineup – the top-spec RS variant now gets all-wheel drive (AWD), while the VX model is the new front-wheel-drive offering. And for those who still want pure gasoline power, the entry-level CR-V HuNT still has Honda Cars’ excellent 1.5-liter turbo engine, along with seven seats.
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) let members of the media drive both electrified variants in a wide range of road conditions to see how this venerable crossover still stacks up today.
Unflappable
Our drive started with the CR-V VX e:HEV through a series of on-road exercises.
Settling into the supportive driver’s seat, I immediately noticed the familiar dashboard and simple controls – no enormous screens with stupidly difficult interfaces here, but buttons, knobs, switches and even a gear stick that can all be operated without taking your eyes off the wheel (Chinese brands take note, for heaven’s sake).
I also liked the faux wood trim that gives the cabin a sense of warmth amid the black leather and piano-black trim. But as nicely laid out and sensible as it is, the interior could have been given a more substantial revamp amid the onslaught of airier, more attractive cabins and better-equipped cabins from the People’s Republic.
On the move, this big Honda’s chassis felt taut and composed, complementing the well-weighted steering, the easy-to-modulate brake pedal and the pliant suspension that superbly balances body roll and comfort. Even with all their tech, no Chinese crossover comes even remotely close to feeling as solid and satisfying to drive as the CR-V e:HEV.
Under the hood is a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve, inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor and a battery pack – combined output is 181 horsepower and 335 Newton-meters of torque. Acceleration is reasonable, although an extra 50 horsepower would have been nice, while a full review would allow us to measure fuel-economy figures.
Despite being a legacy model, the CR-V e:HEV isn’t short on tech. It is equipped with the exceptional Honda SENSING active-safety suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking that offers safety and convenience wherever you go.
Capable
We then tested the CR-V RS e:HEV AWD, rather interestingly, on a light trail.
Amid compacted sand and short grass, this electrified crossover certainly has the goods to drive without impediment. Once again, the excellent suspension stood out for offering just enough spring travel and damping to keep the ride steady.
And as long as you’re not driving like a rallycross racer, inclines can be tackled with ease – going up is just a matter of gently feeding the generous torque from the electric motor, while going down is accomplished with the help of hill-descent control. And should things get really slippy, the AWD system immediately sends power to the wheel with the most grip.
Should HCPI really want to appeal to the overlanding and glamping set, things like additional ground clearance and all-terrain tires would help greatly.
Not out of the fight
Overall, our little jaunts with the latest Honda CR-V e:HEV show that the Japanese automaker still has the goods to make a fun-to-drive, electrified vehicle.
But at P2,488,000 for the VX and P2,838,000 for the RS AWD, this big Honda is considerably pricier than rivals like the Toyota RAV4 HEV and the Subaru Forester Hybrid. And of course, many Chinese brands are undercutting the venerable CR-V by nearly seven figures.
Nonetheless, for those who want an electrified crossover with zero compromise on build quality, space, fuel efficiency and sheer driving satisfaction, the CR-V e:HEV may be worth every peso.
