Honda’s CR-V has long been a staple in the Australian market, celebrated for its blend of practicality, reliability, and comfort. The latest sixth-generation model, specifically the RS hybrid variant, aims to push the envelope further, offering an impressive mix of performance, technology, and efficiency.
However, while the 2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS certainly boasts several strong points, it’s not without its flaws. For example, this top-spec model is quite expensive, like many of its nearest hybrid rivals.
2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid
Output (combined): 152kW
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19×7.5, 235/55
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1740kg
Power-to-weight: 11.44:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 5.5L/100km
Our consumption: 5.7L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 57L/91 RONPower efficiency: 27.63kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.84 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.03 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.69 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.22 seconds at 133.4km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.642g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.43m in 3.08 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.344g*
Decibel at idle (on standby): 23*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 78*
Starting price: $59,900
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS: How much does it cost?
Prices open from $44,500 for the base VTi X 1.5 turbo, and top out at $59,900 for this flagship e:HEV RS. The RS is the only hybrid option.
Compared with its nearest rivals in top-spec hybrid form, the CR-V is more expensive than the Kia Sportage GT-Line FWD ($55,420), the Hyundai Tucson FWD N Line ($52,600), and the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser FWD ($51,410). However, the RS’s price includes on-road costs (drive-away) while the others do not.
Honda provides a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with five years included roadside assistance. Services are every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS: Interior & packaging
Honda has optimised the interior to offer a more spacious feel than the previous model, while blending in some modern design themes to push it closer to premium realms. It still accommodates families with ease, and is easy to get in and out of like before.
The second-row seat slide function is a standout and not commonly seen in all rivals. This definitely enhances versatility as well as passenger comfort. It means that even taller occupants can find a comfortable seating position. The rear bench can also recline back for added cruising comfort.
Additionally, the quality of materials used throughout the cabin exudes a premium feel, with soft-touch surfaces and high-grade finishes creating an inviting environment. Honda has infused its new-look full-width grille piece across the dash, like in the Civic, which adds a certain level of sophistication and helps separate it from competitors.
The third-row seats, while a welcome addition for larger families, are quite cramped and best suited for children or shorter journeys. Adults will find the legroom insufficient for extended travel. Furthermore, the cargo space, although adequate for daily needs, feels compromised when all seats are in use. This limits the CR-V’s practicality as a full-time seven-seater, especially when compared to some of its more spacious rivals.
Going with the RS excludes you from the possibility of seven seats. Not that the third row is ever spacious in this class, but the two rearmost seats can come in handy when taking kids and their friends to parties and whatnot, fitted as standard with the VTi X7 and VTi L7. Something to consider anyway. Honda says the seven-seat models offer comfort for “adults as tall as 170cm” in the third row.
Tech-wise, Honda has equipped the 2024 CR-V with a suite of intuitive and intelligent features. The 9.0-inch touch-screen is fairly straight-forward and quick to grasp, if lacking a bit in graphics and design. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
The digital instrument cluster is clear and informative, but navigating through its menus can sometimes be less than intuitive, posing a learning curve for new users and a bit of a distraction if you’re trying to find something while driving. Best to get used to it all first and then start fiddling around with your prefer display layouts and so on.
Boot space is rated at an impressive 581L, expanding to 1636L with the rear seats folded. There is a 12V socket on the wall, but no pull-tabs to fold the rear seats – you have to do it from the doors. Under the floor is a tyre repair kit and a ‘bucket’ of storage suitable for wet stuff.
2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS: Powertrain & handling
In the CR-V e:HEV RS is an exclusive hybrid setup combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, generating a respectable combined output of 152kW. The petrol motor develops 135kW alone, which is not bad for a non-turbo unit, and then paired up are two electric motors combined with a CVT auto transmission.
Performance is decent, with our Vbox revealing a 0-100km/h time of 8.03 seconds. However, it would be nice if this was all-wheel drive. It’s not that there is any wheelspin concerns, but AWD would enhance its touring capability and improve safety in wet weather. Hyundai, Nissan, and Toyota offer AWD with their hybrid rivals; Tucson, X-Trail, and RAV4.
On the road, Hondas always handle well and the CR-V RS exhibits commendable handling characteristics. The hybrid system’s additional weight is well-managed (1740kg – only 52kg heavier than the VTi LX), and the latest platform offers increased structural stiffness with a new front subframe, stiffer rear door frames and B-pillar, and stronger mounting points for the rear springs are added in. The body’s bending stiffness is increased by 15 per cent over the predecessor. Despite being front-wheel drive, the rear end uses a quality multi-link setup, with typical coil-over-damper struts at the front.
The ride quality is comfortably soft, absorbing most road imperfections with ease, but it’s not sloppy or bouncy. Some body roll is noticeable when pushed hard but expected for this vehicle class. Although the steering is light, it provides enough feedback to inspire confidence, making it a competent handler in city and suburban environments.
If you’re wondering, the RS variant does not come with special sports suspension or any significant sporty enhancements for the handling aside from changes regarding the hybrid powertrain. The RS is mainly a cosmetic pack, bringing in body-coloured bumper and wheel arch trimmings and black highlights for the grille, window surrounds and side mirrors. The RS also comes with the same 19-inch wheels as the VTi LX, with 235/55 Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tyres.
Fuel efficiency is a major selling point for the e:HEV, obviously. The official consumption rate is 5.5L/100km, which doesn’t stack up that good against some rivals, such as the Hyundai Tucson FWD hybrid (5.3L/100km, the Kia Sportage FWD hybrid (4.9L/100km), and the Toyota RAV4 FWD hybrid (4.7L/100km). However, in the real world, it is possible to get pretty close to that official rating in the Honda.
During our testing, it delivered impressive figures and even dipped down to 5.3L/100km in suburban conditions where the hybrid system’s benefits are most pronounced. However, on the highway, the efficiency gains are less significant, with the petrol engine taking on a more prominent role.
The CVT can sometimes feel disconnected, especially under hard acceleration, as you get this rubber-band effect, typical of CVTs. It won’t appeal to drivers seeking a more engaging driving experience, not that many rivals offer much in this department. Additionally, while the hybrid system’s performance is adequate for most situations, it lacks the punch of some turbocharged rivals.
2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Spacious and versatile interior: The cabin of the CR-V RS offers ample space and versatility, ensuring comfort for passengers and practicality for families. Build quality is also excellent.
- Impressive real-world fuel efficiency: The hybrid powertrain excels in city and suburban driving conditions, delivering superb fuel economy.
- Comprehensive safety features: Honda SENSING and other advanced safety technologies provide peace of mind. Most of them are not intrusive or overly sensitive, like in some rivals.
- Solid handling: Even though this market segment is not usually credited or known for its handling attributes, the latest CR-V offers driving enthusiasts a reason to take the kids out and about.
2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS: Key considerations before you buy
- Disconnected CVT feel: CVTs rarely improve the driving experience and so the same issue is found here. Although it is a decent CVT, for a CVT, we’d still rather a nice eight-speed or something.
- In-car tech: The touch-screen is user-friendly but somewhat basic compared with some rivals. Also no wireless Android Auto or surround-view camera.
- Hybrid is FWD only: If you want economy you can’t have AWD versatility as well, like in some rivals; RAV4 AWD hybrid, Tucson AWD hybrid and X-Trail AWD hybrid.
2024 Honda CR-V e:HEV RS: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The CR-V RS hybrid is a well-rounded package thanks to its spacious interior, impressive fuel efficiency, and competent chassis dynamics. It’s an excellent choice for families looking for a reliable and versatile SUV. However, it misses out on AWD (if that’s important to you), it doesn’t offer impressive in-car tech, and you need to spend up to gain access to the hybrid benefits. Some rivals counter these minor concerns.
