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The Honda CR-V is without doubt one of the oldest nameplates within the mainstream SUV segments, relationship again to the late Nineties.
Now in its fifth technology, the Japanese model’s in style mid-sized crossover may be getting on a bit (an all-new one has been revealed and must be right here in 2023) however it’s nonetheless one of many few automobiles in its class to supply three rows of seats.
On check we’ve got the 2022 Honda CR-V VTi L7, considered one of two seven-seat variations of the CR-V priced from slightly below $50,000 drive-away beneath Honda’s new company gross sales technique.
It competes with different medium-large SUVs just like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail, in addition to the (technically) giant phase Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. All are primarily based on mid-sized platforms and all provide 5+2 seating layouts.
At this worth level the high-grade seven-seat CR-V can be competing with lower-grade variations of bigger SUVs just like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
So with a handful of fairly sturdy rivals, and the latest dying of Honda’s Odyssey folks mover, does the high-spec CR-V seven-seater make a case for itself in its last stage of life? Time to search out out.
Table of Contents
How a lot does the Honda CR-V VTi L7 value?
The CR-V VTi L7 is the second-highest variant within the line-up, priced from $49,500 drive-away. Solely the five-seat VTi LX AWD is dearer, at $53,600 drive-away.
It’s $8500 costlier than the cheaper VTi 7 ($40,900 D/A) and slightly below $6000 greater than the special-edition VTi 7 +Luxe ($43,700 D/A) that was not too long ago launched as the present technology strikes nearer to runout.
No seven-seat variations of the CR-V can be found with all-wheel drive in Australia, and the hybrid choice provided in abroad markets is forbidden fruit for our market.
The following-generation CR-V ought to provide a petrol-electric choice Down Below when it arrives, seemingly through the course of 2023.
2022 Honda CR-V pricing:
- Honda CR-V Vi 2.0: $35,600
- Honda CR-V VTi: $38,800
- Honda CR-V VTi 7: $40,700
- Honda CR-V VTi X: $41,700
- Honda CR-V VTi 7 +Luxe: $43,700
- Honda CR-V Black Version: $44,600
- Honda CR-V VTi L AWD: $46,000
- Honda CR-V VTi L7: $49,200
- Honda CR-V VTi LX AWD: $53,600
Costs are drive-away
Key rivals embody:
Costs exclude on-road prices until specified
What’s the Honda CR-V VTi L7 like on the within?
The CR-V’s cabin has had the identical primary design since 2017, with a refresh in 2020 bringing a rejigged centre console with higher storage choices and a wi-fi smartphone charging pad.
With an upright dashboard fascia and floating transmission selector, the CR-V’s entrance row offers off folks mover vibes.
The driving force is confronted with a partially-digital instrument cluster, which encompasses a 7.0-inch show for the tachometer and speedometer readout, flanked by line gauges for the temperature and gas.
It hasn’t modified since this technology launched and it’s feeling fairly old-hat at this stage, from the video game-like graphics to the restricted configurability. The plasticky steering wheel hub additionally appears to be like outdated, and a bit low cost.
The leather-trimmed seats are fairly comfy and provides good ranges of under-thigh assist, and the driving force will get full electrical adjustment with two-position reminiscence.
Three-stage heating additionally options on each entrance seats, however there’s no cooling like some rivals. We discovered that, whereas the seats are comparatively supportive, the extensive inserts imply the bolsters don’t fairly maintain you in from all angles should you’re on the thinner facet.
Ergonomically the CR-V is fairly stable, with all controls and switchgear inside straightforward attain of the driving force, and no matter whether or not it’s on the steering wheel or dashboard all features are properly grouped collectively and clearly labelled.
Storage is above common with a deep, configurable centre console cubby between the entrance seats, giant door bins, and a cubby beneath the front-centre armrest.
Show and infotainment tech wasn’t a CR-V sturdy swimsuit when this technology launched, which is just underlined additional in 2022.
The 7.0-inch touchscreen is small, and has fairly dated graphics and common response occasions.
Native satellite tv for pc navigation comes as customary on the VTi L7 however the Garmin-sourced mapping is straight out of these low cost transportable models you used to purchase from Dick Smith. It’s fairly underdone in comparison with most rivals, although you do get SUNA dwell visitors updates.
Thank goodness for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although I want the wi-fi charging pad may securely maintain my telephone when wired in for mirroring. The eight-speaker sound system is fairly good, if not a standout at this worth level the place many rivals have branded techniques with a bit extra depth.
The CR-V’s boxy dimensions and lengthy wheelbase have lengthy earned it kudos for practicality on this technology, however the high-spec VTi L7 is sort of compromised in comparison with the remainder of the vary.
Seven-seat CR-V fashions get sliding second-row seats to permit simpler entry to the third row in addition to extra legroom for the rearmost passengers, which implies they sit a little bit greater than the mounted bench in five-seat grades.
Having the panoramic sunroof on this grade additional eats into rear headroom, and even at my comparatively common 6’1 peak, my head was fairly firmly nudging the headliner. Scott Collie would break his neck should you went over a pointy bump arduous sufficient.
It’s a obtrusive error within the seven-seater’s design, as a result of legroom and knee room are in any other case above common for the phase. ISOFIX and top-tether factors characteristic within the second row, so it’ll be nice for youths – helped by the 90-degree-opening rear doorways.
Like most automobiles within the phase, the CR-V’s third row is greatest left for youths. Consider it extra as a 5+2 seater than a correct seven seater.
Facilities embody fold-out cupholder hoops and ceiling-mounted vents, and getting within the third row is made simpler by tumbling the second row ahead. Leg, knee and foot room are tight for adults, although.
The third row doesn’t fold flat into the ground like rivals, although there’s a small adjustable ground extension that may be raised to make a flat bay. Regardless, it appears to be like a little bit tacked on and in poor health thought-out.
Boot capability is 150L with the third row up, 472L with the third row folded and 936L (to the window) or 1509L (to the roof) with the second row folded. A full-size alloy spare lives beneath the boot ground.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Powering all however the base CR-V variant is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, quoting outputs of 140kW (5600rpm) and 240Nm (2000-5000rpm).
Within the VTi L7, drive is shipped to the entrance wheels solely through a constantly variable transmission (CVT). On-demand all-wheel drive is obtainable however solely on the top-spec CR-V VTi LX.
Honda claims the CR-V VTi L7 will eat 7.3L/100km on the mixed cycle, with emissions rated at 166g/km (CO2).
All variations of the Honda CR-V are rated to run on 91 RON common unleaded, whereas the gas tank capability is listed as 57 litres.
How does the Honda CR-V VTi L7 drive?
Given this VTi L7 variant runs successfully the identical drivetrain as the VTi X I reviewed some months in the past, there’s little distinction to my impressions right here – for higher and for worse.
The present technology CR-V has been praised since its launch in 2017 for its keen dynamics and well-sorted journey, and the automobile on check right here confirmed the identical optimistic attributes.
It’s fast to reply to steering inputs with good accuracy and fluidity, and has a hunkered-down really feel that conjures up confidence at excessive speeds and on winding roads. Having such a small engine up entrance little question helps for a lightweight front-end really feel.
Talking of the engine, the 1.5-litre turbo petrol’s 140kW/240Nm outputs are up there for the category and its relative displacement, clearly should you low cost the likes of the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan with their bigger, higher-output turbo fours.
Whereas these outputs are spectacular, the driving expertise is fairly underwhelming, largely as a result of CVT computerized which feels prefer it’s sapping the life out of the engine.
Efficiency off the road is greatest described as ‘relaxed’ however it’s properly linear, and the transmission tends to carry revs between 2000 and 3000rpm the place the torque band is. There’s no programmed ‘steps’ like some rivals, which means the engine simply drones and stays on this monotone, buzzy tone when you’re accelerating.
Due to this it doesn’t really feel significantly fast or easy, because the engine sounds laboured beneath throttle, although it does stand up to signed velocity limits deceptively rapidly with a bit extra throttle enter.
You need to use the paddles behind the steering wheel to shift by way of digital ‘ratios’, however take my phrase for it – don’t.
Engine efficiency isn’t very inspiring, however for the goal purchaser it’s much less of a precedence. Plus, the CR-V has higher low-down torque than the naturally-aspirated Nissan X-Trail or Mitsubishi Outlander – though expertise in each rivals nonetheless leaves the CR-V with the buzziest, droniest engine beneath load.
Regardless of its age the CR-V remains to be one of many better-riding automobiles within the class even with no native suspension tune and bigger 18-inch alloys as examined. It strikes a fantastic stability between consolation and dynamics, and isn’t upset by sharp-edged imperfections or sudden undulations.
The dearth of all-wheel drive by no means actually offered itself as a significant downside throughout our time with the CR-V VTi L7 even with some fairly moist Melbourne climate, although I perceive loads of potential drivers simply favor the safety of all-paw traction for wet days or should you frequent free surfaces.
Visibility is likewise excellent due to the plentiful glasshouse, giant mirrors, entrance and rear parking sensors, and a reversing digital camera with dynamic tips – even when the decision leaves a bit to be desired towards present rivals.
On the subject of cameras and gripes, it’s a disgrace the present CR-V was by no means up to date to supply typical blind-spot monitoring on each sides of the automobile, as a substitute persisting with Honda’s LaneWatch passenger-side digital camera. The US-market mannequin (which is made there) made this transfer a while in the past, so it’s not as if the present technology hasn’t been engineered for it.
Whereas I perceive the advantage behind the concept, the LaneWatch digital camera presents common decision, and the video feed takes over the infotainment system every time you point out – although urgent the button on the finish of the stalk can rapidly flip it off. It’s simply not as intuitive as Hyundai and Kia’s Blind Spot View Monitor, and it solely works on the left-hand facet of the automobile.
Cabin refinement is one other space in want of enchancment. In isolation the cabin permits a suitable, not deafening stage of engine, wind and highway noise. Nonetheless, after a back-to-back drive with a base Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the CR-V felt echoey and tinny by comparability.
It’s a disgrace Honda didn’t put extra effort into sound insulation and general driving refinement as a part of the mid-life refresh, and a quieter petrol-electric hybrid choice – as provided in Japan, Europe and the US – would additional improve refinement and cut back powertrain noise ranges significantly round city.
The Honda Sensing suite of energetic assists likewise really feel a step or so behind newer rivals.
As we’ve famous in earlier critiques, the adaptive cruise management with Low Velocity Comply with works fantastic more often than not, particularly if there’s little to no visitors. Nonetheless it has a behavior of jabbing the brakes for no obvious cause, which is especially irritating should you’re overtaking in the fitting lane with somebody following intently behind.
The energetic lane-centring operate works properly, although the automated high-beam is a little bit keen to have interaction and defaults to on each time you begin the automobile – I had a few events the place in suburban areas it didn’t change off by itself quick sufficient and I used to be flashed by oncoming drivers.
Whereas it’s not a poor displaying from Honda’s mid-sizer, the CR-V actually beginning to really feel its age on the highway – significantly this VTi L7 at $50,000 drive-away. The brand new mannequin can’t come quickly sufficient.
What do you get?
CR-V VTi L7 highlights:
- LED headlights
- LED fog lights
- Energetic cornering lights
- Roof rails
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 7 seats
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rear privateness glass
- Ambient lighting
- Third row air vents
Options carried over from decrease grades embody:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Full-size alloy spare wheel
- Auto headlights
- Auto high-beam
- LED daytime operating lights
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- Twin exhaust finishers
- Honda Sensing
- Keyless entry and begin
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-based-appointed seat trim
- Heated entrance seats
- 8-way energy driver seat with reminiscence
- 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired)
- Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming
- 4 x USB ports
- 8-speaker audio
- Reversing digital camera
- Twin-zone local weather management with rear vents
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- LaneWatch blind-spot digital camera
- Tyre strain monitoring
Is the Honda CR-V VTi L7 secure?
All variations of the Honda CR-V put on a five-star ANCAP security ranking with 2017 date stamp, primarily based on checks performed by ANCAP and ASEAN ANCAP.
Utilizing an older check standards, the CR-V scored 35.76 out of 37 general, together with 16.00 out of 16 for the facet impression check, 2.00 out of two for the pole check, and 14.76 out of 16 for the Frontal Offset evaluation. Whiplash safety was rated Good, pedestrian safety deemed Acceptable.
The entry-level CR-V Vi misses out on the Honda Sensing energetic security suite, which means it lacks options like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keep help. CR-V VTi grades and up (together with the VTi L7 on check), get the complete tech portfolio as customary.
All fashions characteristic six airbags, together with twin frontal, front-side and side-curtain airbags.
Normal options (CR-V VTi and up) embody:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise management with Low Velocity Comply with
- Computerized high-beam
- Ahead collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Lane centring
- LaneWatch blind-spot digital camera
How a lot does the Honda CR-V VTi L7 value to run?
The Honda Australia line-up is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee with 5 years of premium 24/7 roadside help.
Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 month or 10,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.
Honda has grow to be a frontrunner in the case of inexpensive servicing prices, with the primary 5 visits priced at $125 a pop. That’s cheaper than even Toyota.
As for real-world gas consumption, the CR-V hovered between excessive eights and low nines throughout our week of testing, which included each day commuting to and from the workplace which blended in high-traffic CBD roads with freeway stints.
It’s a bit up on Honda’s mixed declare, although not far off the model’s city determine of 9.2L/100km. The CR-V’s gas use jumps rapidly round city, not helped by the automobile’s lack of idle cease/begin know-how.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Honda CR-V VTi L7
The highest-spec three-row CR-V has all of the components to be a fantastic bundle for Australian households, however in execution it misses the mark in a number of areas.
Poor second-row headroom and a compromised boot are obtrusive oversights for the CR-V VTi L7, whereas the dated infotainment and driver help techniques are merely off the tempo in comparison with rivals just like the Mitsubishi Outlander, Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
At almost $50,000 drive-away the CR-V’s worth equation isn’t as sturdy as lower-spec grades, and is priced too near entry variations of bodily bigger and extra completed automobiles just like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-8.
The comfy journey, eager dynamics and easy driveline aren’t sufficient to save lots of the up-spec seven-seater at this worth level.
The VTi 7 makes much more sense for these wanting an inexpensive seven-seat SUV. It undercuts nearly each rival, packs sufficient of the great things with out actually lacking out on key requirements, and due to the shortage of a sunroof must be much more accommodating within the rear for taller passengers.
Is it an Odyssey alternative? No. However the added versatility of a 3rd row is a drawcard the CR-V has over most rivals within the mid-size SUV phase.
Click on the pictures for the complete gallery
MORE: Everything Honda CR-V
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