Fifth Generation Honda CR-V RW1/2 and CR-V Hybrid RT5/6

When the fifth-generation Honda CR-V was launched around the globe except Japan, everyone might be lamenting that the world-proven crossover might share its fate to the list of other Japanese cars that are sold worldwide but not in Japan such as the Toyota Hilux and the Honda Civic, but lament no more because before you have any complaints and concerns, the fifth-generation Honda CR-V has finally made its way to Japan after a two year absence. We thought they couldn't make it but they really did so is it worth the wait for the world-proven crossover that is almost not going to be sold to Japan? Let's investigate.

2019 Honda CR-V

2019 Honda CR-V

Although this is a over a year late than expected, the all-new, fifth-generation Honda CR-V picks up where the previous model left off and since crossovers are becoming more mainstream like superhero movies, expect this new model to be a quite a seller while facing stiff competition from the likes of the Toyota Harrier, the Nissan X-Trail, the Mazda CX-5, and the recently regenerated Subaru Forester which the CR-V will have some pressure on.

Starting at the design, you can see that the front view is in line with the Honda family tree because of its signature Solid Wing face donning it and although sharp, it can be somewhat regular. While the side view is almost similar to the previous model, the rear view is no longer mistaken for the Volvo XC60 because it's now more Cherokee-ish if you ask them. Go further and you can easily confuse it with the Jeep Cherokee, that's a given theory to first-timers but the design is the least of the problems as the interior holds a different story.

2019 Honda CR-V interior

2019 Honda CR-V interior

Unlike the old CR-V your sister currently drives for work or for trips to Oregon and Vancouver, B.C., the new interior is very nice to make yourselves at this crossover and it's surprisingly spacious by crossover standards. As you may know, the gasoline variant offers a 5-seater and, for the first time in a CR-V, a 7-seater, while the Hybrid variant only offers the 5-seater. Considering that you've picked the turbo variant with seven seats present, you might be heavily warned that when the kids occupied the second row seats, your chances of scoring the "sweet spot" is down to zero and you're going to make do with the less spacious third-row seating which eats away the space for your groceries just like what happened to the Jade MPV.

Somewhat ditching the seven-seater variant in favor for a more spacious five-seater variant, it feels just like your sister's CR-V, and with some room at the back for some stuff from the grocery or for the long trip to Portland, Oregon, or Cabanatuan or Antipolo, there are plenty of reasons why the CR-V's interior is taking shape for you. You can give praise to the power liftgate that can be opened automatically when you lift your foot near the rear bumper as well.

2019 Honda CR-V

I did said gasoline and hybrid above because the fifth-generation Honda CR-V is powered by a choice of a 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine and Honda's Intelligent Multi Mode Drive hybrid system comprising of a 145PS 2.0L i-VTEC Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and two-electric motors generating 154kW of power output. Making good use of the i-MMD's 3 mode powertrain, the hybrid variant delivers three-liter class performance with a fuel efficiency of 21.2kmpl under WLTC mode standards. 4WD variants get about 20.2kmpl and that easily trumps the hybrid variant of the Subaru Forester, which is a productivity plus.

The turbocharged variant produces about 190PS of power and 140Nm of torque and because it's mated with a CVT, fuel economy is up to 15.8km/L by JC08 mode standards.

Playing the key role in fuel efficiency is its Active Shutter Grille system which drops aerodynamic drag at cruising speeds for better fuel efficiency.

Benefiting from its front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension, torsion bar stabilizers, ventilated disk brakes on the front, and electric power steering, the CR-V promises to be a lot smoother to drive compared to the last one and although not exciting, it's subtle enough to make the journey home a lot more institutionalized. Speaking of institutionalized, the new CR-V features Honda Sensing comprising of Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Couple that with other safety features including a feature that detects road signs, and the result is a much safer car to make the journey home easy. Such safety makes the new CR-V a certified Safety Support Car S Wide.

Should you buy it? The all-new CR-V starts at 3,230,280 Japanese Yen for the turbo variant, available tomorrow, and 3,784,320 Yen for the Hybrid variant, arriving November. It might be more expensive than today's Subaru Forester but be thankful that it ticks all the right boxes what a crossover should be and despite being all-new from the ground up, it still feels like your sister's CR-V that was been used to take her to work or for trips to Oregon and Canada. 

It's about darn time the new CR-V finally sold in Japan after a two-year absence and here's hoping that this crossover should serve as a valuable lesson to all Japanese cars that are sold worldwide except to its home ground.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl, Luna Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Rousse Black Metallic, Midnight Blue Beam Metallic, and Premium Crystal Red Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.