Honda CR-V – Top alternatives

If you’re in the market for a compact crossover SUV, the chances are that you’re already in a bit of a spot - with so many running amok on our roads, choosing the right one can get tricky. However, despite that, their popularity is likely not going to fade anytime soon. And one of the most sought after and well-liked of them all remains the Honda CR-V. Currently, in its fifth generation, the CR-V has been one of the best-selling Honda models in many parts of the world. In Malaysia, the 2019 Honda CR-V is available in four different trim options, including the RM 138,308 entry-level car, the RM 150,992 and RM 156,732 mid-tier variants, and the RM 163,191 range-topping TC-P trim.

Sold only as a strict five-seater, the CR-V is offered with a choice of two four-cylinder engines: a 2.0-litre unit in the base variant with 152hp and 189Nm of torque, while the rest are armed with a 1.5-litre turbocharged mill that makes 190hp and 243Nm of twist. Among the four, only one variant gets all-wheel drive (AWD), whilst the rest are only two-wheel drive (2WD). As for performance, the fastest is the 2WD variant of the top TC-P trim - it can hit 100 kmph in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 200 kmph. However, with that being said, let’s take a look at three of the top alternatives for the Honda CR-V.

Alternative 1 – Hyundai Tucson

Wearing a sticker price of RM 143,888, the all-new Hyundai Tucson Turbo is the best bet in the range. Tucson is not only newer than the CR-V in the market, but it also looks undisputedly modern in its design. Being a Hyundai, it’s loaded with features and sports remarkable build quality as well. With its slightly higher price tag, you get the top-of-the-range Turbo variant. As the name suggests, this one comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-banger that produces 175hp and 265Nm of torque. Coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, the front-wheel-drive Tucson can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 8.9 seconds, and hit a top speed of 201 kmph.

 

The new Tucson’s impressive features catalogue includes automatic LED headlights, power tailgate, Nappa leather seats, electronic handbrake with auto-hold, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, all-round parking sensors with rear-view camera, and a 7-inch touch-infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Meanwhile, its safety kit includes six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC).

Alternative 2 – Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 not only boasts an eye-catching exterior design, but its interior features high-quality materials, excellent build quality, and great fit & finish. Priced at RM 152,573, the 2WD GLS trim with the 2.5-litre SKYACTIV petrol engine is a great deal. It has 192hp with 257Nm of pulling force and comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, allowing the CX-5 to reach 100 kmph in around 9 seconds and on to a maximum velocity of 195 kmph.

As for standard features, you get 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic & adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights, automatic wipers, automatic engine stop-start, leather upholstery with 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, electronic handbrake with auto-hold, two-zone climate control, all-round parking sensors with reversing camera, and a 7-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation system. Mazda has also equipped the CX-5 with six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-Start Assist (HSA), Blind-Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) and speed-sensing door locks.

Alternative 3 – Nissan X-Trail

 

Retailing for RM 153,888, the all-new 2019 Nissan X-Trail (in the 2.5L 4WD trim) is another good choice. Its sharp and well-sculpted exterior is complemented by a spacious and well-built interior. The X-Trail also offers seven seats and Nissan’s Intelligent 4X4 (all-wheel-drive) system. Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre four-popper with 169hp and 233Nm of maximum torque - all of which is handled by the carmaker’s Xtronic CVT. It’s capable of tugging the X-Trail to a top speed of 170 kmph, whilst 100 kmph shows up in around 11 seconds or so.

While it certainly isn’t fast, the new X-Trail does come with automatic LED headlights, front & rear fog lamps, motion-activated tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, intelligent entry with push-button start, adaptive cruise control, flat-bottom steering wheel with buttons, ‘zero gravity’ leather seats, dual-zone automatic AC with rear vents, power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, 7-inch touchscreen with in-built navigation and Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, split-folding rear seats, and all-round parking sensors with surround-view cameras.

The Nissan X-Trail also features six airbags, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), Intelligent Trace Control (ITC), Intelligent Ride Control (IRC), Intelligent Engine Braking (IEB), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Automatic High Beam Assist (AHBA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS). Phew.