Honda Accord vs Honda CR-V; which car better suits your needs?  

Honda Malaysia welcomed the tenth generation 2020 Honda Accord with a starting price of RM 185,900. Even after the recent price increase, the Honda CR-V’s range topper, 1.5L TC-P, is still priced below the base spec Accord 1.5L TC at RM 175,900. So, should you make the jump and pay RM 10,000 more for the lower spec Accord 1.5L TC?

In the new generation Accord, Honda has done away with the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines in favour for a more fuel efficient 1.5-litre Turbocharged unit.

It’s essentially the same heart that powers the CR-V and the Honda Civic, only retuned to produce more power at 201 PS and 260 Nm.

Not to mention the Accord also has a bigger 8-inch touchscreen and 10 speakers to boot. The CR-V’s 8 speakers do not have the best sound quality.

Both cars support Apple Carplay and Android Auto, though when it comes to usability, the presence of physical buttons on the Accord’s head unit would make adjusting the menu more convenient.

For the price of a range topping CR-V 1.5 TC-P equipped with Honda Sensing, you can only buy an entry Accord 1.5 TC variant. Matching the CR-V TC-P's specs will require you to top up another RM 10,000. 

The full suite Honda Sensing allows the CR-V to make good use of systems like Lane Keep Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, and Forward Collision Warning just to name a few.

Meanwhile, the Accord’s base spec TC makes do with only Honda LaneWatch. A useful system that the CR-V also has alongside Honda Sensing. 

Being a low riding sedan, the Accord also has the ability to hug the road better, offering far better handling and stability than the taller riding CR-V. So, if it’s a fun drive you’re looking for the Accord is definitely the answer to your needs.

The Accord also offers a bigger cabin and an even bigger boot that's easier to load/unload. Being a D-segment sedan, the Accord has a longer wheelbase, allowing plenty of legroom. With 577-litre boot capacity, the Accord's boot space hugely trumps the CR-V's 522-litres as well.

Of course, there is also the consideration of the ease of ingress and egress. With the Accord being a low riding sedan, getting in and out of the car is rather inconvenient.

The CR-V has the advantage of sitting taller, so not only offers a better view of the road ahead but also provides easier access in and out of the car. This is a massive convenience for older car buyers. Though the taller ride still compromises the CR-V's handling. 

If you’re looking for a business tuxedo to do the daily run, and if you love driving and appreciate a good handling car, the Accord is the one to have.

However, if you are using the car mostly for family duties, and you appreciate a taller seating position car that's easier to get in and out of, the more affordable CR-V is the one for you.