When it comes to picking a car that transcends price points, segments, and categories to be crowned Carlist & WapCar Editors' Choice for Best Car Overall, the decision isn’t made lightly. Yet, the 2024 Honda CR-V made it almost effortless.

From the moment you step inside, it feels like Honda has reminded everyone what an SUV should be – practical yet elegant, user-focused yet technologically advanced, and all without unnecessary gimmicks.

Its interior is a masterclass in user-friendly design. Physical climate control knobs with satisfying tactility? Check. Intuitive steering wheel buttons? Double check. A crystal-clear infotainment interface and a real volume knob? Honda gets it.

In a time when many competitors are burying basic controls under layers of touchscreen menus, the CR-V keeps things refreshingly simple. You can step into the CR-V from any car, and everything feels exactly where it should be.  

Then there’s the driving position. The hip-to-heel angle is perfect, the pedals are exactly where your feet expect them to be, and the seats? They hug you like a tailored suit, keeping you fresh even on long journeys. It’s the kind of care that many competitors overlook, and it’s another reason why the CR-V stands tall in its class.

Also read: Carlist & WapCar's People's Choice COTY 2024 Celebrates the 14 Brands That Won the Public's Heart

With rear seats that slide and recline, the CR-V ensures that passengers are as comfortable as they can be. Few SUVs in this price range offer this level of rear-seat comfort, let alone the ability to fit three adults without complaints.

Add a cavernous 589-litre boot, expandable to 1,072 litres, and the CR-V doesn’t just tick the practicality box; it obliterates it.

The RS e:HEV variant exemplifies Honda’s engineering prowess. With its two-motor full hybrid system, you get the best of both worlds: seamless electric rolling and efficient petrol propulsion.

It even simulates gear shifts for a more traditional driving feel – something hybrids of this configuration often struggle with. Real-world fuel consumption of 5.0 L/100 km is simply the cherry on top.

Comfort, composure, and confidence – that’s how the CR-V handles Malaysia’s varied roads. It’s just as happy soaking up potholes as it is tackling bends, with its precise steering and well-tuned suspension making every drive a pleasure.

Sure, you could spend more for a luxury SUV. But this is where the law of diminishing returns begins. At a certain point, you’re paying extra for – let’s face it – vanity. The CR-V delivers everything most Malaysians could ever want in a car without veering into excess.

Whether you’re a young family, a professional upgrading your ride, or a retiree looking for something elegant yet practical, the CR-V fits the bill. Spend less, and you’d be compromising; spend more, and you’d be getting less for your money.

At WapCar, we value cars that don’t just tick boxes but genuinely elevate the driving experience. The 2024 Honda CR-V doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or excessive frills; it simply does everything right. It’s a car that puts its occupants first, whether through its thoughtful ergonomics, spacious cabin, or effortless drive.

In a market crowded with choices, the Honda CR-V shows us what an SUV should be – balanced, versatile, and undeniably brilliant – it’s the ultimate all-rounder at the moment, and a reminder that greatness doesn’t always have to come with an exorbitant price tag.

Congratulations, Honda. You’ve set the bar.

Also read: Review: 2024 Honda CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS - No car is perfect, but this strikes it pretty close