Used 5th gen Honda CR-V in Malaysia: Up to 193 PS turbo, bigger than a Corolla Cross, from just RM 110k

Interesting proposition isn't it? Prices of the used 5th gen Honda CR-V (RW) in Malaysia have dropped enough to now encroach into brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross territory – some even cheaper – perhaps enhancing its position as the de facto king of pre-owned value SUVs.

• 2018 - 2020 (pre-facelift): Ranges from ~RM 110k - RM 140k
• 2020 - 2023 (facelift): Ranges from ~ RM 115k - RM 150k

Overview

As the 5th gen CR-V is still available brand new at the time of writing, we'll focus on the earlier model years: the pre-facelift 2017 to 2020 cars, and touch a bit on the facelifted units that were available since 2020.

No matter which model year you go for, you'll have 2 powertrain choices: either the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre (154 PS/189 Nm) that's in the base model, or the 1.5-litre turbo (193 PS/243 Nm) that's in every other variant above that.

Both these engines are paired to an Earth Dreams CVT automatic, and keep in mind that aside from the regular front-wheel drive (FWD) cars, there's 4WD variants as well.

Also read: AWD or 4WD – do you need it?

All 5th-gen CR-Vs sold in Malaysia are of the 5-seater variety. Not that anyone would complain given Honda's affinity for clever interior packaging, and there's decent trunk space too – 522 litres with the rear seats up, and 1,084 litres with them folded flat.

Sparsely equipped it is not, with niceties like auto LED headlights, LED DRLs and fog lamps, black combination leather seats, walk-away auto door locks, smart keyless entry, paddle shifters, dual-zone air-conditioning with vents for the rear passengers being standard fare.

Standard items extended to a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, powered front seats (8-way for the driver, 4-way for the passenger), rear parking sensors, auto dimming rear-view mirror, two rear USB charging ports, and also Android Auto/Apple CarPlay functionality through its 7-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Also read: Honda CR-V - Not for boyracers, but start your SUV shopping here

Going up the variant scale nets you different interior trims, bigger wheels, and a bit more features. On the 2017-2020 model, Honda Sensing ADAS was only available in the range-topping 1.5 Turbo Premium, but it's now in all turbo variants since the facelift.

The Honda Sensing suite contains these:

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Low Speed Follow (LSF)
• Auto High Beam (AHB)

Speaking of facelifts, 2020's relook brought upon a mildly-retouched exterior, while the cabin benefitted from an extra 2 USB ports. Safety was bumped up too – while Sensing stays as a turbo-variant-only feature, Honda LaneWatch is now standard, just as the new rear seatbelt reminder system is.

Despite that, keep in mind that Active Cornering Lights (ACL, lights that follow your steering wheel movements) were removed from the facelift exercise.

Reviews, and which variant to buy

Stellar best describes it. Even newer opponents still find the CR-V's interior to be quite insurmountable. Spot-on ergonomics, tip-top user friendliness and most importantly, quality that holds up are values that make the ownership experience that much sweeter.

Turbo variants have got big power and are actually quite fuel efficient. Comfort is right up there with the best – "feels like driving a big and spacious sofa" – but it feels a little wooly in the corners.

Also read: Review: Can the Honda CR-V still justify itself against the Proton X70?

If you can, spring for the variants with Honda Sensing to make the CR-V that much more complete. You'll appreciate the ACC a lot in slow-moving long-hauls.

Also read: From foggy roads to congested cities, Honda Civic’s Sensing is one of the best

Though if you'd like something extra special, Honda Malaysia did roll out a limited-run (300 units only) CR-V Mugen a few years ago, but it's very rare on the used car classifieds. Performance wise you aren't missing much as the only Mugen bit is the bodykit.

Costs, maintenance, recalls, problems

Nothing extraordinary when it comes to road tax, fuel, and tyre costs, though note that the turbo variants have bigger tyres. Your basic running costs should look as follows:

Super important: several model years of the Honda CR-V were issued recalls for some issues:

• 2018, 2019: Fuel pump, electric power steering, gear push knob button
• 2020: Fuel pump

To be safe, make sure you note the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) and run it through Honda Malaysia's recall checker here. If the car you're looking at so to be part of a recall, don't worry, just get in touch with Honda and have the necessary fixes done for free.

Also read: Honda Malaysia recalls 77k cars for fuel pump replacement - City, HR-V, Civic among those affected

When new, the CR-V came with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, so some 2018-2020 cars are still protected. Just note that coverage is contingent on what's been done to the car prior to its sale – usually if a car's been modified or missed one too many service intervals, the warranty will be void.

Issues are few and far between. Suspension components, for any car really, need to be replaced over years of use, however some owners have highlighted steering rack issues, which can (usually) be replaced under warranty.

Generally though a CR-V is a problem-free vehicle.

Also if you are springing for the 4WD variants, bear in mind a few drivetrain-specific items down the line, such as an addition of lubrication for the rear differential.

It's also just good ownership hygiene to check its tyres (if it's older than 5 years, change them), thickness of brake pads, and fluid levels before you sign the dotted line.

It'll also do you well to check its body for any signs of a major accidents or flooding, and run through the car through an online database to see its beyond its skin (if it's been in a total loss accident, stolen NCD information and insurance history).

Also read: This is how you tell if a car is 'tip-top' accident free

Buying a used Honda CR-V in Malaysia

You probably won't have the time for all that so our advice is to just leave it to the pros. CARSOME Certified Honda CR-Vs are all properly tip-top, meticulously refurbished and presented, and you'll get a 5-day money back guarantee to go with a 1-year warranty as well.

As your time with your new-to-you CR-V grows, CARSOME can also keep it ticking with qualified technicians over at CARSOME services centres in an area near you.

Also read: Service your car at the CARSOME Service Center and get a RM 50 discount on your first visit

There's also great Hari Raya deals to take advantage of through CARSOME, which currently offers exclusive discounts of up to RM 8,000, free service and warranty packages, and attractive interest rates for a limited time only. Download the Carsome App via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and start browsing today.

Not only that, there's an option for you to broaden your search a little bit more (with similar reassurance!) through Carlist Qualified.

Also read: Other Honda used car guides

Looking for a used, dependable SUV? The 4th-gen Honda CR-V should be your prime choice

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Snubbing an Ativa? Look at used Honda HR-Vs from RM 55k: more power, greater practicality, cheap to run