Which all-new 2023 Honda CR-V is more popular among Filipinos? Hybrid or petrol?

Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) launched the all-new sixth-generation 2023 Honda CR-V in the country in September and since then 400 units have been delivered to customers. Two engine choices are offered in the archipelago which consists of 2 turbocharged petrol variants (V, VX AWD) and a sole hybrid variant (RS e:HEV).

Breaking down those 400 units to specifics, Top Gear Philippines asked HCPI how many bought the most powerful (and most expensive) variant. According to representatives, most Filipino buyers chose the turbocharged petrol variants over the hybrid but not by that much.

65% of customers went for the V and VX AWD variants (260 units) while 35% opted for the e:HEV RS variant (140 units). In fact, the most popular variant is the VX AWD which is a surprise given that the 2WD variants usually sold better in the Philippines.

Also read: After Thailand and Indonesia, Philippines next to launch 2023 Honda CR-V; Prices up by 13 percent

While the petrol variants of the CR-V are still more popular among Filipino buyers, the hybrid’s sales figures are considered strong. In the Philippines, the all-new CR-V is available with 7 seats as standard on the petrol variants while the e:HEV RS is strictly a 5-seater.

As mentioned earlier, the Filipino-spec CR-V is offered in 3 variants. Both the V and VX variants are powered by a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo that makes 190 PS and 240 Nm while the e:HEV RS is powered by a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine mated to a pair of electric motors that makes a combined output of 184 PS/335 Nm.

Also read: All-new Malaysian-spec 2023 Honda CR-V shows off its 184 PS/335 Nm hybrid unit in latest teaser

The PH-spec sixth-gen CR-V is priced from PHP 2.15 million to PHP 2.6 million (~RM 175k-212k), a 13-21 percent increase compared to its predecessor. This price hike is to be expected when the all-new CR-V makes its way to Malaysia with Honda Malaysia announcing bookings are opened.

Also read: All-new 2023 Honda CR-V: Dec launch, now with 2.0L hybrid, bookings open in Malaysia