The Honda Accord has sat atop the company’s range for pretty much as long as the brand has had a presence in Malaysia. Next year, however, that mantle will be taken up by the car you see here, the 6th-generation 2023 Honda CR-V e:HEV 2.0L RS.

Although this may be bittersweet for Accord fans – and the 2023 CR-V RS in no doubt has big shoes to fill – what we can look forward to is the perhaps the best family SUV under RM 250k. 

Combining the latest drivetrain technology with the trademark practicality, spaciousness and styling of the 2023 CR-V, you can understand why Honda Malaysia is hedging its bets that it’ll appeal to a variety of buyer profiles. However, with prices of the 2023 CR-V RS expected to touch (or surpass) RM 200k, does it justify its pricetag? We recently drove the 2023 CR-V RS in Thailand to find out.

Also read: RM 160 - RM 185k? Malaysian dealers share estimated price for 2023 Honda CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo, hybrid to come later

Overview

Order books for the 2023 CR-V have been opened for a while now, and Just like our ASEAN neighbours, Malaysia will receive two engine choices – the proven turbocharged engine (193 PS/243 Nm) 1.5-litre VTEC and for the first time, the 184 PS/335 Nm 2.0-litre dual-motor i-MMD petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

Now whilst we have to wait and see how the lower rung 2023 CR-Vs are specified, we know with certainty that the CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS will have all the bells and whistles, just like the 2023 Civic e:HEV RS that came before it.

Thus we can look forward to the full Honda Sensing array, now upgraded with greater precision and a total of 9 safety functions with the addition of the Adaptive Driving Beam feature. The system now detects motorcycles (previously too small to be reliably detected) and lorries (where trailer extensions complicate detection) to further keep you safe on the roads. 

Additionally, the 2023 CR-V RS will also RS specific badging, an RS body colour scheme, and 18-inch Berlina alloy wheels.

Elsewhere, the 2023 CR-V RS will also get the new Active Shutter Grille which opens/shuts based on the car’s aero efficiency and cooling needs, the hands-free powered tailgate with walkaway close, 360-degree camera and Bose premium audio system.

Rivals

Given its estimated pricetag, the 2023 CR-V RS is firmly within the crosshairs of the Mazda CX-5 2.5G Turbo which is priced at RM 187k and develops 228 PS and a whopping 420 Nm.

Thus both the 2023 CR-V RS and CX-5 2.5G Turbo are pseudo-Japanese performance SUVs that like for like, offer bang for your buck power, for less, if you consider the price of European SUVs.

Also read: We drove a Thai-spec 2023 Honda CR-V, here are 5 things to look forward to

On the inside - Practical and refined

With a solid reputation for offering space and practicality, it’s good to know that the 2023 CR-V carries on the mantle in style. The overall architecture is simple, the build quality is improved and the overall ergonomics are top-notch.

Seating comfort is also improved both at the front and back, and courtesy of its stadium seating layout, rear occupants have better outward visibility, which reduces motion sickness, especially in children. In terms of packaging, there is no difference in cargo and passenger space due to the hybrid powertrain or battery; which is another plus too.

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

On the road, the CR-V RS is also noticeably quieter than the CR-V 1.5T variants between the speeds of 70- and 110 km/h, especially if the engine (on the CR-V 1.5T) is working hard, for instance during hill climbs.

Let’s get in and drive

For context and brevity, this report will focus on the 2023 CR-V RS and compare where applicable to the CR-V 1.5T, however, if you want a more comprehensive review of the CR-V 1.5T click on the link below.

Also read: Review: 2023 Honda CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo driven in Thailand - Improvements done right, but is it enough?

Otherwise, let’s get into the meat of the discussion, how the CR-V RS drives.

The 2023 CR-V RS features the most advanced iteration of Honda’s two-motor full hybrid powertrain. Though working principles are the same – the 2.0-litre 142 PS/189 Nm four-cylinder engine can either drive the wheels or power the generator motor which harvests energy for the battery and propulsion motor.

Where it differs from the Civic e:HEV RS is the design of the latter propulsion motor. The CR-V RS’ system houses the propulsion motor and generator on a separate axis to achieve a 6.5 percent increase in torque to 335Nm, whereas the Civic e:HEV only develops 315 Nm. The maximum motor speed has also been increased by 1,500rpm to 14,500rpm which increases top speed.

Rounding out the revisions to the hybrid powertrain is the inclusion of a more compact Power Control Unit (PCU) and Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). Both have been revised to retain a similar energy density and efficiency, whilst reducing overall weight and size.

On the road, whilst the CR-V RS power delivery is familiar, there is a small but discernible difference in power delivery, especially at low speeds in the CR-V RS. Of course, there is no rev counter, and the seamless transition of propulsion between the engine and motor means the CR-V RS builds speed into the mid-and high ranges with relative ease.

In brief, getting to terms with the power and response of the CR-V RS is straightforward. Throttle modulation is great, every inch of pedal movement is matched by a healthy dollop of pace, making it easy to get up to highway speeds. Push more and the CR-V RS will hit upwards of 160 km/h in pretty quick order.

Also read: 72% of Indo Honda CR-V buyers chose the hybrid variant even if it's the most expensive

Performance of the CR-V RS also comfortably despatches the CR-V 1.5T for pace due to substantially stronger mid-range torque which gets it to three-figure speeds much quicker.

Of course, I would still bet on the Civic e:HEV RS edging it in a drag race due to its lighter weight (at 1,445 kg) – the CR-V RS’ kerb weight surpasses 1,700 kg, so yes, it's no featherweight. 

However, despite its heft, the CR-V RS still manages to feel somewhat light on its feet in the corners, and impressively, rather flat during quick direction changes. Thus, there’s a sense that mass has been spread out nicely between the front and rear axles, allowing it to feel planted and balanced even when we were blasting up the twisty and hilly sections of Chiang Rai. 

Though we'd have to reserve judgment until we drive it on Malaysian roads, the suspension manages to feel supple without being rolly-polly but firm enough to feel surefooted on a challenging B-road. The front-end grip is also better, which allows you to point the CR-V RS down a chosen line with relative ease.

Another noticeable positive is brake modulation, the CR-V RS doesn't suffer Honda's typical grabby response during initial braking, given the CR-V RS switches between recuperation and braking almost seamlessly, it allows you to slide onto the brakes smoothly and predictably.

Likewise, Honda Sensing has also been updated - simply flick on the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) button, and almost instinctively, the system detects road markings and starts to manage your pace superbly.

With the improvements in sensory hardware, the Sensing system now detects motorcycles and lorries and does so very effectively, the system noticeably feels smoother modulating vehicle speed in heavy traffic and adapting to merging vehicles into your lane.

Perhaps the main drawback as we experienced in the CR-V 1.5T variants as well is the steering. Despite being quick and nicely weighted, it’s numb and lacks response when heading straight, thus making small corrections on a highway become tedious after a while.

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

Conclusion

Having driven the 2023 CR-V RS, we can surmise that it first, fits the bill of being the flagship Honda model in Malaysia. It’s sophisticated, well built, more spacious and practical than ever, and courtesy of its new 2.0L e:HEV hybrid powertrain – offers power and efficiency on a whole new level. 

However, it also begs the question - at circa RM 200k, would you be better off with one of the lower-rung CR-V 1.5 T models? Then the determinant factor no longer becomes space, reliability, and practicality - in short, everything we love the CR-V for.

You're paying for performance and exclusivity. Now if that makes sense to you, then you'd be pleasantly surprised with what the 2023 Honda CR-V RS is going to bring to the table.