The Honda CR-V is essentially doing double duty for Honda. Aside from having to compete against other five-seater compact SUVs, with no mid-sized SUV or pickup-based passenger vehicle (PPV) in their line-up, Honda has opted to offer it with three rows of seats on two of the three available trims.
Now, this isn’t exactly the first time Honda has offered their long-standing CR-V with three rows of seats. The current sixth-generation model aside, a seven-seater configuration was offered in the diesel variants of the fifth-generation model. In the early 2000s, the second-generation model shoehorned ten seats, earning it the infamous “10-cheater” nickname since it was built to help it achieve AUV (Asian Utility Vehicle) status. What sets the all-new CR-V apart now, however, is just how well-engineered the third row is.
For starters, the all-new CR-V is bigger than the previous model by 68 mm in length (4,691 mm) and 11 mm in width (1,866 mm). This not only makes it larger in every dimension than the seven-seater Honda BR-V, but get this: it’s actually wider than both the CX-8 (1,840 mm), Toyota Fortuner (1,855 mm) and Montero Sport (1,815 mm) while almost giving up nothing in length (at least versus the two PPVs).
This larger canvas meant engineers had more interior room to play with and among the improvements they’ve made has to do with the second and third rows of seats.
The legroom in the second-row seats has been increased by 15mm in the all-new CR-V, providing more space and comfort, whilst retaining the fifth-generation model’s class-leading tandem distance. In addition, the recline now offers eight adjustments from two, with an additional reclining angle of 10.5 degrees. From there, the CR-V’s sliding mechanism offers 190 mm of movement front and back making it easier for children to maneuver about, or to fit longer items in the cargo area. Heck, they’ve even introduced class-exclusive adjustable height seatbelts on the second-row to make sure every body type’s accommodated.
When it comes to the third-row seats, however, Honda has gone to great lengths to improve the overall packaging.
It still won’t match a mid-sized SUV or PPV in terms of outright knee space, but what’s surprising is how Honda managed to carve up every available room to make the experience more hospitable than ever. The flat floor, removal of overhead switches (the map lights are touch-controlled), and the relocation of the rear seat air conditioner outlets from the overhead to the side gives increased headroom. This means adults as tall as 170 cm can sit in the third row without having their heads brush the ceiling. The third-row itself can be reclined in two positions for better long-distance riding comfort.
Even better, access to the 3rd row seats is made simple with a single action lever on top of the second-row seats that lifts the seats up, and slides it forward.
In terms of cargo space, the seven seat grades (1.5 V Turbo and 1.5 VX Turbo) grades have also managed to achieve an excellent level of cargo space with a total of 472 liters, which is well equipped to carry different sizes of cargo when the 3rd seat is folded down. This is compared to the 589 liters of space on the five-seater RS e:HEV. The trunk space, with all seats up is 150 liters which remains unchanged from the previous generation CR-V.
So, while larger MPVs and mid-sized SUVs are still the go-to vehicles for families that need to ferry seven adults every time, the all-new CR-V’s second and third-row implementation does exceed all expectations. Families who would occasionally need three rows of seats, but wouldn’t want to sacrifice car-like handling and comfort should definitely look at this Honda.
I would suggest those who would want a 3rd row seat not to compromise. Get a van instead for more space and comfort.
ReplyDeleteI think Honda ought to try developing an Asian centric midsize SUV. Importing the Pilot or Passport all the way from America would make it too expensive
ReplyDeleteGR has a good point. Besides, never was any CRV designed from the get go to have a 3rd row.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Even a Land Cruiser's 3rd row seats aren't comfortable, what more a compact SUV's..
ReplyDeleteAs for the seating position, I think you seat a little too high even for your size, which can be uncomfortable for long drives, clearly not ok for adults even average size ones, you seemed to be a little modest on pointing that out why is that?
ReplyDeleteThe third-row recline is put upright when I sat in it, but the recline is adjustable. I normally sit upright so that's no issue for me (I don't even recline seats on airlines)...best to do a test fit to see for yourself if you're okay with it or not.
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