Interior Review: What’s New Inside the Honda CR-V 2024
You open the door, slide into the driver’s seat, and immediately notice something different—the cabin doesn’t just feel updated; it feels like Honda finally decided to make the CR-V’s interior as impressive as its reputation for reliability.
TL;DR
The 2024 Honda CR-V carries forward the sixth-generation redesign that debuted for 2023, meaning its interior is already fresh, modern, and thoughtfully laid out . While not a ground-up overhaul, the 2024 model refines what was already a massive improvement—higher-quality materials, available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a clean horizontal design theme with hexagonal mesh accents, and the return of physical knobs that drivers actually want . Cargo space remains class-leading at 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 76.5 cubic feet with seats folded . The hybrid models add exclusive features like available Bose premium audio and ambient lighting, making this the most premium-feeling CR-V yet .
Key Takeaways
- Same great redesign – The 2024 interior carries over the 2023 sixth-generation updates, which were a massive leap forward in quality and design .
- Material quality jumps up – Soft-touch surfaces, available Nappa leather with抗菌 (antibacterial) treatment on high-end trims, and wood-style trim create a genuinely upscale feel .
- Tech gets smarter – Available 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto bring modern connectivity .
- Physical controls survive – Honda kept real knobs for volume and climate—a win for drivers tired of touchscreen-only interfaces .
- Space still rules – Rear seats recline, cargo area swallows everything, and clever storage is everywhere .
The Big Picture: Carried Over, Not Carried Away
Let’s get one thing straight: the 2024 Honda CR-V didn’t receive a full interior redesign. That happened for the 2023 model year when the sixth generation launched . What you get in 2024 is the benefit of that excellent redesign, with all its thoughtful touches and quality improvements, carried forward with minor refinements.
And honestly? That’s perfectly fine. When Honda redid the CR-V for 2023, they got it right. Reviewers at the time called it “the most grown-up-feeling CR-V that the company has ever produced” . The 2024 model keeps that goodness intact.
First Impressions: A Cabin That Means Business
Walking up to the 2024 CR-V, you might notice the exterior—the bold grille, the sculpted lines, the available 19-inch wheels . But the real transformation happens when you open the door.
The dashboard adopts a clean, horizontal design theme that first appeared in the Civic . Gone is the busy, somewhat utilitarian look of previous generations. In its place: a sophisticated, layered dashboard with a hexagonal mesh accent that stretches across the passenger side, connecting the air vents in a way that’s both functional and artistic .
“The overall interior design is clean and simple, and materials are class-competitive throughout – hard plastics down low and nice, soft-touch materials where your eyes and elbows are most likely to hit” .
Material quality has taken a genuine step up. The days of “wood-adjacent” plastic are over . You’ll find soft-touch surfaces on the door panels and dashboard, real stitching, and on higher trims, wood-style trim that actually looks convincing . One reviewer noted that Honda “does well to mask” hard plastics with thoughtful design elements and soft surfaces in the right places .
Seating: Comfort for the Long Haul
Slip into the driver’s seat, and you’ll immediately notice Honda’s attention to ergonomics. The seats feature what Honda calls “Body Stabilizing” design—supportive bolsters and cushioning engineered to keep you fresh even after hours behind the wheel .
Front seats:
- Available 10-way power adjustment for driver
- Heating and ventilation on higher trims
- Excellent visibility thanks to reshaped A-pillars and repositioned mirrors
One owner who recently purchased a 2024 CR-V EX-L shared: “My CR-V EXL is outstanding overall… The seats are quite comfortable” . Another long-time Honda owner noted: “This is my 3rd CR-V EX-L. It gets more comfortable with each iteration” .
Rear seats are where the CR-V really shines. Honda added 0.6 inches of legroom compared to the previous generation, and the rear bench now reclines through eight positions . A 6’5″ reviewer put it perfectly: “I can attest that the CR-V not only has room enough for me to comfortably ‘sit behind myself’ but it also means I don’t have to adjust my driving position with a bulky rear-facing child seat installed behind me. Bliss” .
A Chinese owner of the 2024 CR-V e:HEV hybrid echoed this: “轴距加长后，后排空间尤为宽敞，可躺可坐” (After the wheelbase was extended, the rear space is particularly spacious—you can lie down or sit comfortably) .
For families, the CR-V includes two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats, with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety giving the system an “Acceptable” rating for ease of use .
Dashboard and Controls: The Physical Button Rebellion
Here’s something you don’t see much anymore: a car that respects your desire for physical controls. In an era when competitors bury every function in touchscreen menus, the 2024 CR-V proudly keeps knobs and buttons for the things that matter.
Climate controls get dedicated dials with satisfying tactile feedback. You can adjust temperature without taking your eyes off the road .
Audio controls include a real volume knob—not a touch-sensitive slider, not a steering wheel-only control, but an actual knob where it belongs . Cars.com noted: “There are physical climate and audio controls, and while there’s no tuning knob, the tuning buttons directly below the volume knob are easier to reach than a tuning knob that could’ve been placed at the opposite corner of the touchscreen” .
The steering wheel buttons have been reorganized and slightly enlarged—a 2mm increase for frequently used controls like cruise control and voice activation—making them easier to use with gloves on .
WapCar, which named the CR-V its “Best Car Overall” for 2024, praised this approach: “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” .
Infotainment: Two Screen Sizes, One Smart Approach
The 2024 CR-V offers two infotainment setups, both built around the philosophy that simplicity beats complexity.
Standard equipment (LX, EX, Sport trims):
- 7-inch touchscreen
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster (partial digital)
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4-speaker audio system (upgradable)
Available upgrade (EX-L, Sport-L, Sport Touring):
- 9-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless charging pad
- Up to 8-speaker audio or optional 12-speaker Bose premium audio on Sport Touring Hybrid
The system itself is a vast improvement over previous generations. “Compared with the old system, it’s vastly more responsive with a higher-resolution screen and colorful, easy-to-touch icons. Menus aren’t overly deep and we didn’t experience the sort of glitches constantly suffered by the old system, either” .
One cool detail: On hybrid models with navigation, the system works with the powertrain. If your route includes an upcoming uphill grade, the car will “bank” battery power to handle the climb more efficiently .
Some reviewers note that even the 9-inch screen is modest compared to competitors offering 12-inch displays . But most agree the trade-off is worth it for the system’s ease of use and reliability.
Digital Displays: Information Where You Want It
Behind the steering wheel, the 2024 CR-V offers two instrument cluster configurations:
Standard: A 7-inch digital display flanked by physical gauges. It shows your speed, Honda Sensing® status, audio information, and vehicle settings in a clean, readable format .
Available (higher trims): A fully digital 10.2-inch instrument cluster that’s completely customizable . You can choose what information takes center stage—navigation, safety systems, or hybrid energy flow.
One reviewer called the driver information display “a visual delight” with its sharp graphics and clean layout .
Storage: Honda Still Does It Best
The 2024 CR-V proves that Honda hasn’t lost its touch when it comes to clever storage. Walk around this cabin, and you’ll find spaces for stuff you didn’t even know you needed to store.
| Storage Location | What Fits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Center console | Deep bin with available tray | Loose items, documents, snacks |
| Wireless charging pad | Most smartphones (tilted 15° to prevent sliding) | Juice-ups on the go |
| Door pockets | Giant bottle holders | Oversized water bottles, umbrellas |
| Under front console | Open storage area | Purses, bags, smaller items |
| Rear seat pockets | Magazines, tablets, toys | Keeping kids entertained |
| Cargo area side panels | Hidden compartments | Emergency gear, tools |
One owner raved about the storage: “特别能装，中控台下镂空，门板杯架巨无霸的设计，连雨伞都有专属的位置” (It’s incredibly spacious—hollowed-out space under the center console, massive cup holders in the door panels, and even a dedicated spot for umbrellas) .
Cargo Space: The Numbers That Matter
If you’re buying a CR-V, you probably care about hauling stuff. The 2024 model delivers in a big way.
Cargo capacity:
- Behind second row: 39.3 cubic feet (gas models) / 36.3 cubic feet (hybrid models, with floor in lowest position)
- With second row folded: 76.5 cubic feet
- Malaysian market figures: 589 liters (20.8 cubic feet) behind second row, expanding to 1,072 liters (37.9 cubic feet) with seats folded
“Its max volume of 76.5 cubic feet, easily accessible via a tall, wide rear hatch, ranks at or near the top of the heap here. For single-car families, this is really critical, as it allows the vehicle to flex from weekly shopping duty, to long-range road trips with a couple of kids, to all but the biggest format home improvement projects” .
A low cargo floor makes loading heavy items easier . Available features include a hands-free power liftgate that opens with a kick motion under the rear bumper—perfect for days when your arms are full of groceries.
Hybrid-Specific Interior Touches
The CR-V Hybrid models (Sport, Sport-L, Sport Touring) add some exclusive interior features worth noting:
Sport Touring Hybrid gets the full treatment:
- Leather-trimmed seats with contrast stitching
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Interior ambient LED lighting—a first for CR-V
- Heated steering wheel (in some markets)
- Unique trim finishes that differentiate it from gas models
“This is the most grown-up-feeling CR-V that the company has ever produced” .
What Owners Are Saying
Real-world feedback from 2024 CR-V owners paints a picture of genuine satisfaction, with a few honest critiques.
The praise:
- “My 2024 Honda CR-V is everything I expected and more. It has great pickup, quick stopping ability, U-turn small radius like I’ve never seen, and good on gas mileage”
- “Comfortness at its finest! I bought Honda CRV 2024 and been pleasure to own this car as its my first time! The color is unique and powertrain works fabulous”
- “Overall great car… Still love these carbs [sic], but not quite the same quality” (mixed review noting some quality concerns)
- “A Wonderful New CR-V… It is fun to drive and handles fine. I am anxious to try it out in the mountains driving cross-country”
The critiques:
- Some owners miss features like SiriusXM on lower trims (though it can be added aftermarket)
- A few noted the seats feel slightly firm: “不喜欢的地方就是座位稍微有点点硬，不是特别的软” (The only thing I don’t like is that the seats are a bit hard, not particularly soft)
- One former CR-V owner expressed disappointment: “I owned a 2021 CRV ex, and just leased the 2024 EX CRV. I can honestly say what a disappointment. No XM Radio, Interior was plastic and metal instead of wood trim, and the seats are so uncomfortable, I have to stop after an hour to stand up” (This review contrasts sharply with most others and may reflect personal preference)
Overall, 93% of owners on Cars.com recommend the 2024 CR-V, with Interior and Comfort both scoring 4.7 out of 5 .
How It Compares: Interior vs. Competitors
| Vehicle | Rear Legroom | Cargo Behind Second Row | Max Cargo | Infotainment Screen | Physical Controls? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Honda CR-V | 41.3 inches (est.) | 39.3 cu ft | 76.5 cu ft | 7″ or 9″ | Yes (knobs!) |
| Toyota RAV4 | 37.8 inches | 37.6 cu ft | 69.8 cu ft | 7″ or 10.5″ | Some |
| Mazda CX-5 | 39.7 inches | 30.9 cu ft | 59.6 cu ft | 7″ or 10.25″ | Rotary dial |
| Hyundai Tucson | 41.3 inches | 38.7 cu ft | 74.8 cu ft | 8″ or 10.25″ | Minimal |
| Nissan Rogue | 38.5 inches | 36.5 cu ft | 74.1 cu ft | 8″ or 9″ | Some |
The CR-V leads in cargo space and rear seat comfort, with a strong emphasis on user-friendly controls .
The Verdict: A Interior That Puts People First
The 2024 Honda CR-V interior isn’t about flashy gimmicks or screen sizes that double as televisions. It’s about creating a space where people actually want to spend time—whether that’s five minutes on the school run or five hours on a highway road trip.
A Honda interior isn’t just a place to sit; it’s a practical workspace, a family hub, and a command center. The thoughtful layout isn’t just about comfort; it’s about making every drive—from school drop-offs to cross-country trips—feel effortless.
The quality improvements over previous generations are undeniable. The materials feel richer, the design looks more sophisticated, and the attention to ergonomic detail—from the steering wheel button placement to the seat cushion density—shows that Honda engineers actually drive their own cars.
Is it perfect? No. The 7-inch screen feels small compared to some competitors . The seats could be softer for some tastes . And if you’re coming from a luxury brand, you’ll still find some hard plastics in lower areas .
But here’s the thing: the CR-V gets the fundamentals right. It’s comfortable. It’s spacious. It’s easy to use. And it’s built to last. In a world where some automakers seem to forget that cars are for driving, not just showing off, the 2024 CR-V interior is a refreshing reminder of what matters.
As WapCar concluded when naming it “Best Car Overall”: “The CR-V delivers everything most families could ever want in a car without veering into excess. Spend less, and you’d be compromising; spend more, and you’d be getting less for your money” .
What’s your favorite interior feature in the new CR-V? Have you test-driven one? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—real experiences help other buyers make the right choice.
References:
- U.S. News & World Report – 2024 Honda CR-V Interior Review
- 懂车帝 – 本田CR-V 2024款：细节决定成败
- U.S. News & World Report – 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Interior Review
- Honda Singapore – All-New CR-V by Oneshift
- WapCar – 2024 Honda CR-V: WapCar’s favourite car of 2024
- 网上车市 – 本田CR-V 2024款车主点评
- 汽车之家 – 本田CR-V改款惊艳亮相
- Cars.com – 2024 Honda CR-V Consumer Reviews
