Verdict
The Y costs RM34,275 more, but it is not merely a newer-looking replacement: its two-motor hybrid system cuts the 0-100 km/h time from 12.7 to 8.9 seconds, while Honda Sensing, eight airbags and LED lighting bring a major safety and usability step-up. It is also 146 mm longer on a 81 mm longer wheelbase, yet retains the same 589-litre boot. The M still makes sense for a Malaysian buyer wanting all-wheel drive and a far lower entry cost, but its four airbags and halogen headlamps date it badly.
Pick the M if all-wheel drive and the RM34,275 saving matter more than modern active safety and acceleration.
Pick the Y if you want the 8.9-second hybrid performance, Honda Sensing and a much better-equipped cabin.
Key differences
- Price: M RM143,925; Y RM178,200.
- Driveline: M all-wheel drive; Y front-wheel drive.
- 0-100 km/h: M 12.7 seconds; Y 8.9 seconds.
- Safety: M four airbags; Y eight airbags with Honda Sensing.
- Dimensions: M 4,545 mm long with a 2,620 mm wheelbase; Y 4,691 mm long with a 2,701 mm wheelbase.
- Wheels: M 17-inch alloys with 225/65R17 tyres; Y 18-inch alloys with 235/60R18 tyres.
RM
- All-wheel drive
- 153 hp 2.0-litre petrol engine
- 17-inch wheels with higher-profile tyres
- Slower 12.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- Four airbags versus eight
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or lane-keeping assistance
RY
- 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time from its two-motor hybrid system
- Eight airbags and Honda Sensing
- Power front seats, 9.0-inch touchscreen and hands-free power boot
- RM34,275 higher purchase price
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
What the RY has over the RM
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The RY's wheelbase is 81 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The RY is 46 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM143,925✓ | RM178,200 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM437✓ |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,470/mo✓ | RM1,820/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM4,055✓ | RM4,946 |
| Fuel / year (est.) | — | RM2,786 |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | — | RM13.93 |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | — | RM40,848 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve SOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Atkinson Cycle Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift |
| Capacity | 1,997 cc | 1,993 cc |
| Horsepower | 153 hp at 6,500 rpm✓ | 146 hp at 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 190 Nm at 4,300 rpm | 190 Nm at 4,500 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 81 mm × 96.9 mm | 81 mm × 96.7 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 13.9 |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 181 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 335 Nm✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 5-Speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 5 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | Honda |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 12.7 seconds | 8.9 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | —✓ | 7 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 183 km/h | 185 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,545 mm | 4,691 mm |
| Width | 1,820 mm | 1,866 mm |
| Height | 1,685 mm | 1,681 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm | 2,701 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 1,616 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 58 litres | 57 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 589 litres | 589 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/65R17 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | — | 24 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | — | 19 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Rear) | — | 10 inch |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ASEAN NCAP | 5 stars — With 2 airbags and stability control | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side) | 8 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side and Rear Curtains, Front Knee Airbags) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Driver's Memory, 4-way Power Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with one-touch operation | 60:40 Split-folding, Manual Recline and Sliding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front | 1 Front, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 3 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 6 Speakers | 9.0" Advanced Display Audio Touchscreen with 8 Speakers, Wired Android Auto, Wired and Wireless Apple CarPlay |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button with Remote Start |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Power Boot with Hands-Free Function |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with Multi-angle |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | Free labour for 1,000 km, 10,000 km, 30,000 km, 50,000 km, 70,000 km and 90,000 km intervals | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
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RM vs RY FAQ
Is the Honda CR-V RM or Honda CR-V RY better?
The Y is the better-equipped and much quicker choice, with an 8.9-second 0-100 km/h time, eight airbags and Honda Sensing. The M is the sensible alternative if all-wheel drive and lower purchase cost take priority.
What is the price difference?
The Y costs RM34,275 more than the M: RM178,200 against RM143,925.
Does the Honda CR-V RM or Honda CR-V RY have more boot space?
Neither has an advantage here. Both the M and Y have 589 litres of boot space and five seats, although the Y is 146 mm longer and has an 81 mm longer wheelbase.