A perennial bestseller in the compact crossover segment, Honda’s CR-V has long been known for its family-friendly features and impressive interior room. As plenty of satisfied buyers have obviously discovered, it's a vehicle that knows how to please its target market.
The CR-V has been completely redesigned.
Longer in wheelbase than before, the CR-V boasts crisper design elements, a relatively long hood, a broad stance, higher ground clearance, and shorter rear overhangs. Honda calls the fresh front-end look “windswept.” Stylized headlights are surrounded by a wing-shaped array of LED daytime running lights. Dual exhaust outlets are new for the Touring trim.
Previously, every CR-V held a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 184 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). In its new form, only the base LX model gets that powertrain. A turbocharged, direct-injected 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine goes into all other trim levels, developing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet. Like the LX, turbo models use a CVT.
Fuel economy with the new turbocharged engine is estimated at 28 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway (30 mpg combined). All-wheel drive drops each figure by 1 mpg. With the 2.4-liter engine and front-drive, the EPA estimate is 26/32 mpg city/highway, or 28 mpg combined. Again, all-wheel drive reduces each figure by 1 mpg.
Cargo space remains impressive. You get 75.8 cubic feet of it with the rear seats folded, and 39.2 cubic feet with a full crew aboard.
All-wheel drive is available on all trim levels for $1,300.
Priced at $24,945 (destination charge included), the entry-level model comes with all the basics, plus a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio, and a four-speaker sound system with Internet radio. The new LX rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels, rather than the previous 16-inch steel wheels.
For an additional $2,650, the EX adds the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technology, including forward collision and lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and road departure mitigation. Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention monitor, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert also are standard. EX models also feature 18-inch alloy wheels (previously 17-inch), automatic headlights, heated mirrors and front seats, a power driver seat, a sunroof, keyless ignition, satellite radio, and dual-zone climate control. The audio system receives two additional speakers.
Boosts the luxury quotient with leather upholstery, an eight-speaker sound system with HD radio, driver memory, a power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power liftgate. An EX-L trim level with navigation is also available.
Tops off the CR-V at $33,295 with standard navigation, a hands-free power liftgate, automatic LED headlights, roof rails, nine-speaker 330-watt premium audio, blue ambient LED lighting, and 18-inch wheels.
Honda offers no factory options for the CR-V, so picking the right trim level is especially important. We recommend that even price-conscious buyers skip the LX and go directly to the EX. For just $2,650 more, you get an impressive array of safety and driver-assistance technology, as well as some extra convenience features.
