Honda's compact CR-V SUV, perennially the company's second best selling vehicle, gets a complete redesign for 2017 with a new platform, new engine, new interior, and new styling. The new CR-V grows in most dimensions, which gives more interior space for passengers and cargo.
The new styling still looks like a CR-V, but it is now more aggressive and more bold than before. The new look gains a prominent grille and bulging fenders. The new interior has an all-digital cluster which works well to convey information, and the clean, clear infotainment system gets a volume knob (sorely lacking from the last generation). The rear seat gains 53 mm of legroom and can fit three adults in comfort thanks to a flat floor. The rear seats also recline for increased comfort.
The compact SUV segment is hot and crowded right now, with the Toyota Rav4, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage,and GMC Terrain just some of those receiving recent refreshes or new models. While the CR-V isn't the handling champion that the CX-5 is, it is estimated to get better fuel economy than all but the Rav4 hybrid. It also has excellent cargo space and seats that fold flat with one motion.
The fuel economy is thanks to a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. That engine sends drive through a CVT transmission, and front-wheel (on LX only) or all-wheel drive. The front-drive CR-V is estimated to get 8.4 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and all-wheel drive models are estimated at 8.7/7.2.
The base LX trim is available with standard front or optional all-wheel drive. It has 17-inch alloys, LED brake and accent lights with projector headlights, automatic high beams (on AWD), active grille blocking, and capless fuel filler. It has push-button start, walk away door locking and remote start as standard. There is a four-speaker display audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Autos standard on a 7.0-inch screen.
EX has all-wheel drive standard and adds power windows with auto up and down, 18-inch alloys, fog lights, power moonroof, mirror-mounted turn signal repeaters, variable speed wipers, and Honda's LaneWatch passenger side blind-spot monitoring camera. EX also gains two speakers for the stereo (for a total of six) and two USB charge points for the rear seats. EX-L trim adds a power tailgate and an eight-speaker stereo.
The top Touring trim adds unique 18-inch alloys, chrome trim for the fog lights, and dual exhaust tips. It adds hands-free opening to the tailgate and has full LED headlights. There are also rain-sensing wipers added and the moonroof is larger than the EX's. The stereo adds a subwoofer, for a total of nine speakers, and gets navigation with turn by turn directions.
