The Evolution of Honda's Best-Selling SUV
The Honda CR-V has consistently ranked among the top-selling compact SUVs, thanks to its perfect blend of reliability, comfort, and practicality. With recent updates including more powerful engine options and enhanced family-friendly features, the CR-V continues to set the standard in its class. This comprehensive review explores what makes the CR-V stand out from competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.
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Why the Honda CR-V Dominates Its Class
- Spacious interior with best-in-class passenger and cargo room
- Two powerful engine options including an efficient turbocharged variant
- Advanced safety features with Honda Sensing® as standard
- Smooth ride quality with refined handling characteristics
- Excellent resale value backed by Honda's reputation for reliability
Performance Upgrades: Turbocharged Excellence
The most significant update to the CR-V lineup is the introduction of a turbocharged powerplant. The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers an impressive 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, offering both spirited performance and excellent fuel efficiency.
Compared to the previous naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, the turbocharged unit provides:
- 10% better fuel economy in city driving
- 15% more torque at lower RPMs for better responsiveness
- Smoother power delivery throughout the rev range
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Transmission and Drivetrain Options
All CR-V models come equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that's been refined for smoother operation. Buyers can choose between:
| Drivetrain | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive | Better fuel economy, lower purchase price | Urban drivers, budget-conscious buyers |
| All-Wheel Drive | Improved traction in adverse conditions | Drivers in snowy regions or who frequently encounter rough terrain |
Interior Comfort and Family-Friendly Features
The CR-V's cabin represents a significant leap forward in quality and comfort. Soft-touch materials adorn most surfaces, while thoughtful storage solutions abound throughout the interior.
Key Interior Highlights:
- Spacious second row with best-in-class legroom (40.4 inches)
- Magic Seat® system for versatile cargo configurations
- Dual-zone automatic climate control on most trims
- Quiet cabin with improved sound insulation
- Available leather-trimmed seats with heating and ventilation
The CR-V's cargo area offers 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded - more than many midsize SUVs. The low load floor and wide opening make loading bulky items exceptionally easy.
Technology and Safety Innovations
Honda has equipped the CR-V with an impressive array of technology features, including:
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Infotainment System
- 7-inch touchscreen display (available upgrade to 9-inch)
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
- Available premium audio system with 9 speakers
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Multiple USB ports throughout the cabin
Honda Sensing® Safety Suite
Standard across all trims, this comprehensive package includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
These advanced driver assistance systems have earned the CR-V top safety ratings from both the NHTSA (5-star overall) and IIHS (Top Safety Pick+).
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Trim Level Comparison
The Honda CR-V is available in five well-equipped trim levels, each catering to different buyer needs and budgets.
| Trim | Key Features | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| LX | 17" alloy wheels, Honda Sensing®, 5" LCD screen, Bluetooth® | $26,800 |
| EX | 7" touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, moonroof, blind spot monitoring | $29,000 |
| EX-L | Leather-trimmed seats, power tailgate, 8-way power driver's seat | $31,700 |
| Touring | 19" wheels, navigation, premium audio, heated rear seats | $34,800 |
| Hybrid | Hybrid powertrain, improved fuel economy, exclusive styling cues | $30,350 |
The EX trim typically offers the best value, combining desirable features with a reasonable price point. For those seeking maximum luxury, the Touring trim adds nearly every available feature.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact
The turbocharged CR-V delivers impressive fuel economy numbers for its class:
- 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway (FWD models)
- 27 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (AWD models)
The available hybrid model improves these numbers significantly:
- 40 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (FWD hybrid)
- 37 mpg city / 36 mpg highway (AWD hybrid)
Real-World Driving Experience
Owners report the CR-V's fuel economy often exceeds EPA estimates in mixed driving conditions. The turbocharged engine's broad torque curve means less frequent downshifts when climbing hills or passing, contributing to real-world efficiency.
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