2017 Honda CR-V
New for 2017
The CR-V gets a substantial update for 2017 with updated styling, a reworked interior, and a new available turbocharged engine among other changes.
Honda updates its benchmark crossover
The Honda CR-V was one of the first modern compact crossovers, arriving in U.S. showrooms in 1997. Just in time for its 20th anniversary, Honda gave the CR-V a complete overhaul with new styling, a new available turbocharged engine, and new tech. This should ensure the CR-V’s continued leadership in the compact crossover segment.
Performance
The CR-V has been a benchmark in the compact crossover category for 20 years, but Honda changed the formula for 2017. Following the lead of the Civic compact car, the CR-V gains an available turbocharged engine for better performance.
In addition to its single turbocharger, that 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine features direct fuel injection and Honda’s Valve Timing Control. All of these features allowed Honda engineers to pull an impressive 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque from what is a very small engine. While it offers the performance of a larger engine, the 1.5-liter turbo provides better fuel economy.
Honda offers this engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive models get an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway), while all-wheel drive models are rated at 29 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway).*
Base models are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which also features direct injection and Valve Timing Control. It produces 184 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque and is available with the same CVT and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options as the turbo engine. The 2.4-liter CR-V is rated at 28 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive and 27 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
Features
The 2017 Honda CR-V is a five-door, five-seat compact crossover utility vehicle. It is available in four trim levels, priced starting from $24,045.**
While it is the base model, the CR-V LX features a generous amount of standard equipment. Some of the highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels; LED daytime running lights, turn signals, and brake lights; Active Noise Control; a tailgate spoiler; capless fuel filler; and Pandora® and Bluetooth® capability.
The EX builds on the LX, incorporating its applicable standard features and adding more. EX standard equipment includes the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic headlights, fog lights, push-button start, remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-speaker Display Audio system with 7.0-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility.
The EX-L model builds on both the EX and LX, adding standard equipment like leather seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, power programmable tailgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power passenger’s seat, HD Radio™, and SiriusXM® satellite radio capability. An EX-L Navi sub-model adds navigation.
The top CR-V model is the Touring. It includes the applicable standard features from the other models, as well as LED headlights, dual exhaust tailpipes, roof rails, automatic wipers, hands-free power tailgate, and a nine-speaker premium audio system.
Design
As part of its comprehensive overhaul, the 2017 Honda CR-V was treated to a major restyling. The new look is more aggressive than before, blending both car and SUV styling elements.
A longer hood and shorter rear overhang give the CR-V a sportier appearance, while the new grille design features active shutters that lower aerodynamic drag. The CR-V also features thinner A-pillars for improved visibility, addressing a common complaint against modern vehicles. Overall, the 2017 model is still recognizable as a CR-V, but pushes the styling envelope a bit further.
The 2017 CR-V also features an all-new body chassis design, which Honda says was tuned for both better handling and a greater level of refinement, along with greater ground clearance than before, although it still isn’t a true off-road vehicle.
Like the chassis, Honda emphasized refinement in the design of the CR-V interior. It incorporated higher-quality materials, including a soft-touch instrument panel and more intricately stitched seats. A new TFT driver-information display augments traditional gauges, and an electronic parking brake opens up more space in the center console.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Honda CR-V includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, a rearview camera, and a full array of airbags. Safety-related design elements include a front structure designed to absorb energy during an impact with a pedestrian and whiplash-mitigation front-seat design.
Optional features include Blind Spot Information, Driver Attention Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and the Honda Sensing™ suite of driver-assist systems. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and Collision Mitigation Braking System.
Verdict
A host of updates should keep the 2017 Honda CR-V at the head of the compact crossover pack.
For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Honda CR-V, contact us online or visit Hall Honda Virginia Beach at 3516 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
*2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
**Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, $940 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
Image: Honda