2017 Honda CR-V

ERIC STAFFORD

March 2, 2017 at 6:00 PM

C/D Overall Rating:

Contemporary styling? Check. Engaging driving dynamics? Check. Spacious and practical interior? Check-check. Yes, the CR-V ticks all the boxes for what constitutes an excellent compact crossover—precisely why we named it one of our 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2017. Add two fuel-efficient powertrains, including the first-ever turbocharged engine in a CR-V, and its faults are few. A report card of its best grades include class-leading cargo storage, upscale interior packaging, and the most advanced active-safety and driver-assist equipment available.

What’s New for 2017?

Completely redesigned and reengineered, the all-new CR-V has more style, more space, and more technology. For the first time, Honda offers it with a turbocharged engine. Further advancements include available adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, and a driver-attention monitor, among others. Inside, the CR-V is roomier and features upgraded materials such as a soft-touch dashboard and exquisitely stitched seats. Infotainment additions are a (much-needed) dedicated volume knob, available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional dual rear-seat USB ports. Combined with sleeker and sharper exterior styling, the CR-V is highly improved for 2017.

Standard Feature Highlights

• Multi-angle backup camera
• Power exterior mirrors
• Keyless entry
• Bluetooth connectivity

Trims and Options We’d Choose

The EX model is an excellent choice, as it offers upgraded tech and creature comforts. For $2650 more than the base LX, it adds heated side mirrors, automatic high-beams, remote start, smart entry and push-button start, a power sunroof, and more. Other standard features include:

• 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four
• Honda Sensing safety- and driver-assistance equipment
• Heated front seats with 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• 7.0-inch touchscreen HondaLink infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

We think front-wheel drive is sufficient for most, but those living with harsh winters or who simply must have all-wheel drive can add it for $1300. The top-level Touring trim may be the ultimate CR-V, yet for roughly $6000 less, the EX is one helluva deal. We didn’t even stop in the options aisle on our way to the checkout, as our well-equipped CR-V EX totaled $27,635.

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

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C/D Fuel Economy Rating:

Good to look at, good to drive, and good on gas. The CR-V is the most fuel-efficient compact crossover we’ve tested so far, and it’s not a hybrid. Plus, the newer, more compelling powerplant has better EPA fuel economy than the base engine.

Sure, the CR-V only comes with a four-cylinder, and even its turbocharged 1.5-liter doesn’t touch 200 horsepower. However, its top-level powertrain with all-wheel drive delivers class-leading EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. No other competitor comes within 3 mpg of either estimate. Meanwhile, the front-drive turbocharged CR-V achieves 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, according to the EPA. Impressively, the more powerful turbocharged engine will go farther on a gallon than the base 2.4-liter inline-four. The EPA rates that engine with all-wheel drive at 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway; front-wheel drive is 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

Fuel Economy Ratings Compared: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4

We perform our own fuel-economy test in an attempt to replicate how most people drive on the highway. Our procedure entails a 200-mile loop on Michigan’s I-94 highway. We maintain a GPS-verified 75 mph and use the cruise control as much as possible to mimic the way many drivers behave during long trips.

In our real-world testing, the CR-V missed its EPA rating by 1 mpg at 32 mpg. That number is still top of the class and much better than the quicker, more powerful turbocharged Ford Escape (26 mpg) and the V-6–equipped Jeep Cherokee (24 mpg) we tested.

**Highway Fuel Economy, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4**

With its 14.0-gallon tank full, the CR-V should be able to transport its passengers about 450 miles.

**Highway Range, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4**

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Performance and Driving Impressions Rating:

Any parent moonlighting as a street racer might be disappointed with the CR-V’s acceleration. On the other hand, they—along with everyone else—will rejoice at its refined ride, enthusiastic steering, and brilliant brakes.

Acceleration

Accept the fact that the turbocharged CR-V isn’t as fast as its more powerful rivals, and revel in everything else it does better. The important thing is that the CR-V is quick enough to scoot around town and fast enough to provide carefree highway merging. For those seeking to squeeze the most from every gallon, an Econ mode will kill any semblance of peppiness the CR-V possesses. Activated by a green button on the center console, it adjusts throttle responses and the climate control to boost fuel efficiency.

Acceleration, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4

Ride, Handling, and Steering

The composed and compliant ride of the CR-V makes for pleasant commutes, long or short. In our cornering tests, the Honda actually gripped the road better than the Mazda CX-5, which we’ve praised as one of the best-handling crossovers there is. Again, what makes the CR-V so complete is that it doesn’t punish passengers with a stiff ride. Instead, it rewards drivers with a dynamic chassis and minimal body motion. Sharp steering that is eager without feeling floaty ties everything together and is a big reason why the CR-V is so excellent to drive.

**Maximum Cornering Capability, C/D Test Results**

Braking

A very responsive brake pedal in the CR-V means you receive the stopping power you want when you ask for it. The proof is in the pudding, too, as it stopped in 166 feet from 70 mph in our braking tests. Not a single competitor came within seven feet of that performance.

**Maximum Braking Capability, C/D Test Results**

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Interior Rating:

A stylish and spacious interior creates a cool and comfortable environment in the CR-V. Quality materials and a familiar layout combine for a contemporary look and feel.

Interior Space Comparisons

Most of this class earns high marks in terms of front-passenger space, the Ford Escape especially. Still, the interior of the CR-V is one of the most spacious, especially in the rear seat, where there’s plenty of room for two adults to fit comfortably.

Front Seats

Back Seats

Interior Features

The interior of the CR-V is attractive and functional, featuring a dashboard made from soft-touch materials, a versatile center console, and an excellent driving position. The three-zone instrument cluster is unusual but straightforward, and it brings a contemporary vibe to the cabin. A tasteful balance of faux-wood accents, chromed plastic, and brushed-satin finishes looked particularly upscale in the Touring version we tested. Supportive and nicely sculpted front seats hug their occupants in all the right places to keep them content. Climate control is handled via your choice of rotary knobs, redundant buttons, or touchscreen inputs. Unfortunately, directing airflow, other than front and rear defrost, has to be done on the touchscreen, and it’s a pain. What’s great about the CR-V’s interior is that it appears more advanced and well-appointed than most of its rivals.

FeatureStandard/OptionalTilting steering columnStandardTelescoping steering columnStandardPower-adjustable steering columnNot AvailableHeated steering wheelOptionalPower-adjustable pedalsNot AvailableMemory driver’s seatOptionalMassaging driver’s seatNot AvailableMassaging front-passenger seatNot AvailablePower driver’s seatOptionalPower front-passenger seatOptionalHeated front seatsOptionalHeated rear seatsNot AvailableCooled front seatsNot AvailableCooled rear seatsNot AvailableHead-up displayNot AvailableRear-seat entertainment systemNot Available

Seat Adjustments

2017 Honda CR-V Touring Fore/
AftReclineShoulder articulationLumbar supportHeightThigh supportSide bolsterHeadrest tiltDriver’s seatXXXXXFront-passen-
ger seatXXX

Climate Control

Manual climate controlAutomatic climate controlSecond-row climate controlSecond-row HVAC vent2017 Honda CR-V TouringNoTwo-zoneNoYes

Cupholder Location

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Vehicle Tested: 2017 Honda CR-V Touring

Seating Height

At 28.1 inches, the seating height of the CR-V is very similar to those of its rivals. To accurately measure seating height—the distance from the road to the driver’s hip—we use an H-Point Machine (HPM), a precisely engineered device marketed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. This versatile tool, along with some lasers and simple trigonometry, also reveals the width and location of roof-pillar visibility obstructions. Our H-Point Machine and laser measurement tools determine the length of road obscured by the hood as well as the road obscured by the trunk or hatch (as seen through the rearview mirror).

Sliding in and out of the CR-V for front- and rear-seat passengers is a cakewalk due to a low step-in height and seats positioned at the level of most people’s hips.

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Seating-Height Comparisons

Blind Spots and Visibility

Tall windows and relatively narrow A-pillars mean good forward visibility out of the CR-V. While the sloping hood doesn’t block much of the road in front of the vehicle, the CR-V’s 17 feet of obscured roadway trailed behind the Jeep Cherokee. Rearward visibility was much worse, where 91 feet of obscured roadway was 25 feet more than any rival.

Roof pillars protect occupants in a rollover crash, but they also create blind spots. We determine visibility by measuring the location and width of each pillar using an H-Point Machine and a laser beam (surrogates for a driver and eyeball, respectively).

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Infotainment Rating:

Like a bad hair day, an otherwise excellent presentation is offset by Honda’s frustrating infotainment system. Reintroducing a rotary volume knob is appreciated, but a lack of other controls, slow infotainment responses, and the absence of an auxiliary input can’t be forgiven.

Infotainment Features

Patience is required when using the CR-V’s 7.0-inch touchscreen HondaLink infotainment system. A rotary volume knob is the only physical control, as hard buttons are absent in favor of touch-sensitive ones. The drawback is that they’re tough to operate without taking your eyes off the road, and they feel less intuitive compared to how the rotary knob works. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto each provide the user with a better interface and easier control. HondaLink supports all the expected infotainment treats, along with available HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora. Unfortunately, neither 4G LTE nor mobile Wi-Fi connectivity are offered. Pairing with Bluetooth is hassle free; navigation, when so equipped, is helpful and displays in the gauge cluster as well as on the center screen.

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In addition to the standard USB port and 12-volt outlet, EX trim levels and above feature an additional USB in the center console as well as a pair of USB ports for rear passengers. Those planning on plugging in a device via auxiliary cable will be displeased to find that no such input exists in the CR-V.

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Vehicle Tested: 2017 Honda CR-V Touring

Infotainment Performance

On a daily basis, slow touchscreen response times may go unnoticed. For those who are aware and find it annoying, the HondaLink system is one of the slowest around. Not a single competitor was more responsive than popular smartphones, but the CR-V was slower; we rate it as “Poor.”

Infotainment Response Time, C/D Test Results

By filming the infotainment screen while switching between various menus and then analyzing the high-speed video frame by frame, we are able to accurately measure the system’s response time. We rate infotainment response, or latency, on the following scale:

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Cargo Space and Storage Rating:

Leading its class in cargo volume and luggage space, the CR-V not only earns high marks in those subjects, but also through its inclusion of user-friendly and useful equipment.

We managed to fit 10 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat, which matched the Mazda CX-5 and the Ford Escape. Stash the rear seat, and the CR-V offers best-in-class luggage space.

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Carry-On Luggage, C/D Test Results

Cargo Configurations

As with most compact crossovers, the rear seat in the CR-V splits 60/40. What’s unique is that Honda incorporates a one-motion dive-down design so that the seat can be raised or lowered in a single motion. Loading cargo through the rear hatch is also made easy with a power tailgate that has programmable height; it’s standard on the EX-L and the Touring. The Touring adds hands-free, foot-activated access to the tailgate.

First Row; fold-flat passenger seatSecond Row2017 Honda CR-VNo60/40

Cargo Volume Comparisons

The CR-V has significantly more cargo volume than its rivals. Its 39 cubic feet behind the rear seat is five cubic feet more than anything else in the segment. With the seat folded, there’s further disparity: The Honda handily out does the others with its 76 cubic feet. A rear cargo floor with an adjustable height enables a flat loading surface or more room for storage.

Cubby Storage

We’ll award the CR-V an A in cubby storage. Its front and rear seats offer plenty of space, and the cabin is chock-full of usable bins and compartments. We particularly like the configurable center console that flips, slides, and stows.

Why do we use ping-pong balls?

To determine the interior space available to stash travel essentials, we’ve devised a range of measuring protocols. We use six beverage containers ranging in size and shape to gauge cupholder accommodation. We stack, stuff, and arrange 9-by-14-by-22-inch cardboard boxes to quantify the number of airline-carry-on-size suitcases that will fit in a trunk or folded seat’s cargo space. To measure irregularly shaped gloveboxes, door pockets, and console bins, we fill each container with 1.5-inch-diameter ping-pong balls. It’s tempting to convert the number of spheres to a volume (cubic inches), but we resist that calculation because—as with the box of tissues, 12-ounce can of soda, or gallon of milk you might stash in these compartments—there are voids between the balls. Random packing (our procedure) nullifies approximately one-third of the available space. The negative space between the balls could theoretically be reduced to 25 percent of an irregular shape with precise stacking, but while we might be pedantic, we’re not crazy.

**Maximum Cubby Storage, C/D Test Results**

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Exterior Rating:

Honda’s cybernetic design language has finally turned the CR-V into a handsome, modern crossover. Its aggressive front end, muscular haunches, and evolved rear-end styling that evokes generations past put the CR-V in the running for best dressed.

Although the CR-V is one of the longer compact crossovers, it compares with its rivals in terms of height and width. Its 8.2 inches of ground clearance with all-wheel drive mean navigating unmapped roads is possible—unless it involves crossing a river. Don’t try that.

Exterior Dimensions

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Exterior Measurement Comparisons

Exterior Features

Forgoing its predecessor’s hatch-mounted spare tire and puny steel wheels, the CR-V now favors a formidable stance and purposeful styling. Functional aerodynamic details and expressive LED lighting highlight its exterior. All trim levels are spiced up with a rear spoiler and either 17- or 18-inch wheels. Subtle exterior features such as an active shutter grille to improve fuel efficiency and power side mirrors are on every CR-V; the EX and above add foglamps and a power sunroof, to name a couple. The top-level Touring is the most extravagant, with unique 18-inch wheels, chrome detailing, gorgeous chrome dual exhaust outlets, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Ten exterior colors are individually paired with three available interior colors. Finally, included on the EX trim and above, there is a walk-away door-lock feature that automatically locks the doors when the driver leaves; it can be turned on or off.

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Active Key-Fob Commands

Lock / unlockTrunkRemote startPanic alarmHold to roll down windowsHold to roll up windowsRemote parking2017 Honda CR-V TouringXXXX

Passive Key-Fob Commands

Driver door lock / unlockPassenger door lock / unlockRear doors lock / unlockTrunkPush to startProximity approach lighting2017 Honda CR-V TouringXXXX

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Safety and Driver Assistance Rating:

*Due to lack of NHTSA and IIHS crash testing.

As the CR-V has yet to be crash tested, we can’t give it a rating for its safety. Apart from that, it’s the whiz kid of its class, with the most advanced active-safety and driver-assistance technology available.

Crash-Test Results

Two agencies evaluate vehicles for crashworthiness in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates tested vehicles from one to five stars in front crash, side crash, and rollover tests. NHTSA also assigns cars an overall rating out of five stars. The non-profit, independent, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses a different set of tests to evaluate front and side crashworthiness, roof strength, headlight reach, and ease of child seat installation. IIHS grades cars on a scale from Good to Poor in each test, and awards the cars that perform best across all its tests with Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick + honors, the latter of which requires that the vehicle’s automated forward-collision-braking system performs well in IIHS’s tests.

The 2017 Honda CR-V has not yet been crash tested by either the IIHS or the NHSTA.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Test Results

2017 Honda CR-V

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Test Results

2017 Honda CR-V

Small OverlapModerate OverlapSide ImpactRoof StrengthHead Restraints and SeatsTop Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+?Not testedNot testedNot testedNot testedNot testedNot tested

Airbags, Child Seats, and Spare Tire Location

Installing a child seat in the CR-V couldn’t be easier. Other than seat material that gets in the way when connecting to the anchor points, the process is painless.

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Active Safety Features

Active-safety and driver-assistance features usually come at a cost, either as exclusives to higher trims or as expensive options. The CR-V breaks the mold by making its full suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver assists standard starting on the EX. Along with the most common alerts, the CR-V has automatic high-beams, a rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor to prevent snoozing behind the wheel. These functions can be disabled and will not default back to “On” when you start the vehicle. Another helpful driver assist is Honda’s automatic brake hold. Once the CR-V comes to a complete stop, the driver can take their foot off the brake, and the vehicle won’t move until the driver presses the accelerator. This feature can be activated or deactivated by a switch on the center console.

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Backup Camera

Not only is a backup camera standard on all CR-V models, it provides multiple views: from the top, a wide view, and a normal one. The base LX features guidelines, but they don’t move with the steering wheel like in every other model.

Gridlines integrated in backup camera view?Do gridlines move with steering wheel?Does volume of audio system reduce when reverse is selected?2017 Honda CR-VYesOptionalNo

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Warranty Rating:

Honda covers every CR-V with limited and powertrain warranties that are competitive with most other manufacturers. Kia is the exception, besting Honda and company with an unrivaled 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty; its limited warranty is significantly better, too. The CR-V also lacks the roadside assistance offered by the competition.

Warranty Comparison

VehicleLimited WarrantyPowertrain WarrantyCorrosion ProtectionRoadside AssistanceScheduled Maintenance2017 Honda CR-V3 years / 36,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles5 years (unlimited mles)3 years / 36,000 milesN/A2017 Kia Sportage5 years / 60,000 miles10 years / 100,000 miles5 years / 100,000 miles5 years / 60,000 milesN/A2017 Ford Escape3 years / 36,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles5 years (unlimited mles)5 years / 60,000 milesN/A2016 Mazda CX-53 years / 36,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles5 years (unlimited mles)3 years / 36,000 milesN/A2017 Jeep Cherokee3 years / 36,000 miles5 years / 60,000 miles5 years (unlimited mles)5 years / 60,000 milesN/A

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Engine and Transmission Rating:

Honda did its homework planting its first turbocharged engine in a CR-V and pairing it with one of the best continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) available—praise not given lightly.

The base LX features a 2.4-liter inline-four that makes 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Its smooth operation is commendable as well as expected: this engine is shared with the Honda Accord, which was named one of our 10Best Cars. Both engines can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. Honda also updated its all-wheel-drive technology to be more flexible and capable. We found the setup seamless and, other than during abrupt throttle inputs while cornering, practically invisible.

For the first time, the CR-V has a turbocharged engine; it’s available on the EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels. The turbo 1.5-liter inline-four makes 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, and it’s shared with the Honda Civic, but it’s been tuned to make more power. We didn’t have any qualms about its performance during our time behind the wheel, and we liked how well it could jet around in traffic thanks to quick responses at low speeds.

The CR-V uses a CVT, which doesn’t have discrete gear ratios like a normal automatic. Instead, it relies on pulleys and a metal belt to infinitely vary the drive ratio between its mechanical limits. It’s the only transmission used in the CR-V and is one of the better examples of one to date. What’s referred to as the “rubber-band” sensation—the engine speed remaining constant while vehicle speed climbs—in other CVTs is minimal in the Honda. Instead, it resembles a traditional automatic with simulated step-gear “shifts” and responds to spirited throttle inputs. Although these advances don’t make the turbocharged CR-V any faster in a straight line, they improve its everyday drivability, and that’s what’s most important.

**Acceleration, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4**

Owners of compact crossovers shouldn’t expect to tow more than a small trailer, and this is true of the CR-V. Even so, its 1500-pound limit is the lowest rating among its closest rivals. Considering buying a speedboat? Check out the Jeep Cherokee, which can tow an impressive 4500 pounds.

C/D Overall Rating:

What’s New for 2017?

Standard Feature Highlights

Trims and Options We’d Choose

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Fuel Economy Rating:

Fuel Economy Ratings Compared: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4

Highway Fuel Economy, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4

Highway Range, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Performance and Driving Impressions Rating:

Acceleration

Acceleration, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4

Ride, Handling, and Steering

Maximum Cornering Capability, C/D Test Results

Braking

Maximum Braking Capability, C/D Test Results

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Interior Rating:

Interior Space Comparisons

Front Seats

Back Seats

Interior Features

Seat Adjustments

Climate Control

Cupholder Location

Seating Height

Seating-Height Comparisons

Blind Spots and Visibility

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Infotainment Rating:

Infotainment Features

Infotainment Performance

Infotainment Response Time, C/D Test Results

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Cargo Space and Storage Rating:

Carry-On Luggage, C/D Test Results

Cargo Configurations

Cargo Volume Comparisons

Cubby Storage

Why do we use ping-pong balls?

Maximum Cubby Storage, C/D Test Results

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Exterior Rating:

Exterior Dimensions

Exterior Measurement Comparisons

Exterior Features

Active Key-Fob Commands

Passive Key-Fob Commands

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Safety and Driver Assistance Rating:

Crash-Test Results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Test Results

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Test Results

Airbags, Child Seats, and Spare Tire Location

Active Safety Features

Backup Camera

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Warranty Rating:

Warranty Comparison

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

C/D Engine and Transmission Rating:

Acceleration, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4

Tow Ratings Compared

In Depth: 2017 Honda CR-V

Recommended Stories

**Highway Fuel Economy, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4**

**Highway Range, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4**

**Maximum Cornering Capability, C/D Test Results**

**Maximum Braking Capability, C/D Test Results**

**Maximum Cubby Storage, C/D Test Results**

**Acceleration, C/D Test Results: CR-V Turbo 1.5L Inline-4**