Used 2017 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V has been totally revamped for 2017, further polishing a formula of practicality, efficiency, refinement and value that has made it the best-selling SUV over the past 20 years. Now in its fifth generation, Honda’s 5-passenger compact crossover SUV arrives with a new turbocharged engine that earns up to 34 mpg, a slew of active-safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, and a revamped interior that is both roomier and more functional. While not the best at every single thing, the new CR-V is the easiest SUV to recommend to the broadest spectrum of shoppers. In a segment that includes such stalwarts as the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue, the latest CR-V still manages to rise to the top.

The 2017 CR-V now offers two means of motivation — the carryover 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that powers base LX models or the new 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder used in the rest of the lineup. While you might associate “turbo” with “speed,” the chasm between the two engines isn’t vast. They actually have similar power output, but the smaller engine has the edge in fuel economy. It doles out its turbo power with immediacy and feels bigger than its displacement figure. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) used in all CR-Vs is among the best around, and readily feigns kicking down gears when pressed. This new CR-V feels more dynamic in corners, but when really pushed is more apt to grudgingly obey than goad its driver for more. Rather, the CR-V continues to excel as a comfortable and competent commuter. In urban settings, we like its manageable size and brake-hold feature, while on the highway we appreciate its quiet and supple ride.

As noted above, the 2017 CR-V’s 2-row, 5-passenger interior space has only improved — an impressive feat given that the outgoing model was already among the most spacious in its class. In addition to its growth, this Honda SUV’s space is easier to utilize. The 60/40-split rear seats fold with a simple pull of a lever, and the rear cargo area has a 2-tier setup in which the floor can be flat or set lower to keep objects secure. EX and above models have a pair of useful rear USB ports to keep mobile devices juiced. Up front is the CR-V’s familiar and enviable seating position that is comfortable and provides a good view out.

Though still unmistakably a CR-V, the latest version of Honda’s small SUV looks like it has hit the gym. It is slightly longer, wider and taller. Ground clearance has also increased, from 6.3 inches for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 6.7 inches for all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions to 7.8 and 8.2 inches, respectively. This is especially good news for CR-V owners who will contend with snow and other foul weather. To our eyes, the latest design is just what the CR-V needed, making it appear less bulbous in the rear, and more substantial and slightly tougher in general.

HONDA SENSING SAFETY SUITE
The latest CR-V not only ups the ante on safety offerings, it expands their availability. Honda Sensing bundles potentially life-saving, accident-avoiding features such as collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring (which replaces the LaneWatch system). The suite is standard on all CR-V trims EX and up.

INTERIOR SPACE
Honda has a knack for making big space inside even its small vehicles, and the new CR-V furthers that tradition. This SUV’s marginal exterior growth magically multiplies its interior space. Cargo space behind the rear seat now approaches 40 cubic feet, or nearly 76 with seats folded. Rear legroom increases to a whopping 40.4 inches.

The 2017 Honda CR-V comes in four flavors: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The least-expensive Honda CR-V LX includes single-zone automatic climate control, backup camera, 6-way manual adjust driver’s seat, cruise control, and a 4-speaker, 160-watt audio system with 5-inch color screen and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The LX is the only CR-V with the carryover 2.4-liter engine. Most buyers will (and should) opt for the EX, which includes the turbo engine, power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, moonroof, push-button start, heated front seats and 7-inch-display audio/infotainment system that’s Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible. Significantly, EX models include the Honda Sensing safety suite (see Favorite Features).

Major options come by climbing trims. Step up to the EX-L and you gain leather seating, power tailgate, 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, HomeLink universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 8-speaker audio system. Top-line Touring models add a hands-free tailgate, navigation (optional in EX-L models), LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails, dual chrome exhaust outlets, and a 330-watt/9-speaker premium audio system. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims of the 2017 CR-V.

You now have two engine choices in the CR-V, though both are tied to trim level. The well-regarded 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that powered the last-gen CR-V carries over, but only in LX models. All other CR-Vs get a new 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Both have nearly the same power output, but the turbo has a few more horsepower and earns higher fuel economy. Unlike some turbo engines, this one is happy drinking regular unleaded gasoline. Both engines are tied to a CVT automatic transmission that has a sport mode for added responsiveness. Front-wheel drive is the standard setup, with all-wheel drive optional on both. Both engines in the CR-V are rated to tow 1,500 pounds — on the low end of the SUV spectrum.

2.4-liter inline-4
184 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/32 mpg (FWD), 25/31 mpg (AWD)

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
190 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
179 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/34 mpg (FWD), 27/33 mpg (AWD)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.