PRICE : For 2015 Honda CR-V $23320
The 2015 Honda CR-V is kind of like a carton of Tropicana orange juice. Now, don't assume we're being disparaging here. Sure, there are enticing beverage alternatives -- maybe there's even an impartial, Allcars-world.blogspot.com-like o.j.-reviewing Web site out there that trumpets their virtues -- but a whole lot of people still go with this tried-and-true juice. The CR-V appeals because it's a product you can count on year after year.
As it happens, the CR-V has been refreshed for 2015, offering more mpg, fresh features and even a few styling tweaks. The juice, in other words, is smoother and sweeter than ever. The headline this year is the CR-V's revised 2.4-liter engine that's paired with a CVT (essentially, the engine/transmission combo you get in the Accord). The result is a little more torque and a lot more fuel efficiency. With an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, the 2015 CR-V is 3 mpg better than last year's model and among the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid crossovers on the market. On the outside, Honda has added LED running lights and new front and rear fascias, while the interior benefits from extended touchscreen availability, mildly improved materials and a more traditional center console design. There's also a top-of-the-line Touring trim, which comes with extra luxuries and advanced safety systems.
Still, this Honda's appeal lies largely in what was already there. The CR-V practically invented the genre with its high driving position and carlike handling, and the current model adds a particularly spacious backseat and cargo hold to the mix, the latter enhanced by a nifty spring-loaded mechanism that folds each rear seat at the pull of a lever. Low ownership costs and high resale value further bolster the CR-V's credentials.
Of course, Honda isn't the only company fielding a highly popular small crossover. The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is also excellent at meeting the needs of crossover shoppers. If you want something with a little more personality, we recommend the athletic-handling 2015 Ford Escape or 2015 Mazda CX-5. The Escape also offers an engine upgrade if you want more power, as do the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee and the 2015 Subaru Forester. But for a great many households, this Honda, which earns a top spot in our 2015 SUV Buying Guide as well as an "A" overall rating, will hold more overall appeal than the alternatives.
EXTERIOR
The bold front fascia’s unified design blends the solid grill and upper air intake with the four-lamp, multi-reflector halogen headlight arrays in a smart upward sweep. This dynamic grill shape is inverted below by the aggressive-looking lower air intake/skid plate design, in contrasting silver, and fog light pods to create a deep, multi-dimensional look. Commanding horizontal lines at the rear and the contrasting silver colored skid plate design continue the wide, planted look of the new CR-V. The 2015 CR-V’s body retains the aerodynamic efficiencies of the previous version, with numerous design elements such as a long roofline and integrated rear spoiler that assist in producing a low coefficient of drag. The EX-L and Touring trims are equipped with roof rails that start at the A-pillars and sweep along the roofline toward the rear end of the vehicle (available as an accessory on CR-V LX and EX). These rails provide an attachment point for an accessory rack, while also providing a dramatic visual element. The rails are fully functional, with three anchor points per side. The Touring trim also receives special badging with black debossing on a chrome background.
Both the 17-inch wheels, on EX and EX-L trims, and the 18-inch Touring trim wheels—both aluminum alloy—have offset multi-spoke aero designs that imply movement even at a standstill and accentuate their large diameter. The angular cast-surface of the 17-inch wheels sport a silver monotone color, while the 18-inch alloy wheels have a sharp-cut style with a gloss black and brush aluminum-like finish. Both the 17- and 18-inch wheels are 7 inches wide, 0.5 inches wider than the previous CR-V’s 17-inch wheels. The LX model rides on 16-inch, five-spoke steel wheels.
When the doors are open, the side-sill garnish covering the rocker panel creates a more direct pathway to the ground when entering or exiting the vehicle. This design creates a lower step-over distance for better comfort and a reduction in the likelihood of leg contact with the side of the vehicle.
Distinctive multi-reflector halogen headlights grace the 2015 CR-V. On EX and higher trims, the headlight arrays include a dramatic and premium-looking Light Emitting Diode (LED) daytime running light (DRL) strip. For the LX trim, the halogen low beams serve double-duty as the DRL. The top-of-the-line Touring trim has multi-reflector and projector headlights, together with LED DRLs for a brilliant and sophisticated look. All headlights include an auto-off feature with EX and above trims also including auto-on capability. Fog lights are included on EX and above trims. The CR-V’S taillight array features incandescent taillights and outboard brake lights, and attention-grabbing LED illumination for the Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) that is embedded in the rear spoiler.
Newly-designed power side mirrors have a complementary horizontal design and are aerodynamically optimized to reduce wind noise and minimize turbulence. Side mirror housings on the CR-V LX model are black and those on the EX and above trims have a body-colored upper and black lower. The Expanded View Driver’s Mirror is standard with passenger side Honda LaneWatch™ included on EX and above trims. The CR-V EX-L and Touring trims add heated side mirrors and the Touring trim also adds integrated turn indicators. The side mirrors can be manually folded in for greater convenience in tight parking situations. For more information on the Expanded View Driver’s Mirror and Honda LaneWatch™, see the Safety and Driver Assistance section.
For the first time on a CR-V, the 2015 model includes the convenience of an available power tailgate. On the CR-V Touring trim, the tailgate can be effortlessly opened and closed by pressing buttons in the vehicle or on the remote smart fob. An interior power tailgate "open/close" button is located on the front console to the left of the steering wheel and a "close" button is positioned on the underside of the tailgate that is accessible with the tailgate open. The remote smart fob also has an "open/close" button. A manual exterior "open" button is located under the tailgate handle. The tailgate can be manually closed at any time during open or close operation. As a safety feature, the tailgate has an auto-detection system that will reverse direction if it detects an obstruction (in the form of resistance against the tailgate drive motor). The power tailgate’s drive unit is located within the left D-pillar.
On the CR-V LX, EX, and EX-L trims, the manual tailgate features twin gas-charged hydraulic struts that ease opening and a single pull-down handle located on the right side. The tailgate can be unlocked with the remote or by pressing a button inside the driver’s door.
The tailgate has a 360-degree gasket for a tight seal against the intrusion of water, dirt and wind noise. In addition, the rear aperture of the CR-V body is specially reinforced to strengthen the tailgate opening, which is the largest opening on the vehicle body. This increased rigidity at this critical location improves ride and handling, as well as interior quietness. The tailgate automatically locks whenever the CR-V is locked.
INTERIOR
Added to the CR-V’s already sophisticated styling is chrome and bright silver accents that highlight the complimentary lines of the interior, depending upon grade. Chrome plating or chrome trim around such items as the steering wheel-mounted controls, vent knobs and door levers, on EX and above grades, add a more luxurious look. Bright silver accents around console panels, vents and other surfaces add visual contrast and a high-tech look. On the LX and EX trims, the sweeping full-length console garnish is in deep bright silver, with EX-L and Touring grades getting a premium two-tone wood grain treatment with chrome accent trim. Adding to the contrast of the interior’s high-grade surfaces and stylish lines are the gray and beige color schemes that feature light-colored fabric against black accents, such as on the center console and door armrests. Seat trim and door panel materials have been upgraded with a smooth embossed textured fabric and upscale perforated leather that exude a well-tailored, high quality feel. Standard on all trims is the newly designed configurable center console that not only adds storage versatility but more comfort with its broad, sliding armrest, while also conveying a more luxurious appearance. On EX and above grades, the inclusion of the intuitive 7-inch Display Audio adds technological sophistication.
For 2015 the CR-V retains the three interior colors of black, gray and beige from the previous model. To provide more interior contrast on gray and beige options, the fabric on the seats and doors is colored differently than the other surfaces.
The CR-V has always offered a unique combination of virtues that continue to define the compact SUV segment: relatively small exterior dimensions for easy urban maneuvering, excellent fuel efficiency, and a roomy, accommodating interior that offers great cargo carrying versatility. The 2015 CR-V carries on in that same tradition with an interior that has a spacious feel, lots of storage space and Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat that combines with a low lift-in and load floor to provide cargo loading convenience.
The “smart interface” design of the 2015 CR-V’s interior means instruments and controls are oriented to the driver for quick readability and easy, natural access. Key design features include large analog instrumentation complemented with an Information Display on the LX trim or Multi-Information Display (MID) on EX and above trims. The Information Display or MID are positioned in the interior of the analog speedometer. A color “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) placed high in the central part of the instrument panel within the driver’s line of sight is included on all trims. CR-V EX and above trims feature the 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio that is conveniently positioned for either the driver or front passenger to control. The final element of the CR-V’s smart interface approach is its steering wheel mounted controls. By allowing the driver to operate a range of features without taking their hands off the wheel, distraction potential can be reduced in certain situations. For more information see the Audio and Telematics section. See the Audio and Telematics section for more information about the Information Display, MID, i-MID and Display Audio.
All CR-Vs include multiple sets of steering wheel-mounted controls, including intuitive and easy-to-operate radial controls. Depending upon trim level, up to four sets of buttons allow convenient and easy operation of the MID, i-MID, Display Audio and features such as the audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and navigation system.
The CR-V uses clean and simple analog instrumentation with a sophisticated and technical appearance. The centrally positioned speedometer is the largest feature on the instrument panel. It is complemented by a central LED Multi-Information Display (MID) screen that is controlled using the Select/Reset knob positioned just above and to the right of the speedometer. The display provides a range of information, trip computer functions and safety and driver-assistive indicators.
The CR-V's instrumentation uses a progressive illumination sequence when the driver enters the vehicle. When the door is opened, the instrumentation is illuminated at 10 percent of its full brightness. When the key is put in the ignition (encircled with an illuminated ring) or when the push-button start button is depressed, the instrument illumination ramps up to 100 percent. When the ignition is turned on, the illuminated instrument needles and enunciator lights come on, indicating all systems are go.
To maximize convenience and utility, the CR-V’s interior has a wide range of storage features including the newly designed center console. The generously sized front console now has four distinct compartments. The front section of the console has three open sections, all with a non-slip rubberized material to help keep items in place. A smaller section to the front left is perfect for items such as loose change or a parking stub. A longer, shallow section to the rear left nicely fits a wallet or smart phone and is placed so a charger lead will reach from the power outlet in the covered rear compartment. A long and deeper section to the right of the open area includes two partitions that can be rotated or removed, allowing for multiple compartment configurations, including a mode for holding two beverage containers of various diameters, and a mode for storing a tablet PC. The rear compartment is covered by a wide, flip-up and sliding armrest with 2.4 inches of fore-aft travel. The covered compartment includes a 12-volt power outlet and a USB port; a second USB port is included on EX and above trims. An additional power outlet is located at the front of the console. The front of the covered compartment has cable pass-throughs for charging/audio cables. Compartments in each door panel provide additional space for small items and also include bottle holders. In the rear seating area, a flip-down center armrest includes two beverage holders.
The CR-V is designed to offer cargo capability to suit the needs of active owners. The CR-V has 35.3 cubic ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats and a volume of 70.9 cu-ft. with the rear seats down. For easy loading, the CR-V has a lift-in height that is among the lowest in the class. For maximum cargo capacity, the Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat can be quickly lowered, creating a nearly flat load floor. The load area is sized to accept large suitcases stored vertically, four golf bags or a stroller (rear seats upright), or two mountain bikes (rear seats folded).
A generously sized elastic storage net and well is located on the left side of the cargo area for holding small items securely. In addition, four “D” rings for tying down cargo are located on the cargo area floor. The front “D” rings are chromed for an attractive finished appearance. The CR-V also includes a retractable cargo cover that can hide items stored in the cargo area behind the second-row seats. The cover and mechanism can be quickly removed and stowed on the floor. Located underneath the cargo floor is a temporary spare tire and vehicle jack.
Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat
For superior rear passenger comfort and cargo carrying versatility, the CR-V has a One-Motion 60/40 Split Rear Seat. With supportive padding, reclining seatbacks and a flat floor with plenty of legroom, the backseat offers a high level of passenger comfort. But if cargo carrying is a priority, the seats can be quickly lowered to provide a large cargo deck. Each side of the split-folding seat is operated independently via an easily accessible release handle, one on each side of the cargo area. There is also a release strap for each seat that’s accessible from each rear door. A single pull on either the handle or strap stows the seat completely, by automatically tilting the seat base forward, lowering the outboard head restraint and folding the seatback forward. The process only takes seconds. To put the seats up, simply raise the backrest, flip up the head restraint and swing the seat base back into position.
SPECIFICATION
►Make:Honda
►Model:CR-V
►Price:$ 23320 (Est.)
►Engine:inline-4
►Transmission:CVT
►Horsepower @ RPM:185 @ 6400
►Torque @ RPM:181 @ 3900
►Energy:Direct Injection
►Displacement:2.4 L
►0-60 time:8.8 sec. (Est.)
►Top Speed:112 mph (Est.)
►Layout:Front Engine; FWD, AWD
FEATURES
While it's not a trendsetter in feature offerings, Honda has put considerable effort into adding equipment at each trim level to improve its perceived value for money. None of the basics are missing, and mid-level trims this year offer more standard features than before, though to add the latest electronic safety systems, you have to step up to the top-level Touring model.
The base CR-V LX can be distinguished by its black door mirrors and door handles; it's the only model where those items aren't body color. It includes air conditioning, cruise control, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel with integrated controls, Bluetooth pairing, a pair of 12-Volt power outlets, and there are two new addition to all models for 2015: rear-seat heating and air-conditioning ducts, and extendable sun visors. Honda only expects 1 in 20 CR-Vs to be ordered with the base trim, however.
The popular mid-level EX and the slightly fancier EX-L will represent the bulk of sales, adding the most popular options in carefully calibrated packages. For 2015, the LaneWatch system that shows a video image of the car's right-hand blind spot when the driver uses the right turn signal is standard on the EX and above, as are LED daytime running lights in the headlamps. The EX also gets a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, keyless entry and pushbutton start. Other EX upgrades include a sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, a second USB jack, a security system and cargo cover, and variable-speed wipers.
This year, the audio system sports a new, larger 7-inch touchscreen display. As before, it can handle SMS texting (reading and pre-set replying) and has a Pandora app, with the screen capable of displaying cover art, turn-by-turn directions, and trip computer data. You also have the option to display wallpaper (your personal pictures).
The EX-L adds leather on the seats and steering wheel, a dual-zone climate control system, satellite radio, a heated side mirror, an upgraded audio system, and new this year, an auto-dimming rear-view mirrors. Then the EX-L Navi model adds an in-dash navigation system, plus HD Radio.
The new top-of-the-line CR-V Touring trim starts at $33,600, almost $10,000 more than the base LX model. It adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, memory for the driver's seat position, and a suite of new active-safety systems: adaptive cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Collision Mitigation Braking. It also has turn-signal lights built into its door mirrors, the HomeLink system, and special badging. Oddly, even the highest-end Touring still has a manually adjustable front passenger seat.
EQUIPMENTS
A strong value statement, the new CR-V's LX base model includes (inhale): air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering column, steering wheel-mounted controls, a multi-function center console, the 2.4-liter engine with CVT, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, 160-watt 4-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a USB interface, exterior temperature indicator, Smart Key/Start, rear A/C vents, and sliding sun visors (exhale). Standard safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, Vehicle Stability Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist and a multi-angle rearview camera – the latter is standard on all Honda vehicles for 2015.
Optional Equipment :
The CR-V EX adds speed-sensitive and variable-intermittent wipers, auto-on headlights, fog lights, a security system, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a power moonroof, 6-speaker audio, and a variety of trim items. The EX-L adds leather, dual-zone A/C, automatic climate control, roof rails, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated mirrors, XM radio, and 7-speaker audio. The Touring trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, HomeLink, mirror turn signals, driver memory seat, a power tailgate, and Honda's Collision Mitigation Braking System. The choices of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, or navigation, are built into the trim levels.
PERFORMANCE
The 2015 Honda CR-V has a new and updated powertrain, largely to boost its fuel economy ratings. But like its predecessors, its performance largely fits its mission. It's perfectly adequate for families, without any fancy V-6 or turbocharged engine. If it has a flaw, it's that the entire driving experience is more than a little lacking in excitement.
The 2015 CR-V stays with the traditional 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but it is an EarthDreams direct-injected unit, rated this year at an unchanged 185 horsepower and but a slightly higher 181 lb-ft of torque.
New this year, though, the engine drives the front wheels or all four wheels through a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). This new unit replaces Honda's old five-speed automatic. As CVTs go, it's in the middle of the pack--not as whiny and howly as some, but not truly best in class. (For 2015, we tend to think Subaru has the best mass-market CVTs, due to control software that actually mimics the behavior of an automatic under certain circumstances.)
Honda's throttle is now a "drive-by-wire" system that analyzes what the driver is asking for and controls the powertrain management software accordingly. You'd never know it, though: Press the pedal, and the CR-V accelerates on cue, with smooth power delivery. There's none of what the car magazines used to call "neck-snapping acceleration," but few family vehicles offer that and their drivers likely wouldn't use it anyway.
The quest for ever-rising fuel economy means that the 2015 CR-V comes with an "Econ" button like the rest of the Honda range, complete with green leaf outline. Press it, and everything gets slightly slower, and the ventilation gets a bit more sluggish. It's tolerable, however, unlike earlier Econ settings on other Honda models that felt almost dangerously slow.
The CR-V handles safely and predictably, but its soft suspension and tall tire sidewalls are there for the benefit of ride quality, not for hustling through winding canyon roads. The electric power steering is the only letdown; it's not quite as nicely weighted as other systems, and requires frequent small adjustments on some types of roads.
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is aimed more at all-weather security than any kind of real off-roading. It'll get you to a campsite or the head of a hiking trail, but its strength is on snow-covered roads and slippery mud. The so-called Real Time AWD system doesn't require the front wheels to spin before sending more power to the back.
AWD is an option at all trim levels, and Honda rates the towing capacity of the 2015 CR-V at 1500 pounds
DRIVETRAIN
This year's CR-V has a new CVT. In our experience, some CVTs can seem odd in the way they change and adjust the engine's rpm compared to traditional automatics. But to Honda's credit, the CR-V's CVT doesn't draw attention to itself in normal driving; indeed, it's so unobtrusive that you tend to forget it's there and it is indeed one of the better CVTs out there.
As for the new engine, it adds a theoretically useful 18 lb-ft of torque along with a power peak that arrives 600 rpm earlier, but it's hard to discern a difference on the road unless you're searching for it. Maximum horsepower is the same as before, and the power delivery is still rather peaky, especially compared to turbocharged rivals. We noted last year that the CR-V could use an optional engine upgrade, and our position hasn't changed.
ENGINE
►2.4-liter inline-4
185 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
181 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/34 mpg (FWD), 26/33 mpg (AWD)
SAFETY
In government crash tests, the 2015 CR-V earned four out of five possible stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. During Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 2015 Honda CR-V received the highest possible rating of "Good" in the small-overlap and moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact tests. It also earned a "Good" score for the side impact, roof strength and whiplash protection (head restraints and seats) tests. The IIHS also tested the CR-V's optional frontal collision warning and mitigation system and gave it a top rating of "Superior."
During performance testing, an all-wheel-drive 2015 Honda CR-V came to a stop from 60 mph in 119 feet, which is a few feet shorter than average for the class.
FUEL ECONOMY
It was already one of the more fuel-efficient models in its class, but now the lighter front-wheel-drive model is rated at 29 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway). Specifying all-wheel drive knocks all three ratings down by 1 mpg, for a 28-mpg combined figure, though so-called Real-Time AWD system fully disengage the rear wheels when cruising to help save fuel.
The drawback, however, is that the 2015 CR-V isn't particularly fast or sporty to drive--a tradeoff we see more and more as regulatory pressure to boost fuel economy bites harder with each model year.
Across the model line, there's a big green 'econ' button on the dash. With it, you engage a mode that softens throttle response and allows more frugal parameters for accessories.
We haven't yet tested a 2015 CR-V to see how well its real-world gas mileage matches up to its ratings, although if the 2015 Honda Fit (also now fitted with a CVT) is any indication, it should be fairly close.
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