Honda decided to preview the new generation CR-V before the official debut. Compared to the predecessor, which is a quite solid model, the upcoming compact crossover appears to be even better. It’s not due to the new styling that’s quite interesting by the way, but because of the underneath changes. According to the automaker, the 2017 Honda CR-V will offer an amazing engine with class-leading fuel economy. Speaking of the new achievements, the SUV will also have a very spacious interior, perhaps the largest among the rivals.
Performance of 2017 Honda CR-V
The crossover will continue to offer LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. Still, only the base LX version gets an updated 2.4-liter engine. The mill will deliver around 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and it’s paired to a CVT only. Regardless of the fact it’s the base model, you can choose between the front- and all-wheel-drive setup.
As for all other trims, you will get a new 1.5-liter direct-injected inline-4, which is capable to produce 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Since it’s turbocharged, the torque ranges from 2,000 to 5,000. The carmaker hasn’t said anything precise about the fuel economy, yet they are pretty convinced it will make the 2017 CR-V the most efficient in the class. This mill is also mated to the CVT, and FWD or optional AWD.
Styling And Platform of 2017 Honda CR-V
Now, we can’t say it’s the prettiest model in the compact segment, yet the 2017 Honda CR-V looks better than the predecessor without any doubt. A swept-back front fascia is a quite handsome detail, especially due to the new and pronounced bumper and ultra-aggressive headlights. On the other hand, the new roof-lines are pretty much the same as earlier, while the rear end appears to be notched too much.
Under the skin, the fifth-generation 2017 Honda CR-V is getting the new Civic-based platform. The chassis will be stretched, so the new crossover won’t be as compact as before the redesign. There will be an additional 1.2 inches of length and 1.6 inches between the wheels, which isn’t a too big change, yet it will have a very big influence on the interior space. Upfront, the legroom stays unchanged, but the rear passengers are getting around 40.4 inches of legroom. Except for the more space in the back, the carmaker increased the cargo volume, which is now at 30 cubic feet. This is really fantastic, maybe the class-leading result.
Equipment and Safety
As for the rest of the cab, well, we must say that the 2017 Honda CR-V is notably better than before. The Japanese car manufacturer has increased the number of standard features, so the base LX trim level comes with LED daytime running lights, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, steering-wheel with audio control buttons. The new Audio system gets a 5.0-inch LCD screen and four speakers. There is also a standard Android-based 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. In case you want navigation, you will have to pay extra, or to take some other trim. According to the carmaker, the new navigation system will be upgraded and excellent, so we strongly recommend it. In contrast to the old infotainment, this one will also have a volume knob. This option appears to be very important to customers, as it was the most common complaint from CR-V’s current owners.
In case you want more equipment, you can choose an eight-speaker audio system, as well as memory for the driver’s seat. You can be wild and add a proximity key, dual-zone climate control, tinted windows, and fog lights along with the LED headlights. Of course, the crossover offers optional leather upholstery, LED interior lighting, and a power liftgate that works via a foot-activated sensor, but this goes with the top-dog Touring model.
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Honda improved CR-V’s safety without any doubt. The compact SUV now offers an upgraded Sensing system with an automatic emergency, lane departure warning, lane sway assistance, and adaptive cruise control. This time, the adaptive cruise can keep the car moving in stop-and-go traffic, which is really useful. There are more options like rear cross-traffic alert, a blind-spot monitor, and automatic high beam headlamps.
Price And Arrival
The new-generation 2017 Honda CR-V will become available the December, so the producer should reveal the price in the coming days. If you ask us, the vehicle will likely keep the current base price, which is around $24,000 at the moment.
