The completely redesigned 2017 Honda CR-V could easily have been a case of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” After all, the outgoing CR-V was still selling at a class-leading clip, so there was no pressing reason to change course. We would have understood if Honda made some superficial design tweaks and called it a day.

But instead we have the 2017 CR-V, a redo from the ground up that decisively parts ways with its competent but conservative predecessor. The styling has gone from anonymous to awesome, led by an aggressive new front fascia, reshaped rear windows and sculpted haunches that convey a surprising muscularity. For all trims except the base LX, that’s backed up under the hood by Honda’s excellent 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, first seen in the Civic and a natural fit in the CR-V given its ample low-end torque and fuel-sipping ways — up to 34 mpg highway, according to the EPA.

Inside, the CR-V again follows the latest Civic’s lead with a modernized dashboard, a digitally enhanced instrument cluster and an updated touchscreen that thankfully includes a volume knob. There’s also even more rear legroom than before — not that anyone was clamoring for it — and an exceptional 75.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space that positions the “compact” CR-V as a legitimate alternative to midsize SUVs.

The 2017 Honda CR-V further benefits from thoroughly overhauled underpinnings that reduce body roll in corners without compromising the historically compliant ride. The wheelbase is longer, the front and rear tracks are wider, and there’s even an extra 1.5 inches of ground clearance for those who found that the previous CR-V scraped its stomach too often in light-duty off-roading. Add it all up and you’ve got a strong contender for best-in-class honors. The CR-V has long been a champ in the sales and sensibility columns, but now it’s poised to be a winner on the merits, too.

Pros

  • Turbocharged engine delivers a rare combination of thrift and zest
  • Roomy interior with cavernous cargo capacity for this class
  • Rides comfortably yet handles corners athletically
  • Plentiful and thoughtful storage areas

Cons

  • Touchscreen can be finicky to use and lacks a separate tuning knob
  • Base LX’s engine is both weaker and thirstier than the turbo
  • Optional navigation system isn’t as reliable as we expected

what’s new

The CR-V is all-new for 2017. It features more aggressive styling, an optional turbocharged engine and a much-improved interior design.

we recommend

We’re torn between the EX and the EX-L. The latter certainly has some desirable luxury features, such as leather upholstery, a programmable power liftgate and a premium audio system. But do you need that much kit in your crossover? If you’re just looking for a practical utility vehicle, the cheaper EX has a generous features list of its own, including a sunroof, and it comes standard with the same turbocharged engine and a 7-inch touchscreen.

trim levels & features

The 2017 Honda CR-V is offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The LX isn’t exactly bare-bones, but its less powerful engine, 5-inch display screen and lack of a sunroof mark it as the entry-level model. Step up to the EX and you get a standard sunroof plus a 7-inch touchscreen, a power driver seat and a more powerful, turbocharged engine. The EX-L tacks on items such as leather, premium audio and a power liftgate, while the Touring goes all-in with LED headlights, a subwoofer and more.

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Opt for the base LX and you’ll get a decent roster of equipment, including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (184 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque), an electronic parking brake, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, automatic climate control, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 5-inch color LCD screen (not a touchscreen), and a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Honda’s various advanced safety technologies are not offered on the LX.

The EX ups the ante with a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (190 hp, 179 lb-ft), remote ignition, 18-inch wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, body-color door handles and spoiler, rear privacy glass, a retractable cargo cover, keyless entry and start, an upgraded driver information center, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Audio, satellite radio, an upgraded rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, numerous advanced safety features (automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking) and second-row USB charging ports.

The EX-L‘s claims to fame include a programmable-height power liftgate, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat (though it still lacks a height adjustment), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio. A navigation system is optional on the EX-L but not on the lesser trims.

The top-of-the-line Touring boasts LED headlights, roof rails, dual chrome exhaust tips, automatic wipers, hands-free functionality for the power liftgate, blue ambient interior lighting, the navigation system and a subwoofer for the audio system.

Aside from the EX-L’s optional navigation system, there are no factory options for the 2017 CR-V, so the only question is which trim level seems right to you.

driving

With capable if not thrilling acceleration, composed handling in corners and a confident highway disposition, the turbocharged 2017 CR-V is a skilled competitor.

acceleration

Don’t expect the same spunk as the turbocharged Civic — the CR-V’s bulk blunts the 1.5-liter engine’s urge. Still, low-end torque is plentiful, suiting the character of a crossover perfectly, and the CR-V never feels flat-footed. Take fuel economy into account, and it’s a strong showing overall.

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steering

The industry-wide transition to electric-assist steering hasn’t always been a smooth one, as electric intervention tends to yield a numb, synthetic feel. Happily, the CR-V’s setup is a standout in this class, providing proper levels of assist when turning and a generous helping of precision.

handling

It’s been a while since this crossover was known for its handling, but the 2017 CR-V brings some of that sportiness back. There’s markedly less body roll in corners than we noted in the last CR-V, yet the cabin is more insulated from road irregularities. That’s a tough one-two combo to pull off.

comfort

The 2017 CR-V’s ride is quieter and more supple than ever, while accommodations front and rear are spacious and inviting. Engine noise can intrude during spirited acceleration, but it’s a zesty sound. Hard to find any faults in this area.

seat comfort

The power driver seat (standard on the EX and up) includes power lumbar adjustment and provides firm support on longer treks. Disappointingly, the passenger seat never gets a height adjustment, even in the Touring. The rear seats are firm and serve up satisfactory under-thigh support.

ride comfort

The 2017 CR-V benefits from an overhauled suspension that includes fluid-filled suspension bushings, but perhaps just as significant is Honda’s decision to cap the wheel size at 18 inches. That leaves plenty of tire to absorb impacts, and the payoff is an distinctly supple yet composed ride.

noise & vibration

CVTs tend to bring out the worst in an engine because they hold the revs near redline when you mash it to pass or merge. Fortunately, the 1.5-liter turbo is relatively refined, so the sounds it makes aren’t unpleasant. Road and wind noise is hushed, especially by Honda’s historical standards.

interior

If you thought the previous CR-V’s interior was boring, you’ve come to the right place. Honda apparently agreed with you because the 2017 CR-V has a much more stylish and adventurous cabin design that still retains the old model’s practicality. We just wish the touchscreen was more user-friendly.

If you thought the previous CR-V’s interior was boring, you’ve come to the right place. Honda apparently agreed with you because the 2017 CR-V has a much more stylish and adventurous cabin design that still retains the old model’s practicality. We just wish the touchscreen was more user-friendly.

ease of use

One of the CR-V’s few flaws is the usability of its touchscreen. The volume knob is a welcome addition, but there’s no tuning knob to complement it, and some of the on-screen buttons are either too small or awkwardly placed. Otherwise, the CR-V’s controls are well-located and intuitive.

getting in/getting out

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Wide door openings combine with additional second-row space this year to make the new CR-V even easier to enter or exit. Ground clearance has also been increased to improve off-road capability, but we didn’t perceive a notable change in step-in height.

driving position

The CR-V feels substantial from the driver seat, with fairly thick roof pillars and enveloping dash and door panels. Certain rivals give you more of that top-of-the-world feeling that many SUV shoppers seek. There’s plenty of adjustability, however, no matter your size.

roominess

You won’t find a roomier small crossover than the 2017 CR-V. Indeed, it seems absurd to call it “small” in any respect. Four 6-footers can lounge for hours on a road trip, and all of their luggage will easily fit behind them. Unless you need a third row of seats, there’s plenty of room.

visibility

The latest CR-V decidedly lacks the thin roof pillars and huge glass panels that distinguished the original model. By current SUV standards, the 2017 CR-V offers satisfactory visibility, and its various parking and safety aids come in handy in close quarters.

quality

Honda lost a bit of its mojo with the previous CR-V, which had some lackluster interior finishes and cheap-looking plastics, but the 2017 CR-V puts that era behind it. Clearly inspired by the latest Civic’s cabin, the CR-V sports flowing panels and trim of convincing quality.

utility

small item storage

The CR-V’s configurable front center console includes a deep storage well, a sliding tray, generous cupholders, and a phone shelf below the shifter with a rubberized surface. Door-panel storage has also been expanded. An example of how to do it right.

cargo space

It’s not just the CR-V’s improved capacity that impresses, although the numbers are eye-opening. It’s also the features that make life easier such as the new “one-motion dive-down rear seat” (actuated by levers in cargo area) and the two-position cargo floor that creates a flat surface for sleeping.

technology

Although the 2017 CR-V checks most of the boxes in terms of available tech features, the touchscreen interface is a sore spot thanks to inconsistent user-friendliness and a spotty navigation system. Notably, advanced safety features come standard on the EX, EX-L and Touring.

audio & navigation

On our test-drive route, the CR-V’s Garmin-derived navigation system kept trying to direct us into a coastal marsh. Sound quality with the Touring’s subwoofer is good, but touchscreen actions such as selecting an audio source require undue driver attention.

driver aids

Most CR-Vs come with a full array of safety tech, including lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation. The latter two have proven troublesome in our long-term 2016 Civic; stay tuned for a full test that covers their performance in the CR-V.

Source:Edmunds