What’s New for 2016:
- Sensing Safety technologies offered on higher-end trim level
- Special Edition SE trim added with 17-in. wheels, security system, privacy glass
Introduction
The Honda CR-V is one of the top-selling compact SUVs in the U.S. market. Nearly 3.5 million units have been sold since the CR-V was introduced in 1997, according to Honda. The CR-V is carried over mostly unchanged following a major exterior/interior refresh in 2015. The CR-V competes in one of the most popular, crowded segments with rivals including the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Cherokee, and Subaru Forester among best-selling models.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
Honda offers the 5-seat CR-V with a standard 4-cylinder engine or hybrid gasoline powertrain. The CR-V features motion-adaptive electric power steering, which is enhanced by wider wheels on trim levels above the SE.
Last year’s refresh enhanced the exterior design with more chrome trim and more window space for better driving range visibility. The CR-V’s cabin, also upgraded in 2015, continues to offer new materials and trim with a large audio display and multi-functional connectivity. Rear seating can be adjusted for comfort and a 60/40 split seat allows for extra cargo room.
The 2016 CR-V is offered in six trim levels and available in front-wheel (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. A palette of 10 exterior colors are offered on all trim levels except for the entry LX. The new Special Edition (SE) trim level has been added this year to slot between the LX and EX and features larger 17-in. alloy wheels with a two-tone finish, second-row and rear privacy glass, and a security system.
All trim levels, including EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi, and Touring are offered in FWD or AWD. The EX features intermittent wipers, auto headlights, fog lights, a 6-speaker audio system, power moonroof, and heated front seats among amenities. The EX-L adds leather trim, dual-zone air conditioning, auto-dimming rearview mirrors and heated side mirrors, and a 7-speaker sound system among features. The top-of-the-line Touring trim level rides on larger 18-in. alloy wheels, features a driver seat with memory, power tailgate, and is the only one to come equipped with Honda’s full suite of Sensing advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies.
Under the Hood
All 2016 CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4-liter, direct-injection 4-cylinder engine, which generates 185 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque, partnered with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth shifting and enhanced fuel efficiency. A hybrid powertrain likely will be available this year, according to media reports.
Fuel Economy
The CR-V compact SUV achieves EPA fuel-economy ratings of 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, for a combined 29 mpg for FWD vehicles. The AWD version is slightly less efficient, averaging 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with a combined EPA average estimate of 27 mpg.
Safety Features and Ratings
Standard safety equipment on all 2016 CR-Vs includes stability assist and control systems; ABS with brake assist; frontal, side-curtain, and front-side air bags; and a multi-angle rearview camera that comes standard on all 2016 Honda models. According to Honda, the CR-V’s front seats are designed to help reduce possible neck injury in the event of a rear collision.
Honda’s Sensing Suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies is also available as an extra on all trim levels, but only comes standard on the top-of-the-line Touring trim. A lane-keeping and -departure system, collision-avoidance system, and adaptive cruise control are among advanced technologies available on the CR-V.
In crash tests, the 2016 CR-V achieved top safety ratings, including a “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a highest-possible 5-star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Technology
Honda includes a 7-in. touch-screen display that works with a swipe or touch to control audio, navigation, and other telematics available on EX and higher trim levels. All 2016 CR-Vs also feature a color multi-information display that can be adjusted and controlled from the steering wheel. The CR-V’s audio and telematics system provides connectivity for Bluetooth, an interface for Pandora, and text messaging.
