The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact crossovers. It wins buyers over with its well-rounded attributes including a spacious cabin, capable handling, high resale value, and Honda’s reputation for reliability. It’s also a multi-year Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner.
The CR-V is available with either a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or as the CR-V Hybrid. The standard version can be had with front- or all-wheel drive, while AWD is included on the Hybrid. Both variants come in multiple trim levels. The regular CR-V is available in LX, Special Edition, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. The CR-V Hybrid skips the LX and Special Edition, offering just EX, EX-L, and Touring.
The LX ($25,350, plus $1,175 destination charge) starts things off with automatic climate control, a 4-speaker/160-watt audio system with a 5-inch display, and the Honda Sensing bundle of driver aids that includes forward-collision warning with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The Special Edition ($26,550) upgrades to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, passive keyless entry with pushbutton start, heated seats, and a 6-speaker/180-watt audio system.
The EX ($27,860) and Hybrid EX ($30,560) have blind-spot monitoring, a power moonroof, a power driver’s seat, satellite radio, and additional charging ports.
The penultimate EX-L (30,450) and Hybrid EX-L ($33,150) get leather, a power liftgate, dual power front seats with driver’s seat memory, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Fully Loaded
The fully loaded CR-V is the Touring. It’s $33,650 or $36,350 for the Hybrid Touring. For an additional $3,200, the Touring builds on the EX-L trim level and adds several special items of its own. Additional exclusive features include hands-free operation for the power liftgate, a wireless smartphone charger, 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, navigation, LED headlights, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, a 330-watt premium audio system, and dual chrome exhaust outlets.
To that, one can add all-wheel drive to the regular CR-V Touring for $1,500. (It’s included on the Hybrid Touring.)
There are four standard colors, but three cost extra: Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Radiant Red Metallic, each $395.
Although 19-inch wheels are standard on the Touring, there are two alternate 19-inch wheel designs, and either of those will set you back $1,488.
Beyond that, there are several accessory packages, ranging in price from $287 to $2,859. The least expensive is a basic Protection Package with splash guards, wheel locks, and a cargo tray. The priciest is a Dark Accent Package that features numerous black or dark-finish exterior elements such a black wheels, front grille, and roof-mounted spoiler.
Here’s a look at some of these models and features in more detail:
The CR-V Hybrid Model
Besides the standard powertrain, the CR-V is available as a hybrid. In place of the standard CR-V’s 190-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the CR-V Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and two electric motors. The total output is 212 hp, which combined with the low-end torque add by the electric motors gives the Hybrid an advantage over the regular CR-V in acceleration.
Of course, the Hybrid’s bigger advantage is in fuel economy. The CR-V Hybrid carries EPA estimates of 40 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined. That handily beats the regular CR-V’s figures of 28/34/30 mpg (FWD) and 27/32/29 mpg (AWD).
Hands-Free Power Liftgate
This Touring-trim exclusive allows you to open the power liftgate without touching the handle or fishing the remote out of your pocket. This is great when you have your hands full. Just approach the back of the vehicle and, as long as you have the remote on your person, the CR-V detects it and will open the liftgate if you wave your foot under the rear bumper.
Wireless Smartphone Charging
The CR-V includes two USB ports at the front of the center console. But the Touring offers even easier wireless smartphone charging — no fussing with cables. A tray at the front of the console powers Qi-compatible smartphones, and a little green light illuminates to let you know it’s working.
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