Used 2013 Honda CR-V

Fresh from its complete makeover last year, the 2013 Honda CR-V compact SUV carries on largely unchanged. The 5-passenger CR-V remains modestly-sized on the outside, but is extremely roomy inside, with a rear seat that accommodates adults and a proper-sized cargo area. Available in LX, EX and the leather-appointed EX-L, the CR-X for 2013 offers varying levels of features and equipment packed into each trim level. However, new rivals, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape, offer better audio and infotainment systems, more features and, in some cases, more horsepower and better fuel economy. Still, it’s hard to argue with the CR-V’s excellent repair history and it continues to lead the pack in terms of long-term resale values.

Building on the Honda CR-V’s already-stellar reputation for being easy to drive and easy to live with, the latest iteration has raised those benchmarks in modest but genuinely meaningful ways. Extensive noise reduction efforts yield a quiet, well-isolated passenger compartment, and the rigid unit-body structure, coupled with taut suspension tuning, gives the 2013 Honda CR-V impressively capable handling characteristics. Honda equips the CR-V with its Motion-Adaptive electric power steering system that interfaces with the standard stability control to automatically encourage proper corrective inputs when it senses slippery or uneven road conditions during cornering or braking. For ultimate 4-season security, the 2013 CR-V is available with Honda’s Real Time AWD (all-wheel drive) with Intelligent Control System. Smaller, lighter and quicker to respond than the previous Real Time setup, it smoothes out initial acceleration and can transfer up to 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels if necessary.

We like the sophisticated overall look and feel inside the Honda CR-V, highlighted by a smartly-sculpted dash, large and bright gauges and elegant switchgear. Special attention is paid to driver comfort, with supportive front seats that flank an accommodating center console punctuated by two big cup holders. A large covered center stow bin houses USB and auxiliary inputs as well as a 12-volt power point. Although the 2013 CR-V’s overall interior dimensions are largely unchanged from the previous two generations, its cargo area now offers a bit more space than before with the rear seat up, but marginally less when it’s folded down.

While the 2013 CR-V retains roughly the same dimensions as the last-generation CR-V, it looks substantially larger. With a bold, more aerodynamic look, the CR-V appears a bit more rugged, with swept-up rear quarter windows and edgy front and rear fascia treatments. A steeply-raked windshield and slightly lower roofline effectively complement the CR-V’s high-profile grille and lamp treatments, while a large single-piece liftgate, coupled with a significantly lower lift-over height, eases loading and unloading chores. All LX models are fitted with 16-inch steel wheels and 215/70 all-season tires, while EX/EX-L versions have 225/65 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.

INTELLIGENT MULTI-INFORMATION DISPLAY (I-MID)
All 2013 Honda CR-V models come with a new, 5.0-inch LCD color screen in the center of the dash that allows the driver to access and control a range of functions using buttons on the steering wheel.

EASY FOLD REAR SEATS
The backs on the 2013 Honda CR-V’s new 60/40-split rear bench seat now flop forward with the pulls of levers conveniently located on either side of the cargo bay to create a near-flat load floor that’s over five inches longer than the one in the current CR-V.

Honda’s CR-V LX for 2013 boasts a full range of power assists, a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with USB/AUX inputs, Bluetooth HandsFree Link, Pandora Internet Radio interface, read-aloud SMS text messaging capability, air conditioning, an intelligent Multi-Information Display, multifunction steering wheel, multi-angle rearview camera, keyless entry, cruise control and a tilt/telescoping steering column. The EX adds various interior and exterior enhancements, a power moonroof, privacy glass, alloy wheels and a security system, while the EX-L gains leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, XM Radio and more.

In keeping with its longstanding practice of offering vehicles largely in “mono-spec” trim levels, options for the 2013 Honda CR-V are extremely limited. The LX, EX and EX-L can be fitted with the new Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System, while CR-V EX-L buyers can opt to add either the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with a 6.5-inch dash-mounted touch-screen or a DVD-based Rear Seat Entertainment system that features a single 7.0-inch hi-resolution LCD screen that flips down from the headliner.

The sole powertrain combination in all 2013 Honda CR-V models is the familiar 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine matched with the equally-familiar 5-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 185 horsepower, the CR-V has fuel economy ratings of 23/31 for front drive models and 22/30 with 4WD. To help in the mileage-maxing cause, all 2013 CR-Vs feature an energy-efficient multistage alternator and come with Honda’s Eco Assist system that includes the green “ECON” button on the dash that can modify throttle mapping as well as operation of the air conditioning and cruise control. The maximum tow rating also remains unchanged, at 1,500 pounds.

2.4-liter inline-4
185 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
163 lb-ft of torque @4,300 rpm
EPA City/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (front-wheel drive), 22/30 mpg (AWD)