2024 Honda CR-V

We might as well come straight out with it — we really, really like the Honda CR-V. It does virtually everything right. From reliability and build quality to user-friendly tech, safety, and cabin space. We even like driving it — which is why it’s our reigning Compact SUV Best Buy. After five previous generations, each one a best-seller, Honda has refined the compact SUV formula to this impressive point. The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is reviewed separately.

A new Sport-L Hybrid trim joins the CR-V lineup for 2024. Slotted between the Sport and Sport Touring trims, it has niceties like leather seats, a 9-inch infotainment system, a wireless charging pad, a memory driver’s seat, and front/rear parking sensors.

Before buying a new CR-V compact SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. The CR-V’s resale values are comfortably above average, with the hybrid version faring a little better, even.

Here’s a little snippet from our notebook after driving the CR-V: “Beautifully tuned suspension, comfortable yet precise.” To be honest, earlier incarnations of the CR-V have been a bit of a yawn to drive. This one is different. It responds quickly and sweetly to inputs like steering and braking, so the driver feels completely in control — as well as being kept aware of what’s going on with great outward vision.

The CR-V is a comfy, quiet, and reliable compact SUV that excels in every common driving situation. The 190-horsepower engine could even be described as too muscular, but it’s yet another well-judged aspect of the CR-V.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of compact SUVs, including the CR-V.

Up front are what Honda calls Body Stabilizing Seats, designed to promote ideal posture and reduce fatigue. They certainly feel comfortable, supportive, and fine for long driving stints. The rear seats have seat belt reminders, and their occupants enjoy an expansive 41 inches of legroom.

We like the crisp yet pleasant-looking graphics in the driver information display between the two round gauges, as well as the overall quality of materials. And the mesh strip running across the dashboard is cool. The L of EX-L signifies leather seating surfaces, by the way.

With rivals fitting 12-inch infotainment touchscreens, the 9-inch display in the highest EX-L trim level seems a little on the small side. And the 7-inch touchscreen in the LX and EX is disappointing. At least there’s a physical volume control.

Behind the rear seats is a massive 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space — visibly more than, say, the Kia Sportage. The level of the cargo floor is also conveniently low. With the rear seats folded down, maximum volume is 76.5 cubic feet, as good as this compact SUV class gets.

We think there’s a maturity to the CR-V’s exterior design. As there should be, considering this is the sixth generation. But where previous models tried to be the most anonymous thing in the parking lot, there’s now greater presence — in a tasteful way. Some of the subtler touches include a wide and upright windshield, contributing to excellent outward vision. The base LX comes with 17-inch steel wheels. Alloy wheels are fitted to the rest of the range. Running boards, fender flares, and a tailgate spoiler are all optional.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Phone integration has become pretty much a necessity, using apps for things like navigation and spoken-word text replies. It’s standard in the CR-V, and the higher EX-L trim also enables wireless connectivity for both systems.

Wireless charging
Another EX-L feature. Just place a phone on the charging pad in the center console, and it all happens automatically.

Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock
Fitted to the one-up-from-base EX trim and beyond, this self-locking/unlocking function is both convenient and comforting.

All-wheel drive
For buyers living in areas where the weather gets rough, it’s no doubt worth the extra money for the added reassurance of all-wheel drive. It’s optional in each of the three CR-V trims.

Hill descent control
This is not just a feature accompanying the all-wheel drive system, it comes as standard with front-drive versions as well. The driver sets a slow speed (between 2 mph and 12 mph) to negotiate a treacherous downward slope. The CR-V handles the throttle, transmission, and brakes. With feet off the pedals, the driver just steers.

Parking sensors
Extra help when parking is always handy. These come in at the EX-L level, with four at each end.

Turbocharging has evolved to such sophisticated heights that it can perform the neat trick of maximizing power output while still achieving decent fuel economy. But it often means using 91 octane premium gasoline. Which is Honda’s recommendation with the CR-V’s turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Output is 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. An automatic transmission sends drive to the front wheels (FWD) in standard form. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

A maximum tow rating of 1,500 pounds is on the weak side, but people rarely use a compact SUV for towing.

1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
190 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
179 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700-5,000 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy (2023): 30 mpg with front-wheel drive (28 city, 34 highway), 29 mpg with all-wheel drive (27 city, 32 highway)

Safety Ratings

This latest generation of CR-V has already received the highest accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is Top Safety Pick+.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The basic new-vehicle warranty for the CR-V compact SUV is three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain’s warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles. These terms are typical for the class. Honda also adds complimentary maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles.