Honda Automobiles: 2017 Honda CR-V

The fully redesigned and reengineered 2017 CR-V is the fifth generation of Honda’s immensely popular five-passenger compact SUV, the best-selling SUV in America for the past 20 years, with cumulative U.S. sales of nearly 4 million units since the model’s introduction in 1997.

The 2017 CR-V boasts bold and sophisticated new styling, a more spacious, versatile and premium-quality interior, its first-ever available turbocharged engine, and a host of new features and technologies for improved connectivity, comfort and convenience. Based on an all-new platform architecture, the new CR-V also targets the highest levels of quality and driving refinement in its class, including top-in-class steering precision, ride comfort, body control and cabin quietness.

The 2017 CR-V expands the application of the Honda SensingTM suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, now offered as standard equipment on EX and higher trims, and includes for the first time on CR-V both Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF). Additional new available driver-assistive features include Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Blind Spot Information System (BSI), Auto High-Beam (AHB) and all-new Driver Attention Monitor.

Utilizing Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility EngineeringTM (ACETM) body structure, the 2017 CR-V targets the highest available collision safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with Honda Sensing.

New Exterior Design and Vehicle Packaging

The new CR-V styling heads in a fresh new direction with an aggressive attitude, thanks to crisper and sharper front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all models, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase, short rear overhang and new dual exhaust outlets give the 2017 CR-V a more sophisticated and athletic presence.

The CR-V’s new windswept front end appearance includes signature Honda LED headlights (Touring trim), a Honda-first Active Shutter Grille system that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminum alloy wheel sizes to 17 or 18 inches on all trims, narrower A-pillars for improved visibility, and sporty dual exhaust. Adding convenience is a Honda-first available Hands Free Access Power Tailgate, which allows opening and closing the tailgate simply by kicking a foot to activate a sensor under the rear of the vehicle.

The new exterior design is complimented by the new CR-V platform’s best-in-class space-efficiency. Its wider stance and longer wheelbase significantly benefit interior space – total interior volume is up 1.8 cubic feet, rear seat legroom is increased by 2.1 inches, and total cargo length with the second-row seats folded flat is up 9.8 inches versus the previous model. Converting from passenger to cargo hauling is made easier than ever with the new one-motion dive-down 60/40 split rear seat, and available power tailgate with hands-free operation.

New Powertrain and Chassis Technology

The 2017 CR-V in EX and higher trims are powered by CR-V’s first ever turbocharged engine, a 1.5-liter DOHC, Direct-Injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine with dual Valve Timing Control (VTC), delivering notably refined and responsive performance across the engine’s full operating range. Combined with the CR-V’s more aerodynamic body, models equipped with the new turbocharged powerplant have the highest EPA fuel economy ratings in the compact SUV class (non-hybrid). CR-V LX trims are powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC direct-injected i-VTEC engine with Variable Timing Control (VTC). Both engines are mated to a smooth shifting and sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic.

All-wheel-drive models feature an upgraded Real Time AWD system with a significant increase in maximum rear-wheel torque delivery and new electronic control allowing stepless control in everyday driving conditions and further improved all-weather confidence and control.  The all-new body and chassis design in the 2017 CR-V provides more agile and confident handling, greater refinement, additional ground clearance and superior overall versatility. Its front MacPherson strut and new rear multi-link suspension utilize specially tuned low-friction dampers, with both FWD and AWD models including tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bars that promote responsive turn-in and flatter cornering. Dual-pinion, variable ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) also contributes to the CR-V’s direct and satisfying steering feel.

More Premium and Technologically Advanced Interior

The 2017 CR-V also raises the bar for interior refinement, utility and premium features in the compact SUV class. The more spacious cabin features substantially upgraded materials throughout, including a new soft-touch instrument panel and more intricately stitched seats. A new color TFT driver information interface (DII) center meter display adds to the handsome new design aesthetic.

The CR-V offers the latest in-vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a new generation of advanced technologies. Available features include a 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface with Android operating system that now features a physical volume knob as well as an available new Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ developed in cooperation with the experts at Garmin®. The CR-V ‘s Display Audio system is compatible with the Apple CarPlayTM and Android Auto™ platforms, giving customers seamless integration of key smartphone features and functions, including smartphone-powered GPS navigation and voice-controlled search capabilities.

Some of the key new comfort and convenience features available on the 2017 Honda CR-V include remote engine start, dual-zone climate controls, heated side mirrors, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB), rear USB charging ports, front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way power lumbar support.

Design, Development and Manufacturing

Combining an American exterior design proposal with a Japan-led interior design, the 2017 Honda CR-V was designed and developed by Honda RD Co., Ltd. in Japan.  The new CR-V will be produced at three plants in North America – in East Liberty, Ohio; Alliston, Ontario, Canada; and, for the first time, in Greensburg Indiana. Engines for the new CR-V will be manufactured in Anna, Ohio and in Alliston, Ontario, while the CVT will be produced by Honda in Russells Point, Ohio. 

Key Specifications