2017 Honda CR-V

Honda’s CR-V has been the best-selling SUV for the past 20 years, with 4 million sold in the United States.

The all-new 1.5-liter DOHC direct injection turbo engine with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) achieve a best-in-class EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, for a combined 29 mpg.

Even though the fuel economy is superb, you don’t necessarily lose out on raw performance. This is primarily thanks to the CR-V’s power plant, which is capable of cranking out 190 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and 179 lb.-ft. of torque in the band of 2,000–5,000 rpm.

The cabin quietness, steering precision, and comfortable ride complements the class-leading interior space, with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The 2017 Honda CR-V has refined its luxury posturing, quality of ride, and controlled steering, with a premium quality cabin.

The CR-V has a top-class interior, with a width of 73.0 inches and a length of 180.6 inches. Compared to the 2016 MY design, the back-seat rear legroom has increased by 2.1 inches and the height has increased by 1.4 inch. The cargo area is almost 10 inches longer.

The CR-V’s CVT is wonderfully unique. It’s built with G-Shift, which gives drivers the familiar feeling of a conventional auto transmission, and the results are a responsive, refined power delivery for a smoother startup, improved acceleration performance, and improved quietness.

So whether you need power to pass, exit the freeway, or challenge a mountain passageway, the Honda CR-V has the ability to accomplish the task.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention something about the Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System. This system has a new electronic control mechanism for the hydraulic pump. This feature provides 57 percent more torque to the rear wheels, while improving all-weather traction and control, at the same time resulting in reduced weight and friction.

The 2017 CR-V is as quiet as King Tut’s tomb before it was broken into. The engine was made quieter with active noise control, liquid seal to the transmission mounts, sound-insulating material, and a hood hinge pad. Even little things like flat windshield wipers and cut-line seal helped to reduce wind noise.

The LED daytime running lights, brake assist, tire pressure monitor system, and complete coverage of airbags are all standard safety features.

A safety feature package called Honda Sensing is standard on all but the base LX model. Included in the package are adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, and road departure mitigation system.

The interior of the CR-V is a work of art. The leather-trimmed seats, complemented by the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, announce comfort once you settle in.

The AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio 330-watt premium audio system with nine speakers adds an airy feel to the interior. A 7-inch touchscreen is home to a display audio system, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto simplify the interaction when you access, view, and participate in any necessary or whimsical activity or information-gathering that you wish to perform.

The digital instrument cluster helps to summon any information that is critical to enriching the driving experience, and features like driver attention monitor with audio and visual alerts, add another layer of driving safety.

The Touring model is the top-of-line model of the 2017 CR-V, positioned above the base LX, EX, and EX-L. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the 2017 CR-V starts at $24,045 for the FWD LX, and goes up to $33,795 for the AWD Touring.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at dcaussey@sbcglobal.net