2022 Honda CR-V

Honda's best-selling vehicle, the Honda CR-V is a well-rounded and value-rich crossover SUV designed specifically for the urban environment and with American families in mind. With its compact classification and gasoline and hybrid variants, the CR-V goes up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and many more in a rather full segment. Like many of its competitors, the CR-V boasts contemporary looks, a spacious and featureful interior, and high safety standards to consolidate its position as an everyday family vehicle.

Gas-only variants come powered by a placid but efficient turbo-four motor with 190 horsepower, while the hybrids get a four-cylinder augmented with two electric motors for 212 hp. With only a CVT and basic all-wheel drivetrain offered, it can feel rather mundane to drive, though it remains composed and fairly refined. Honda doesn't bestow the urban runabout with one of the best infotainment systems either, so while the CR-V does offer a solid all-round approach to the compact crossover package, can it stand up to rivals that take a more focused stance?

Modern, sophisticated, and innocuous are words that best describe the Honda CR-V's exterior impression. Its design is straightforward and unambiguous of its purpose as a pragmatic family cruiser. In terms of features, multi-reflector halogen headlights, power side mirrors, and a roofline spoiler are standard. LED front fog lights and a power-operated moonroof come in from the EX model. The Touring is the only gas model that comes standard-fit with LED headlights while the hybrid EX and EX-L include this as standard. The Touring gets roof rails and dual chrome exhaust finishes. LX and Special Edition models ride atop 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, EX and EX-L models get 18-inch alloy wheels, and the Touring sports 19-inch alloy wheels.

A variety of aesthetic packages are available to the CR-V to enhance the exterior with items such as tailgate spoilers, gloss black grilles and trim accents, and fender emblems.

With an overall length of 182.1 inches, a height of 66.1 inches and 66.5 inches for FWD and AWD models respectively, and a width of 73 inches, the Honda CR-V is very similar in size to the Toyota RAV4. FWD models get a 104.8-inch wheelbase and a ground clearance of 7.8 inches, while AWD models stand 8. 2 inches off the ground and have a 104.7-inch wheelbase.

The crossover's curb weight ranges from 3,337 pounds to 3,413 lbs for 2WD models, and 3,455 to 3,569 lbs for AWD models. The three hybrid models share the same dimensions as the regular AWD models, but curb weights range between 3,708 lbs and 3,763 lbs.

There are a total of eight exterior colors offered for the 2022 Honda CR-V. The entry-spec LX can only be had in Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Platinum White Pearl, and the latter comes at an extra cost of $395. For the Special Edition, Honda offers all of the above plus Agean Blue, Radiant Red Metallic, and Sonic Gray Pearl, the latter two again at an extra $395. Modern Steel Metallic becomes available as of the EX model and onward, at no cost. For the hybrid versions of the EX, EX-L, and Touring, Obsidian Blue Pearl replaces the Agean Blue as a cost-inclusive option.

A 1.5-liter turbo-four engine is standard on gas CR-V models. The 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque it develops is adequate for the CR-V, which feels competent and reliable when driven around town. The engine provides enough impetus for smooth acceleration up to highway speeds, though overtaking is a gradual process. There are some independent testers that have recorded 0-60 mph acceleration times of seven and a half seconds, which isn't too bad at all. The Honda Passport, with its 3.5-liter V6, accelerates from 0-60 mph in around six seconds, but you don't need 6-cylinder power to reach 60 mph in that time - the Mazda CX-5 with its 250-hp turbo-4 achieves the same result. The heavier CR-V Hybrid completes the run in around 7.6 seconds, thanks to a 212-hp 2.-liter dual-electric motor setup.

Power is forwarded through a CVT to the front wheels of the crossover but it can be sent to all four optionally - hybrids and the Touring trims are AWD-only. The CR-V's AWD system is purposed solely for on-road driving, though, so don't attempt the really rough stuff. Every CR-V is rated for a 1,500-pound towing capacity, which isn't very much. The CX-5 is capable of up to 2,000 lbs and the RAV4 3,500 lbs.

Standard throughout the ICE CR-V line is the familiar 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that Honda standardized in 2020. It's been dialed to produce 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque that is directed by a continuously variable automatic transmission through to the CR-V's front-wheel drivetrain, or all-wheel drivetrain optionally. Performance-wise, the turbo unit provides just enough power for pleasant off-the-line acceleration and movement around town. Acceleration responses do become more gradual at higher speeds but not to an unbearable degree. The CVT otherwise suits the CR-V's simple and pragmatic nature with its gradual responses.

Powering the CR-V Hybrid is a brawnier 2.0-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle engine that's been augmented with two electric motors for combined power outputs of 212 horsepower. The engine itself supplies 143 hp and 129 lb-ft while the starter/generator motor and propulsion motor contribute 181 hp and 232 lb-ft. Power is also directed by an electronic CVT but is sent to all four wheels as standard. The additional power emitted from the hybrid powertrain is apparent in urban settings where the low-down torque does work. The motor does still feel a tad drained whilst getting up to highway speeds and commencing overtakes, though.

Honda has given the CR-V a smattering of the poised and engaging drive dynamics it's mastered over the years. The crossover's steering is precise and communicative and its chassis impressively adroit, resulting in a driving experience that's rather enjoyable, especially in comparison to other small SUVs such as the RAV4. Honda's suspension setup is superb as it keeps the CR-V composed and devoid of any body roll around corners. It allows the CR-V to glide over most bumps and rough road surfaces.

The engine isn't the most powerful but it works really well with Honda's CVT to deliver efficient and smooth performance. Honda includes a Sport setting in the CR-V that only slightly quickens throttle inputs. Activating the Eco drive mode will optimize efficiency by lulling responses and managing any functions that affect fuel economy.

When it comes to performance and fuel economy, compact crossover SUVs are designed to be easy-going and thrifty. In this regard, the Honda CR-V proves to be one of the most frugal in the classification, with the FWD variants returning EPA-derived mileage figures of 28/34/30 miles per gallon through the city/highway/combined driving cycles. AWD variants return figures of 27/32/29 mpg on those same cycles. The most frugal of the Mazda CX-5 variants achieve just 25/31/28 mpg. Both FWD and AWD variants are equipped with a 14-gallon gas tank that can keep the CR-V running for up to around 420 miles in its most efficient guise.

Of course, the CR-V Hybrid is the most efficient, with all three of the variants returning mileage figures of 40/35/38 mpg. Though it is impressive, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid still leads the classification with figures of 41/38/40 mpg.

Honda has done an exceptional job with the CR-V's interior, given the price range. It boasts an upscale look and feel. and is amply spacious and ergonomic. There are some harder plastics utilized here and there but they're inconspicuous for the most part. They add a layer of durability to the CR-V's interior so that it can withstand prolonged use by an active family. A 7-seater version of the CR-V is offered in some overseas markets, but the US variant can seat just five, all of whom are spoiled with loads of space. In terms of features, the entry-spec LX model is a tad spartan, but upgrades such as front-seat heating and power adjustability, dual-zone automatic climate control, and leather seating upholstery improve the experience in higher-tier models.

Space and practicality are important factors in the crossover SUV segment and the Honda CR-V offers plenty of both. Seating-wise, the driver is given superb outward visibility and is provided with plenty of adjustability for finding an optimal driving position. Front-seat heating and 12-way power-adjustability for the driver's seat come in at the EX level. There is seating for up to five occupants in the CR-V and while its cabin is really spacious throughout, only four adults will fit comfortably - the center rear seat being better suited to children. Six-foot adults will be happy in any of the other seats with a generous 41.3-inches of legroom presented in the front and 40.4-inches preserved in the rear.

Your choice of the CR-V's exterior color will determine which interior colors are available. The LX comes standard with aluminum-styled cabin inserts and with cloth seating upholstery that can be had in either Black, Gray, or Ivory. Special Edition models only have Black cloth interiors.

The EX is upgraded with wood cabin inserts that are meant to create a fancier look and feel but it may not be attractive to some; it retains the cloth seating. The EX-L and the Touring are installed with leather-clad steering wheels and gear shifters and with leather-trim seating upholstery that is also offered in Black, Gray, or Ivory, again, depending on the exterior paint you've chosen.

Pop open the CR-V's tailgate and you're presented with 39.2 cubic feet of usable cargo space, which is enough space for around five large travel cases. With no 3rd-row seating, cargo space in the trunk is plentiful. If you do need extra space for larger or oblong items, the second-row seats can be folded down in a 60/40-split for a total of 75.8 cubic feet. The CR-V is one of the most practical crossovers in its class, with the Mazda CX-5 offering just 30.9 cubes behind the rearmost seat, and 59.5 cubes with them folded down. Trunk volume is diminished slightly in the hybrid models because of all the added electric components so you only get 33.2 cubic feet in the trunk and 68.7 cubes with the second-row seats folded down. Having been based on a three-row, 7-passenger vehicle but fitted with only two rows of seating, the Honda Passport boasts 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.9 cubes with the seats down.

In-cabin storage solutions are plentiful in the CR-V, too, with all models featuring large door pockets, a moderately sized glovebox, a deep center console, and a pair of cupholders up front and in the rear.

For shoppers on a tight budget, the entry-spec LX offers a decent level of value in terms of comforts and conveniences. You're given remote proximity entry, power side mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering column, single-zone automatic climate control, and a six-way manually-adjustable driver's seat. Standard driver-assist and safety features include automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a rearview camera. The Special Edition introduces push-button start, front-seat heating, and dual-zone automatic climate control to the lineup. For the EX, Honda throws in front-seat heating, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with four-way lumbar support, and a power moonroof. The EX Hybrid is additionally equipped with a driver's seat memory system. From the EX-L onward, you get a four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat and a power-operated liftgate. The EX-L Hybrid and both Touring variants also come with steering wheel heating. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on the Touring Hybrid only.

When it comes to infotainment, Honda's standard setup doesn't quite match up to that of many other brands. All you get in the LX model is a five-inch LCD screen that supports only Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB port. It comes tethered to a four-speaker audio setup. Many brands make use of a larger infotainment touchscreen with full smartphone functionality even in their entry-spec models. Fortunately, a seven-inch touchscreen with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality is standard throughout the rest of the line. SiriusXM and HD radio connectivity also become standard from the Special Edition. The EX model is installed with two additional speakers and the EX Hybrid with an additional four. Touring models are further upgraded with navigation and a premium nine-speaker audio system.

While the regular gasoline-only Honda CR-V hasn't been subject to any recalls, the CR-V Hybrid has been recalled twice. The first recall pertained to a seat belt retractor that would malfunction and the second to some vehicles experiencing failing driveshafts. Nevertheless, J.D. Power bestows the 2022 CR-V with an above-average score of 84/100 for its quality and reliability.

Hyundai and Kia offer industry-leading powertrain warranties whilst Honda's warranty coverage is comparably on par with most other automakers. Every new Honda CR-V is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty that also includes roadside assistance. Honda covers the CR-V Hybrid's electrical components for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Both the regular and hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V have undergone review by the NHTSA and both were awarded five-star overall ratings. The IIHS also subjected the 2022 CR-V to review and gave it a top score of Good for five of six evaluated factors, resulting in a Top Safety Pick recognition for 2022 CR-Vs with LED headlights. The latest evaluation of the side impact test resulted in a middling score of Acceptable.

Honda typically outfits its vehicles comprehensively with driver assists and safety features from the outset. Standard across the board is the Honda Sensing suite, with forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, and road departure mitigation. Automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow are also standard, along with vehicle stability assist with traction control, ABS/EBD brakes, and tire-pressure monitoring. In the LX, the multi-angle rearview camera features guidelines while in the rest of the lineup, it features dynamic guidelines. Blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert becomes standard as of the EX model.

Hybrid models feature an acoustic vehicle alerting system, but all models get six airbags: dual front, front-side, and side curtain.

Within the highly competitive classification, the Honda CR-V measures up as one of the top competitors for its well-roundedness and value. It sports a subtle but attractive aesthetic and a cabin strewn with good-quality materials and durable surfaces. It's really spacious, too, boasting one of the largest trunks in the midsize classification. It's fairly comfortable on the road and while it does lack some key features - especially in the base model - it does come standard with a good selection higher up in the range, for the price. The biggest letdown with the CR-V is its infotainment system, which, in the entry-spec model, comprises a diminutive screen and no smartphone integration. Overall, is just unintuitive and unrefined. If the infotainment system isn't too much of a concern for you, then you won't be overly disappointed in your purchase. You do get great fuel economy, at least.

In the USA, the Honda CR-V goes on sale for an MSRP of $26,400, which is for the 2WD LX. The 2WD Special Edition follows at $27,600, the EX at $28,910, and the EX-L at $31,500. It'll cost an extra $1,500 to option in the available AWD setup to any of the 2WD models. The price of the Honda CR-V Touring comes in at $36,200.

Hybrid models start at $31,610 for the Hybrid EX, while the Hybrid EX-L goes for $34,200. The top-spec Hybrid Touring will set you back $37,400. The cost of every Honda CR-V excludes any tax, registration, and licensing fees, as well as Honda's destination and delivery charge of $1,225.

A total of five models make up the 2022 Honda CR-V lineup: the LX, Special Edition, EX, EX-L, and the Touring. All are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-pot engine, CVT, and FWD system barring the Touring, which now comes standard-fit with an AWD system. The EX, EX-L, and the Touring are also offered as hybrids equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine augmented by two electric motors. An electronic-CVT and AWD setup are standard for all three models.

Standard-fit creature comforts and conveniences in the entry-spec LX model are minimal, with just remote proximity entry, power side mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering column, single-zone automatic climate control, and a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat coming standard. Infotainment is also covered by a measly five-inch LCD screen and four-speaker sound system. Honda does at least include a good selection of driver assists, including automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a rearview camera.

There's a lot more to enjoy from the Special Edition model, which gets a larger seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with six speakers and full smartphone integration. It also boasts push-button start, front-seat heating, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The EX comes with a 12-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power moonroof and is installed with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The hybrid version gets LED headlights, a two-position driver's seat memory system, and an eight-speaker audio system.

A leather-clad steering wheel and shift stick come standard as of the EX-L model, along with a four-way power front passenger seat, leather seating upholstery, and a power-operated tailgate. The steering wheel in the EX-L Hybrid additionally comes with heating.

Discerning the Touring as the top-spec model are its LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a power-operated hands-free tailgate. The infotainment system is upgraded with navigation and a nine-speaker audio system, and wireless phone charging is also added. The Touring Hybrid comes with front and rear parking sensors.

There are several appearance and equipment packages offered for the 2022 CR-V line. All models can be optioned with the Dark Accent Package A that, for $1,150, outfits the CR-V with a gloss black grille and fender emblem, a crystal black spoiler, and door sill protection film. Honda offers an Illumination Package B for the LX, EX, and EX-L that installs Blue door-sill, cabin logo, and cabin panel trim illumination for $752. For all but the Touring, there's a $1,159 Utility Package that includes a roof rack, running board, rear panel lining cover, and seat back protector. For the same models, there's the $1,085 Rugged Package, which equips the CR-V with a gloss black front grille, a roof rack, and a roof-rack basket.

Exclusive to the Hybrid line, there's a Dark Accent Package B that outfits the CR-V with the Dark Accent Package A's contents plus black wheel locks and lug nuts, and 19-inch black alloy wheels, for $2,916. For $3,403, the EX and EX-L Hybrids can be optioned with the All-In Package, which comprises the contents of the Dark Accent Package B and Rugged Package.

With the subpar infotainment system and scant selection of features, the Honda CR-V LX is not recommended. The Special Edition is a far more appealing option as it comes outfitted with a better infotainment setup that comprises the seven-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and inclusion of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. A good selection of comforts and conveniences are also added to the Special Edition including smart entry with push-button start, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. If power seating adjustability and leather upholstery are a must for you, then you'll have to opt for the Honda CR-V EX-L, which slots in just below the top-spec Touring. And, if your priority is fuel economy, you'll do well to look at the hybrid options - the Hybrid EX-L provides a good balance of features versus cost.

Though very similar to the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling crossover SUV in America and has been for a long time. It's equipped with a slightly more powerful 2.5-liter engine that is utilized in the hybrid versions, too. The RAV4 is also not offered with a turbocharged powertrain, however, which means it's also not one of the fastest crossovers around. Fuel efficiency is quite similar between the competing regular SUVs but the RAV4 Hybrid outperforms the CR-V Hybrid easily. In terms of driving experiences, the CR-V is a little more engaging with its sharper responses. The RAV4 in TRD Off-Road guise comes equipped with off-road-focused gear, including a genuine 4x4 system, which makes it the superior off-roader. Both SUVs boast spacious interiors adorned in quality materials and durable surfaces. The CR-V has the larger trunk, however, at least with the regular ICE powertrain. The RAV4, on the other hand, can tow up to around 2,000 pounds more than the CR-V can when properly equipped. When it comes to features, both SUVs do lack some key comforts. The entry-spec RAV4 does, however, come standard with a larger infotainment touchscreen and full smartphone integration. Both vehicles are superb, so you'd ultimately have to take each for a test drive to make a final decision for yourself.

The Mazda CX-5 is the sportier and more engaging crossover than the Honda CR-V, which takes on more of an all-rounder or practical focus. It comes equipped with a feisty 250-hp turbocharged engine and boasts adroit handling dynamics that make it a joy to drive. It maintains a wonderfully refined ride quality, too, and is only slightly less frugal than the CR-V in its most efficient guise. The CR-V's turbo engine does offer better acceleration than the CX-5's entry-spec engine, but the CX-5 wins back favor by going all-in on comforts and conveniences even with its entry-spec models. LED headlights and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with full smartphone integration are just some of the features the entry-spec CX-5 lords over the base CR-V. The Honda does, however, offer a good deal more room for cargo with the back seats up or folded down. While the upper-tier Mazda models may get quite pricey, they offer the feistiness of the turbo engine and come with plenty more premium features, making the CX-5 very well worth considering.