2017 Honda CR-V Features A New Look, Turbo Power

The Honda CR-V is one of the brand's most important vehicles as it makes up a fair chunk of Honda's sales. The combination of its comfort, utility, and reputation for being reliable has made it a safe bet for buyers. 

Yesterday at an event in Detroit, Honda pulled the curtain back on the all-new 2017 CR-V. The CR-V follows Honda's current recipe for their new and updated models; increased dimensions, nicer interior, improved technology, and a turbo engine.

Yes, the CR-V for 2017 will be getting the option a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The engine displaces 1.5L and features direct-injection. Power output stands at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Honda believes this engine will make up 75 percent of CR-V sales. We can't argue with this since the engine will come standard on the EX and above models. The base LX will retain the 2.4L four-cylinder (184 horsepower, 180 pound-feet) that is used in the current CR-V. No matter which engine, it will come paired with a CVT and the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The exterior has some personality with new a front end (new grille and headlights that appear to come from the Civic) and a restyled rear tailgate. Inside, the CR-V comes with a new instrument cluster, more soft-touch materials, and an updated head unit with an actual volume knob (I could kiss you Honda -WM). Honda says the 2017 CR-V is the roomiest compact crossover with a 2.1-inch increase in rear legroom and 39 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Thank a longer wheelbase (up 1.6 inches) and better packing for the increase.

Honda is making the Honda Sense suite of active safety features standard on the EX and above. Honda Sense includes such features as adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigating braking, lane-keep assist, and road-departure mitigation. Blind spot monitoring is available as an option.

Honda says the 2017 CR-V will arrive at dealers in December. Pricing will be announced sometime before the launch.

Source: Honda
Press Release is on Page 2

Bold and Sophisticated Styling and Turbo Engine Power Restate the All-New 2017 Honda CR-V as the Outright Benchmark Compact SUV

Oct 13, 2016

• America's Best-Selling SUV gains more powerful turbo engine offering class-leading fuel efficiency
• Honda Sensing™ technology now standard on EX and higher trims
• New Display Audio featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
• More premium interior boasts larger cabin with best-in-class rear seat legroom and larger, more versatile cargo space

DETROIT – Honda has pulled the wraps off an all-new, fifth-generation CR-V, America's best-selling SUV over the past 20 years. The completely redesigned and reengineered 2017 CR-V, going on sale this winter, boasts bold new styling, a more premium interior, the model's first-ever turbocharged engine and a host of new features and technologies aimed at maintaining CR-V's status as the outright benchmark in the highly popular compact SUV segment. American car buyers have purchased nearly 4 million CR-Vs since its U.S. launch in 1997.

"The new Honda CR-V raises the bar in every imaginable way, delivering more performance, space and premium content together with higher fuel economy ratings and value than ever before," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. "Customers are going to love what they see and what they experience behind the wheel of this new CR-V."

Bold and Sophisticated New Design
The new CR-V styling heads in a fresh new direction with an aggressive attitude, thanks to crisp and sharp front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all trims, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase, short rear overhang and dual exhausts give the new 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 Automatic Shutter Grille System that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminum alloy wheel sizes to 17 or 18 inches on all trims and narrower A-pillars for improved visibility. Adding convenience is a Honda-first available Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate, which allows opening and closing the tailgate with a foot activated sensor under the rear of the vehicle. Available Auto High Beam with High Beam Support (HSS) headlights, chrome garnishes, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails and numerous Genuine Honda Accessories also expand beauty, convenience and functionality.

New Powertrain and Chassis Technology
The 2017 CR-V in EX and higher trims will feature CR-V's first ever turbocharged engine, a more powerful and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter DOHC, direct-injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder powerplant rated at 190 horsepower (SAE net) and delivering incredibly refined and responsive performance across the engine's full operating range. Combined with the CR-V's more aerodynamic body, the new turbocharged powerplant will garner the highest EPA fuel economy ratings in the compact SUV class. CR-V LX trims will be powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC, direct-injected i-VTECÔ engine, and both engines will be mated to a smooth shifting and sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic. Detailed specifications, including EPA ratings, will be provided closer to launch.

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 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 quick 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, Spacious 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, with top-in-class interior space and the best rear seat legroom in its class, features upgraded materials throughout, including a new soft-touch instrument panel and more intricately stitched seats. A 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 CarPlay™ 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 and heated front and rear outboard seats.

Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
The refreshed 2015 CR-V debuted the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, helping it capture the 2015 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year honors. The 2017 CR-V further expands the application of Honda Sensing as standard equipment on EX and higher trims, expected to account for upwards of 75 percent of CR-V sales. 

Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). Additional new driver-assistive technologies include the available Blind Spot Information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) and Auto High Beam (HSS) headlights.

Utilizing Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, the 2017 CR-V targets the highest available collision safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with Honda Sensing.

The 2017 Honda 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 using domestic and globally sourced parts. Engines for the new CR-V will be manufactured in Anna, Ohio and in Alliston, Ontario, with the CVT being produced in Russells Point, Ohio.