The moment the new Honda CR-V made its debut last year, it quickly became a sensation The CR-V boasts consistent and admirable performance, offering ample usable space, a pleasant driving experience, the option for front- or all-wheel drive, a potent 190-horsepower turbocharged engine, and even a hybrid variant with 204 horsepower as an option. This hybrid powertrain achieves an impressive combined fuel efficiency rating of 40 mpg. Even in its standard configuration, the CR-V stands out with a rich array of contemporary technology and safety features, which don’t overshadow the well-deserved attention given to its exceptional chassis. In the fiercely competitive compact-crossover segment, the CR-V remains our top pick, even amidst strong contenders like the Mazda CX-50, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Kia Sportage.
What’s New In 2024?
For the 2024 model year, Honda introduces the Sport-L trim to the CR-V lineup, accompanied by price increases across the entire range. This fresh addition, the Sport-L, serves as a bridge connecting the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims and, like those two variants, exclusively comes in a hybrid configuration. While the standard offering includes front-wheel drive, customers have the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive for this new trim level.
2024 Honda CR-V Interior
The CR-V’s interior has an attractive design, with a prominent honeycomb-textured insert that stretches across most of the dashboard, cleverly concealing the air vents. The steering wheel frames a partially digital gauge cluster, featuring an analog speedometer and a 7.0-inch display that allows the driver to switch between various informative menus. Honda has emphasized that the front seats are specifically designed to reduce driver fatigue during long journeys, and they have also improved the driving position in the new CR-V. Positioned between the front-seat occupants is a spacious center console bin, while the rear seats offer a reclining feature and an additional 0.6 inches of legroom compared to the previous CR-V model. When it comes to cargo space, there are 36 cubic feet available behind the second row, and for gas-only models with the adjustable load floor in its lowest position, there’s an impressive 39 cubic feet
Infotainment and In-Car Technology
The CR-V’s infotainment system is controlled via a 7.0-inch touchscreen in the LX, EX, and Sport trim levels. This configuration includes physical knobs for adjusting volume and tuning, along with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In contrast, the EX-L and Sport Touring models come equipped with a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen that offers wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the larger screen lacks a tuning knob, it does feature a volume knob, which complements the built-in navigation system. Additionally, two USB-C ports are available for rear-seat passengers, and there’s the convenience of wireless smartphone charging. For those seeking the premium 12-speaker Bose sound system, it’s exclusively available in the top-tier CR-V Sport Touring model.
Safety Features
Honda ensures that each CR-V is equipped with a comprehensive array of standard driver-assistance features. In addition to the newly introduced blind-spot monitoring system, this compact SUV now boasts a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, and a back-seat reminder as part of its standard offerings. If you’re interested in learning more about the CR-V’s performance in crash tests, you can find detailed information on the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Notable safety highlights include:
- Automatic forward-collision warning and emergency braking as standard.
- Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning as standard features.
- Standard inclusion of adaptive cruise control for added safety.
Warranty
The CR-V’s limited and powertrain warranties don’t offer any standout features; they provide coverage similar to what you’ll find from other competitors. However, there’s some good news for 2024 models of the CR-V, as Honda will now include complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Here’s the breakdown of the warranties:
- Limited warranty: This covers you for three years or up to 36,000 miles.
- Powertrain warranty: You’ll get coverage for five years or up to 60,000 miles.
- The exciting addition is the complimentary scheduled maintenance, which will be available for two years or up to 24,000 miles.
Final Verdict
Honda has successfully regained some of its previous driving dynamism with the latest CR-V model. It has once again become one of the more enjoyable compact SUVs to drive, though it’s worth noting that the competition in this category doesn’t set a particularly high standard. The driving experience can also vary depending on which powertrain option you choose. Surprisingly, the hybrid version stands out as the better performer.
The base turbo engine offers smooth operation but can be somewhat noisy, partly due to its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which still exhibits some rubber-band-like behavior. This CVT also contributes to the powertrain feeling somewhat unresponsive. While the power from the base engine is adequate, it doesn’t exactly inspire excitement. On the other hand, the hybrid variant not only delivers more power but also provides a remarkably smooth and effortless start thanks to its electric motor, with the gasoline engine primarily serving to generate electricity. Additionally, the hybrid’s powertrain simulates gear shifts during acceleration, making it sound and feel more conventional compared to other hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 or the base turbo engine with a CVT.
In comparison to the previous-generation CR-V, the 2023 model shows significant improvements in terms of refinement and stability. When driven back-to-back, it’s striking how much the older CR-V exhibited excessive body motions. The new model, in contrast, maintains composure much more effectively, resulting in one of the more stable vehicles in its segment. The steering is precise and offers consistent weighting, providing a connected feel to the road. Overall, the CR-V proved to be a more enjoyable driving experience than another favorite of ours, the Kia Sportage Hybrid. However, those seeking a sportier driving feel may still prefer the Mazda CX-5 or CX-50.
