Buyer’s Guide: 2015 Honda CR-V

NEW FOR 2015:
– Mid-cycle update with refreshed styling
– Upgraded powertrain
– Addition of Honda Sensing active safety features for Touring trim level
– New SE trim

Honda’s CR-V has quickly climbed the ranks as one of North America’s most popular vehicles. While it hasn’t usurped the Civic as the Canadian bestseller, it handily out-sells it south of the border. And as of early 2015, it overtook the Accord, too. How did the CR-V achieve this? The updates it received for model year 2015 might have had something to do with it.

A new version of the CR-V’s motor arrives with Honda’s Earth Dreams weight-reducing and fuel-saving technologies. The addition of direct injection increases torque by 11 percent to 181 lb-ft, though horsepower stays the same at 185 hp. Also new is a CVT transmission, which takes the place of the former five-speed automatic. As before, the CR-V is available in front-wheel drive or with Real Time AWD, though AWD is standard for all trims but the base LX. Tweaks to the suspension, steering rack, and a wider overall stance on the road increase the latest CR-V’s stability lending it a more confident feel on the move.

Restyled inside and out, the CR-V also receives new mirrors and wheels, a new configurable centre console, and rear console ducts. The available features list also grows to include a 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio infotainment system, and Honda Sensing active driver safety features (lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation).

The revised CR-V is offered in LX, SE, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim lines.

In LX trim, features include 16-inch steel wheels, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo with Bluetooth streaming audio and USB/auxiliary input, electric power steering, auto-off headlights, air conditioning and filtration, rear privacy glass, 12-volt power outlets (x2), fuel economy indicator with range, compass, cruise control, vanity mirrors, exterior temperature gauge, driver’s armrest, Bluetooth phone integration, steering wheel mounted controls (cruise, audio, phone, i-MID), Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), intermittent windshield wipers, intermittent rear window wiper/washer, oil change reminder, map lights, rear view camera, power locks, power windows with driver’s auto up/down, rear-seat centre armrest, remote entry, text message integration, tilt and telescopic steering, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and 60/40 split rear seats. LX can be optioned with all-wheel drive.

SE, which is new for 2015, includes all-wheel drive as standard. It also receives the 7-inch Display Audio infotainment system with six speakers, , proximity key with push-button start, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, an alarm system, front wiper de-icer, as well as body-coloured door handles and mirrors.

EX builds on the SE with a 10-way power driver’s seat, Lane Watch blind-spot camera, power sunroof, fog lights, dual-zone climate control, cargo cover, fully automatic headlamps, variable-speed windshield wipers, seatback pockets, and illuminated vanity mirrors.

The EX-L adds leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a seven-speaker stereo with satellite radio and subwoofer.

Touring adds 18-inch wheels, driver’s memory seat, projector headlights, rain-sensing wipers, chrome door handles, roof rails, power tailgate, auto dimming rear-view mirror, and voice controlled navigation. It also includes Honda Sensing active safety technologies: Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control.