Honda’s new CR-V gets more features

Buyers of the most popular member of the most popular automotive segment; the Honda CR-V compact SUV will pay quite a bit more for 2017 for the cheapest version compared to last year’s model.

When the refreshed CR-V goes on sale in late December, it will start at $25,945, including a $900 destination charge, for the entry-level LX model and that is $1,200 more than its 2016 counterpart.

It is also the priciest among competitors including 2017 versions of the Ford Escape $24,495; Hyundai Tucson $23,595; Nissan Rogue $24,760; and Toyota RAV4 $25,850; with all prices include destination charges.

On the other end of the pricing spectrum, the top-trim Touring version starts at $33,295, just $200 more than the outgoing version. In the middle, the EX starts $27,595, a $600 hike. All-wheel drive adds $300 to all trim levels, and navigation tacks $1,000 onto the price of the EX-L.

In addition to the CR-V’s much-needed exterior styling update, muscular, more upscale and decidedly more attractive, the small SUV also gets a couple more inches of backseat legroom, a revised multimedia system with a 7-inch tablet display and an available Honda Sensing safety suite. The top three trims get a new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 190 horsepower.

The LX continues to use a direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which loses 1 horsepower for 2017 for a total of 184. It comes with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, active noise control, a tailgate spoiler, a four-speaker stereo system, Pandora and Bluetooth compatibility, and a backup camera.

In addition to the turbo 1.5-liter, the EX adds 18-inch wheels, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic high beams, foglights, side mirror turn signals and variable intermittent wipers.

Other features are the walk-away door locks, body-colour door handles and side mirrors, push-button and remote start, keyless entry, the new multimedia system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a power moonroof.

It also come equipped with dual-zone climate control, two rear USB ports, HondaLink smartphone integration, blind spot warning, a driver attention monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a cargo cover and the beefed-up safety suite.

The EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and shifter; a power programmable tailgate; an auto-dimming review mirror, a four-way power passenger seat; four more stereo speakers; and HD radio, HomeLink and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Touring trim further adds navigation, model-exclusive 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust, LED headlights, roof rails, automatic wipers, a hands-free rear liftgate and a premium stereo system with nine speakers.

MIKE OCHONMA