CR-V offers reliably good performance, with plenty of usable space, friendly driving dynamics, front- or all-wheel drive, a 190-hp turbocharged engine, and an optional 204-hp hybrid version that we review separately. In base nonhybrid form, the CR-V shines with a deep layer of modern tech and safety features that don’t hog the spotlight deservedly occupied by its superb chassis. The CR-V is our favorite in the highly popular compact crossover segment, even amid stiff competition from the Mazda CX-50, the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Kia Sportage.
What’s New for 2024?
The only change to the nonhybrid Honda CR-V for 2024 is that prices are up across the board.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2024 Honda CR-V starts at $30,895 and goes up to $36,055 depending on the trim and options.The CR-V LX, EX, and EX-L are all gas-only models. The Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring models come exclusively with the hybrid powertrain, and these are what we’d recommend most. Of the nonhybrid models, we’d choose the EX-L for its generous list of equipment. It comes with leather upholstery, a power tailgate, and a larger touchscreen, among other features.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Behind the CR-V’s upright grille is a standard 190-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. It pairs with a CVT and either front- or all-wheel drive. This setup is standard on the LX, EX, and EX-L models. At our test track, the nonhybrid EX-L needed 8.1 seconds to get to 60 mph, making it a bit sluggish for its class and a few ticks slower than the hybrid model. The transmission also causes the engine to drone noisily under hard acceleration. Every CR-V has hill-descent control that helps modulate the compact SUV’s speed on steep or slippery declines when traveling at low speeds. Most models are fitted with a set of 18-inch wheels. While it lacks the handling thrills we love in the Mazda CX-50 and the Volkswagen Tiguan, the new CR-V provides a smooth ride and enough moxie to avoid being boring.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon |
| Base / As-Tested Price | $37,110 / $37,565 |
| Options | Radiant Red Metallic paint – $455 |
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Honda CR-V can tow up to 1500 pounds when equipped with optional towing accessories.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The CR-V’s nonhybrid powertrain provides competitive fuel economy The front-wheel-drive CR-V with the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gets EPA estimates of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, and opting for all-wheel drive drops those numbers a bit. On our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy route, an all-wheel-drive EX-L registered 31 mpg. For more information about the CR-V’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
| Engine Type | Turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1498 cm³ (91 in³) |
| Power | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) |
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The CR-V’s handsome interior design is highlighted by a honeycomb-textured insert spanning most of the dash, discreetly hiding the air vents. The steering wheel frames a partially digital gauge cluster with an analog speedometer and a 7.0-inch display that allows the driver to swap between different informational menus. Honda says the front seats are designed to decrease driver fatigue on long trips and that the new CR-V’s driving position has been improved. Between the front-seat passengers is a large center console bin, and behind them are reclining back seats with an extra 0.6 inch of rear legroom compared with the outgoing CR-V. There are 39 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row with the adjustable load floor in its lowest position.
| 0–60 mph | 8.1 sec |
|---|---|
| 1/4-Mile | 16.3 sec @ 89 mph |
| 100 mph / 120 mph | 21.2 sec / 38.5 sec |
| Rolling Start (5–60 mph) | 9.0 sec |
| Top Gear 30–50 / 50–70 mph | 4.4 sec / 5.8 sec |
| Top Speed (C/D est) | 130 mph |
| Braking 70–0 mph | 163 ft |
| Skidpad (300-ft) | 0.82 g |
Infotainment and Connectivity
The CR-V’s infotainment system operates through a 7.0-inch touchscreen on the LX and EX trim levels. The setup features physical volume and tuning knobs as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L has a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the bigger display doesn’t include a tuning knob, there is a volume knob that accompanies the built-in navigation, plus two USB-C ports for rear-seat passengers and wireless smartphone charging.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
There’s nothing particularly special about the CR-V’s limited and powertrain warranties. Both include coverage periods comparable with most competitors. On the other hand, Honda will start offering complimentary scheduled maintenance on 2024 models, which includes the new CR-V.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles
