2017 Honda CR-V Touring Test Drive

?2017 Honda CR-V Touring?
Fully Redesigned and Reengineered
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The 2017 Honda CR-V marks the launch of the popular five-passenger compact SUV?s fifth generation. The all-new CR-V is likely to continue its legacy as the best-selling SUV in America for the past 20 years, with sales in the U.S. of nearly 4 million units since its introduction in 1997.


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This latest iteration Honda CR-V enters showrooms offering two engines ? one of them all new, and five models or levels of trim. A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine will continue be the power source for the well-equipped base LX model, but in a more efficient form. It is a 184 horsepower DOHC, 16-valve engine with 180 pound feet of torque, i-VTEC and Direct Injection. The all new engine, is a 1.5-liter DOHC, 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 194 horsepower at 5,600 rpm along with 179 pound feet of torque in a range from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. The 1.5-liter four-banger will serve as the powerplant for EX, EX-L and Touring models.
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Both engines mate to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic. All trim levels are available in either FWD or Honda?s upgraded Real Time AWD system. Towing capacity is rated at 1,500 pounds.

Suspension componentry consists of: MacPherson strut up front and new rear multi-link that utilize specially tuned low-friction dampers, with both FWD and AWD models including tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bars.
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The 2017 CR-V expands the application of the Honda Sensing? suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, by now offering it as standard fare on EX and higher trims, and including for the first time on CR-V both Road Departure Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow. Additional new available driver-assistive features offered are: Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Blind Spot Information System, Auto High-Beam and all-new Driver Attention Monitor.
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In terms of its visual appeal, the new CR-V displays a fresh direction with a boldly aggressive attitude, with crisper and sharper front-end design elements, aggressively stylized headlights surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all models, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase, short rear overhang and new dual exhaust outlets give the 2017 CR-V a look that is both more sophisticated and athletic.
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The new windswept frontal appearance includes signature Honda LED headlights (Touring trim), a Honda-first Active Shutter Grille system that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminum alloy wheel sizes to 17 or 18 inches on all trims, narrower A-pillars for enhanced visibility, and a sporty dual exhaust. Adding convenience is a Honda-first available Hands Free Access Power Tailgate, which allows opening and closing the tailgate simply by kicking a foot to activate a sensor under the rear of the vehicle.
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The exterior design is complemented by the new CR-V platform?s best-in-class space-efficiency. Its wider stance and longer wheelbase significantly benefit interior space ? total interior volume is increased 1.8 cubic feet, rear seat legroom adds 2.1 inches, and total cargo length with second-row seats folded flat is up 9.8 inches compared to the previous model. Converting from passenger to cargo hauling is made easy with the new one-motion dive-down 60/40 split rear seat, and available power tailgate with hands-free operation. While the Honda CR-V exhibits a compact exterior appearance, it provides a surprisingly roomy interior.
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My test 2017 Honda CR-V 5-door, five-passenger SUV came in Touring trim and in an AWD configuration. The base price was set at $32,395 while Destination and Delivery charges elevated the final total to $33,295. The exterior finish was sprayed in Gunmetal Metallic, while the interior was done in Gray and Charcoal tones, with natural matte finish wood trim accents.

SUMMARY: This latest example CR-V exhibits a greater visual appeal overall with its enhanced streamlining, which also yielded improved aerodynamics. Character lines showcase gentle curves and smooth surfaces.
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In the performance department, the 1.5-liter turbocharged, inline four delivers both spirited acceleration and efficiency of operation, with satisfactory fuel economy – an EPA estimated 27-mpg city / 33 mpg highway. Handling characteristics are sporty with good on-center steering feel and the ride quality is quite comfortable with supportive seating.
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The cabin provides a sophisticated and refined ambience with lots of useable space, featuring a high level of functionality and versatility. Connectivity and infotainment deliver a new generation of advanced technologies. Available features include: a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio interface; a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System? developed in cooperation with Garmin?. For the first time, the CR-V ?s Display Audio system is compatible with the Apple CarPlay? and Android Auto? platforms, providing seamless integration of key smartphone features and functions, including smartphone-powered GPS navigation and voice-controlled search capabilities.
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Bottom line, the Honda CR-V for 2017 has made a giant leap over that first generation CR-V, once again taking a highly successful vehicle and making it significantly better as well as more attractive, and it is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Honda CR-V Touring

Base Price: $32,395.
Price as Tested: $33,295. *Est.

Engine Type and Size: 1.5-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, Direct Injected, Turbocharged in-line four-cylinder with Drive-by-wire throttle system.

Horsepower (bhp): 190 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 179 @ 2,000-5,000 rpm

Transmission: CVT with G-Shift.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System.

Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut with 14 mm tubular stabilizer bar and low-friction dampers.
Rear – Multi-link with 13 mm solid stabilizer bar and low-friction dampers.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS, EBD, EBB, BA. ESC, VSA with Traction Control. Agile Handling Assist, Straight Driving Assist and Hill Start Assist.

Tires: Hankook Kinergy GT P235/60 R18 All Season 103H mounted on stylized 6-hole/spoke alloy wheels with machined face and painted inners.

Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
Length Overall: 180.6 inches
Width: 73.0 inches
Height: 66.5 inches
Curb Weight: 3,421 lbs.
Turning Circle: 37.4 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 14 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: Not listed.
0 – 60 mph: Not tested.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.

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