First Drive: 2015 Honda CR-V

Honda’s Real Time All Wheel Drive system continues to be available on each of the CRV’s three trim levels. This is a system that enables the rear wheels to rest until they’re needed, sending power back only when slippage is detected. Honda chooses this method over a full-time AWD system in the interest of reducing drivetrain lag and thus, saving fuel.

The styling of the CR-V has not been its strongest suit for the past few generations and Honda has updated the look for 2015 with a new grille and headlight treatment. The tail end has also received some updates to help give a wider, more squat appearance. 18-inch wheels are now offered on higher trim levels for the first time.

Technology is another area of significant improvement in the updated CR-V. The overly convoluted infotainment system on the previous model was criticized repeatedly by the Autos.ca team. The new system with Honda’s tablet-like 7-inch touch screen display unit was first seen on the 2014 Civic and 2015 Fit. For the most part, the new system is a dramatic improvement for usability thanks to pinch-and-squeeze functionality on the touchscreen, plus a more intuitive menu layout.

2015 Honda CR-V seating, cargo area. Click image to enlarge

We have complained about the lack of a proper volume knob for this system in the Fit and Civic, and it seems someone was listening at Honda since there’s now a single row of actual buttons down the left side of the screen, including some for volume adjustment. While we’d prefer the simplicity of an actual volume knob, this is a slight improvement.

Honda is also making considerable efforts to increase the safety of the CR-V. The celebrated LaneWatch system whereby a camera mounted to the passenger side mirror shows what lurks in the blind spot has now shown up on the CR-V. More impressive is Honda’s decision to include their Honda SENSING suite on the top-level Touring trim CR-V. Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System and Collision Mitigation Braking System are all high-tech safety features normally associated with high-end luxury vehicles, but they are part of this package. Curiously during our drive the camera based Lane Keeping Assist System failed to do its job when the asphalt surface became faded and the contrast between it and the painted lines diminished.

The folks at Honda expect their hard work on the safety front will net the CR-V a top safety pick rating, plus a “Superior” designation for Front Crash Prevention.

This new, more efficient, more responsive and safer CR-V is also a better value. Despite the new and improved drivetrain, the entry-level LX remains at the same price point. The rest of the line up sees no more than a few hundred dollars added to the bottom line, but at the top level Touring, nearly $3,000 of value is added to the car through the new features and updates that are made standard.

CR-V generations (left). 2015 Honda CR-V (middle and right). Click image to enlarge

In our books, Honda has had a winner with the CR-V for a while. Now with the considerable mechanical and technological improvements added to Honda’s compact SUV, a very good crossover has been made better.

Pricing: 2015 Honda CR-V
LX 2WD: $25,990
LX 4WD: $28,350
SE: $29,790
EX: $31,790
EX-L: $33,790
Touring: $35,790

Competitors:
Chevrolet Equinox
Jeep Cherokee
Ford Escape
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-5
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan