Flash Drive

2015 Honda CR-V

January 7, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
The 2015 Honda CR-V is an excellent urban compact SUV with multi-purpose agility.
The 2015 Honda CR-V is an excellent urban compact SUV with multi-purpose agility.

Model Tested: 2015 Honda C-RV AWD Touring 

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4, 185 horsepower 181 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission all-wheel-drive 

EPA Ratings: 26/City—33/Highway—28/Combined 

Base Price: $32,770 

As Tested: $33,600

Performance:

Smooth i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with Earth Dreams Direct Injection

Efficient CVT transmission

Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System

Pleasant highway ride

Strong 4-wheel disc brakes

The powerful, but thrifty I-4 engine produces 185 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
The powerful, but thrifty I-4 engine produces 185 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.

Good size for around town driving/errands

Very acceptable fuel economy for an SUV

Smooth electric-assisted power steering

ECON mode

Good acceleration

Comfort:

Excellent use of interior space for passengers and cargo

Comfortable leather-trimmed seats with two-temp heat up front

Great headroom

Ample backseat knee room and shoe space

Flat rear floor; no hump

Utility:

Ample auxiliary steering wheel controls

Small, but deep console bin

Big, locking glove box

Two seatback storage pouches

Small rear door bins; no bottle notches

Neat release controls for folding rear seats

Wide opening for cargo area

The cargo area is spacious with a flat deck and nearly flat folded second row seats.
The cargo area is spacious with a flat deck and nearly flat folded second row seats.

Flat cargo deck

Moderate slope to folded rear seatbacks 

WOW Factors:

Lane departure warning system

Great blend of daily driving features with foul weather safety 

Whines:

No ability to control AWD system is both a negative and a positive

Noticeable rear door wheel well intrusion

Rear lift gate doesn’t open high enough for tall people

Front passenger legroom not as good as driver’s side

Bottom Line:

The 2015 Honda CR-V is a great urban compact SUV. It’s more about efficient daily driving than dirt road thrashing, but it’s still nimble and capable on snowy or rugged roads.