Flash Drive

2016 Honda CR-V

April 11, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Honda CR-V 5-door AWD Touring

The 2016 Honda CR-V has AWD, but most owners use it for pleasurable highway driving.
The 2016 Honda CR-V has AWD, but most owners use it for pleasurable highway driving.

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

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 25/City—31/Highway—27/Combined

Base Price: $33,245

As Tested: $34,145

Performance:

Highly competent Real Time All-Wheel-Drive

Good fuel economy; our best was 27.3 highway

Strong power and acceleration

Smooth, comfortable highway ride

Engines are a Honda strong point and the 185-hp I-4 continues that tradition.
Engines are a Honda strong point and the 185-hp I-4 continues that tradition.

No 4×4 selective controls

Car makes all traction decisions

Lane departure warning

CR-V keeps growing, but still good size for cities

Comfort:

Near stretch-out driver legroom

Less legroom for front passenger

Excellent headroom

Driver power lumbar support

Thick, contoured leather steering wheel with tilt/telescopic

Very good auxiliary controls

Seating comfort and controls are all first class in the Honda CR-V.
Seating comfort and controls are all first class in the Honda CR-V.

Medium size sunroof

Dual zone HVAC

High quality interior materials

Ample, adult size rear seat room

Flat floor is great for middle position

Very good rear headroom

Utility:

Two separate info and entertainment screens

Very deep console bin with multiple device ports

Power tailgate

Very nice seatback storage pouches

Medium size locking glovebox

Medium front door bins

Split folding rear seats increase cargo capacity and flexibility.
Split folding rear seats increase cargo capacity and flexibility.

Tiny rear door bins

Large cargo area

Flat cargo deck

Small lift-over lip

Cargo loops

Split, folding rear seats have slight slope

Wow Factors:

Very nice, fully automatic AWD functions

Great windshield wipers

Quality engineering and well built

Whines:

Driver can’t make 4×4 decisions

A CR-V is easy to spot from the rear 3/4 view thanks to distinctive pointed windows.
A CR-V is easy to spot from the rear 3/4 view thanks to distinctive pointed windows.

Front passenger get shorted on legroom

Tight front passenger shoe room under dash

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Honda CR-V is basically unchanged from the highly successful 2015 redesign. The CR-V is nicely sized for many families and environments. It seamlessly handles all road and weather conditions while keeping occupants safe and comfortable.