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Honda CR-V an engaging, but flawed, small SUV

The CR-V exhibits responsive power from its driveline and an engaging driving experience, but poor dashboard electronics and driver-assistance systems prove annoying.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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Honda's CR-V, a small SUV, has proven very popular for its passenger and cargo versatility, ranking in the top 10 of all vehicles sold in the US to this date in 2016.

Check Honda CR-V TrueCar pricing

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Honda gave the CR-V an update in 2015, maintaining its platform but fitting it with a new direct-injection engine and other equipment.

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Honda's grille design shows consistency across models, from the CR-V to the new Civic.

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Direct injection helps the CR-V's 2.4-liter four-cylinder achieve 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, good numbers for the segment.

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Fuel economy for the CR-V comes in at an EPA-rated 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive models, with a 2 mpg gain for front-wheel-drive models.

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Driver-assistance features include Honda LaneWatch, a camera view down the right side of the car, automatic pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control.

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The CR-V is tuned for sporty handling rather than pure comfort.

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The all-wheel-drive system is completely automatic, throwing torque from the front to the rear wheels as needed. Ground clearance comes in at 6.8-inches.

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Cargo capacity, with the second row seats down, comes in at a little over 70 cubic feet.

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This CR-V is a high trim Limited model with navigation.

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The stereo is only average, with six speakers and a subwoofer. Honda doesn't offer a premium upgrade.

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Honda has always offered quality cabin materials, and the CR-V comports with this tradition.

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To fold down the second row, you first need to lift the seat bottoms.

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The navigation head unit is not very good, and lacks support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

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The steering shows good feel, with enough heft so you feel connected to the car.

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Honda's recent gauge design economizes instrument panel space.

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The only transmission available is continuously variable.

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