20 years ago who knew that Honda’s small little crossover would one day become the best-selling SUV in the US. Crossovers have taken over, leaving the former large body-on-frame SUVs for dead. Crossovers continue to take market share, so much so that even the midsize sedan segment is at risk. While almost every car buyer is now considering a small to midsize crossover as their next purchase, how do you weed through all the countless models in the segment? Well there are some top models, like the CR-V, Toyota RAV-4 and Mazda CX-5. After a week with the 2017 Honda CR-V, here are five reasons why you should or shouldn’t check it out:
2Needs more power
The CR-V has always been powered by an efficient four-cylinder engine and that’s the case with the 2017 CR-V. The base CR-V is powered by 184-hp 2.4L four-cylinder, while the more powerful option is a turbocharged 1.5L with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft. of torque. The naturally-aspirated engine is only available on the base LX, which leaving the turbocharged engine to power the rest of the lineup. The 2.4L is rated at 26/32 mpg if you choose the front-wheel drive version and that drops to 25/31 with all-wheel drive. The 1.5L is more fuel efficient at 28/34 mpg with front-wheel drive and 27/33 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Related: 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback – Review
On paper the turbocharged engine looks like it should be able to get the CR-V moving down the road. In the Civic the 1.5L is great, but unfortunately it’s a bit underpowered in the 3,500 pound CR-V. Push it hard from a stop and all you’re greeted with is the sound of the engine, but not much else. There is a Sport mode, but it doesn’t help much. The turbocharged engine is mated to a standard CVT, which is good compared to other CVTs, but it still can’t match the feel of a regular automatic transmission. Hopefully Honda’s new 10-speed automatic will soon find its way under the hood of the CR-V.
