A perennial bestseller, the 2022 Honda CR-V charms with its roominess, comfort, efficiency, and safety ratings. The CR-V compact crossover seats five passengers in comfort, and is roomier than rivals such as the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. Like the RAV4, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson, it can be had as a hybrid.
With a spacious cabin, excellent safety ratings, and above average efficiency; the CR-V is an All-Star. For 2022, Honda didn’t invest too much in the fifth-generation CR-V before its expected redesign for 2023. The top Touring trim comes standard with all-wheel drive, but it remains optional on LX, SE, EX, and EX-L trims.
Neither flashy nor dull, the 2022 CR-V soldiers on as a pleasantly plain crossover that prefers to blend in more than stand out. The style of the CR-V exists on a plane between the sexy and sculpted Mazda CX-5 and the garish or rugged Toyota RAV4. Modest black cladding runs over round wheel arches housing available 19-inch wheels and connects the bumpers with some brief flourishes of chrome. The upright rear end could be mistaken for a minivan, and the front end avoids the temptation of going all-grille, all-day, which is a trend other automakers have embraced to mixed effect.
The 1.5-liter turbo-4 carries over, as does its output of 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. A CVT sends power to the 17-inch front wheels, and the CR-V puts efficiency over power with an EPA-rated 28 mpg city, 34 highway, 30 combined. Available on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, the Hybrid with standard all-wheel drive uses a pair of electric motors and a 2.0-liter inline-4 to make 212 hp; the Hybrid rides smoother with a bit more punch than the gas model. Its biggest virtue is an EPA-rated 40/35/38 combined mpg.
The Honda CR-V avoids a crash as well as it withstands one, according to a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. That adds two points to our score, and standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and automatic high beams earn another point. Good outward vision through the broad windshield and over the shoulder past thin rear pillars make it easy to drive.
The CR-V seats five in more comfort than other compact crossovers. Comfy seats front and rear, as well as ample passenger and cargo room proie all-day comfort. For a 12-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, jump to the EX trim or any of the Hybrid models, but even the manual cloth seats on LX and SE provide enough support to be comfy. Leather graces the EX-L and Touring trims, which give the passenger power adjustments as well. The tall seating position with a low dash and broad windshield affords a commanding view of the road and some interior tranquility. Deep door pockets and a deep center console allow plenty of storage space.
In back, three passengers fit, with doors that open wide and nearly as much leg room and head room as front riders. Rear seat roominess tops the class, and cargo volume also impresses with nearly 40 cubic feet of space (Hybrids have 33.2 cubic feet), or 75.8 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats folded flat. The low load floor is good for dogs and backs. Despite the understated style, Honda finishes the CR-V with soft-touch materials that get better with each trim, capped with wood-like trim in top Touring models.
The base LX might get shoppers into the showroom for $26,975, including destination but its dinky 5.0-inch display screen should steer them to better-equipped trims such as our recommended pick, the SE.The Hybrid costs about $1,200 more on similarly-equipped AWD models, with the Touring Hybrid topping the price chart at $37,975. It’s loaded with leather seats, wireless smartphone charging, and a 9-speaker sound system.
The 2022 Honda CR-V is a standout; it does everything well without breaking the bank. Efficient powertrains, adept handling, plenty of space for people and cargo, and strong safety ratings are just some of the CR-V’s strong points. Adding in Honda reliability and value gives you the top of the pack in small SUV class; one drive and you’ll agree.
