Few models define the compact sport utility market as well as the Honda CR-V. Certainly, the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape have their place, but the CR-V may offer the best combination of fuel efficiency, value and safety of any model on the market. The 2014 Honda CR-V is priced from $22,945 and tops out at $30,445 with 12 pricing structures available.
The best selling Honda CR-V.
Honda CR-V Models
The 2014 Honda CR-V seats five and is sold in front- and all-wheel drive configurations. Three trim levels are available: LX, EX and EX-L.
All models offer remote entry, folding side mirrors, halogen headlights, intermittent wipers and tinted glass. Inside, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, a rear view camera, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic steering column and power accessories are included. Each model also has a center console, driver and front passenger vanity mirrors, eight beverage holders, in-door pocket, storage bins, an audio system and a multi-information display.
Choose the CR-V EX and this model brings in a security system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, a retractable cargo area cover and a six-speaker audio system. The EX-L edition adds roof rails, dual zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, leather-trimmed seats, a 360-watt seven-speaker audio system and XM radio.
Navigation and rear DVD entertainment systems are available with the EX-L edition only.
Engine and Transmission
Honda keeps it simple with the CR-V, offering just one engine and transmission combination. Some competitors offer up to three engines and two transmission choices, but that supposed powertrain “deficiency” has not hurt Honda.
The 2014 Honda CR-V is powered by a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine. This 16-valve motor makes 185 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 163 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm and is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This aluminum alloy engine has a 10.0 to 1 compression ratio and qualifies as an ultra-low-emissions vehicle.
Honda CR-V Dimensions
The 2014 Honda CR-V sits on a 103.1-inch wheelbase and is 178.3 inches long. It measures 71.6 inches wide by 64.7 inches tall. This vehicle has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches and front and rear tracks measuring 61.5 inches.
Curb weight is 3,305 to 3,529 pounds. The Honda CR-V has a 1,500-pound towing capacity. Cargo volume is 37.2 cubic feet and expands to 70.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
Passenger volume measures 104.1 cubic feet. Head room comes in at 39.9 inches up front to 38.6 inches in the rear. Leg room comes in at 41.3 inches up front to 38.3 inches in the back. Shoulder room measures 58.6 inches in the front and 56.4 inches in the rear. Hip room comes in at 54.5 inches up front to 53.1 inches in the back.
Model Fuel Economy
Choose the front-wheel drive Honda CR-V and your vehicle is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Select the all-wheel drive model and your vehicle is rated 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The Honda CR-V takes regular grade gasoline and is outfitted with a 15.3-gallon fuel tank. That gives this small SUV a cruising range of 474 miles or enough fuel to take you from New York City to Washington, DC and back on one tank.
Honda CR-V Considerations
The Honda CR-V is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top safety pick and has also achieved the NHTSA’s five-star rating. All models are equipped with front, front side and side curtain airbags, traction control, brake assist, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and daytime running lights.
Honda covers the CR-V with a three-year or 36,000-mile new vehicle warranty. A five-year, 60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty is also available. All Honda models offers a five-year, corrosion warranty with no mileage limitation.
See Also — Cute Ute: 2016 Honda HR-V
Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.