Honda’s CR-V, the country’s best-selling SUV, gets turbocharged for 2017
Honda will come to next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show with a new CR-V, which for the first time will be offered in a turbocharged version.
In anticipation, the Japanese car giant revealed images and some details of the 2017 version of the country’s best-selling sport utility vehicle.
The fifth-generation CR-V, first launched in 1997, will come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder power plant. But the higher trim levels (Honda currently offers five CR-V models) will be available with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine — a first for the popular SUV.
The new engine will make 190 horsepower (up from 185 on the current engine) and offer improved fuel economy that Honda says will be the highest Environmental Protection Agency numbers in the entire SUV class. (Honda has not said what those numbers are.)
Working from a new chassis and body design, Honda says the refreshed CR-V will have better handling and ground clearance, and will be available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.
Honda promises the new CR-V will offer more cabin room, more rear seat legroom and more cargo space, as well as a new remote engine start, improved front seat adjustability and heated front and rear seats.
On higher trim levels, the 2017 will include Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that includes collision warnings, lane departure and pedestrian crossing alerts, and assisted braking.
Honda’s popular CR-V has often been at the top of the SUV sales charts, where it currently holds sway over traditional segment competitors Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape.
According to published reports, Honda sold 259,499 CR-Vs in 2015, beating all rivals. It leads its class in 2016 sales, with 263,493 units sold through September. The RAV4 was just behind, with 260,380. The Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape followed with 241,619 and 234,764 units sold, respectively.
