Honda has unveiled the key specs and metrics for its 2017 CR-V, which takes the best features from some of Honda's other offerings and is set to eclipse the other vehicles in the compact crossover segment.
CNET notes that the 2017 CR-V's headlight styling is similar to both the Civic's ad the Acura's. The interior, which replaces the speedometer in the middle of the gauge cluster with a more digital setup, also resembles the interior of the Honda Civic.
The outlet notes that the CR-V is a very important vehicle for Honda, having already sold some 4 million units since it first went on sale in 1997. This explains why for the car's fifth generation, Honda appears to have pulled out all the stops.
CNET compared the 2017 CR-V with its main rivals - the 2017 Toyota RAV4, the 2017 Subaru Forester, the 2016 Nissan Rogue, the 2016.5 Mazda CX-5, the 2017 Kia Sportage, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson, and the 2017 Ford Escape - and found that while there isn't much variation, the CR-V offers more cargo room than most and is on the lighter end in terms of curb weight.
The 2017 CR-V's new chassis has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor (104.7 inches vs. 103.1), is almost 2 inches wider, and is less than an inch longer.
This new CR-V will be the first to become available with more than one engine. According to Honda, apart from a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder 184-horsepower base engine, there's also a smaller 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 that can generate up to 190 horsepowers.
As for the 2017 CR-V's cabin tech, CNET has lauded the physical volume knob - something that the older CR-V, as well as the Civic - lacks. A 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay replaces the old twin-screen center stack.
In terms of safety systems, the 2017 CR-V comes with the Honda Sensing package, which includes such features as Collision Mitigating Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assistant, Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and Auto High Beam headlights.
The new CR-V will go on sale in December. Pricing is still TBD.
