2013 Honda CR-V Combines Remarkable Value, Functionality, Features and Efficiency in Right-Sized Package
08/31/2012
Honda
The all-new, fourth-generation Honda CR-V debuted late last year with upscale styling, excellent fuel efficiency, and a host of standard convenience features, making it one of the most fun and functional compact SUVs in America. The CR-V returns for 2013 as an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK and is distinguished by a NHTSA 5-star Overall Vehicle Score1. Along the way, it has also earned awards from Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com and J.D. Power and Associates. The 2013 Honda CR-V goes on sale September 6, and pricing begins at $22,695.
Compact on the outside and roomy inside, the CR-V represents an unparalleled balance of size and capability in the entry SUV segment. With its car-like interior comfort, a smooth and quiet ride, plus innovative features, the versatile CR-V is a great fit for families or anyone with an active lifestyle.
The CR-V model lineup carries over for 2013, starting with the exceptionally well-equipped CR-V LX with standard air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth(R) HandsFreeLink, rearview camera, color i-MID display, remote entry, 160-watt 4-speaker audio system and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). The CR-V EX adds a number of features including an upgraded 6-speaker audio system, power moonroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The CR-V EX-L builds on the rich content of the CR-V EX by adding more features including a leather-trimmed interior, 10-way power driver's seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, and a 328-watt 7-speaker audio system with XM(R) Radio3. Available features for the CR-V EX-L include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System4 with Voice Recognition(TM) and FM Traffic, or a DVD Rear Entertainment System5. Real Time AWD (all-wheel drive) with a swift-acting electronic Intelligent Control System(TM) is available on each model.
Body
The Honda CR-V's body is designed to contribute to high fuel efficiency and vehicle safety while enhancing the functional and refined aspects of this entry-level SUV. The CR-V has an aggressive and aerodynamic stance with deep sculpting of the bodylines and a bold front fascia. The highly rigid unibody construction combines with lightweight suspension components, noise insulation and aerodynamic features including underbody covers and a rear spoiler to enhance quietness and ride quality.
Large 5-spoke wheels (17-inch alloy for the CR-V EX and EX-L, and 16-inch steel for the CR-V LX) and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability. All CR-V models feature an exterior Expanded-View Driver's Mirror that adds an additional 5.5 degrees of visibility at the outer edge of the mirror's field of view, which can assist the driver in detecting other vehicles or road conditions that they might not otherwise see in a conventional mirror.
Interior and Features
The interior of the 2013 Honda CR-V combines a sedan-like driving position with abundant comfort and convenience features, and standout utility and versatility. The CR-V's "small on the outside, big on the inside" packaging is the key to its appeal. The roomy 5-passenger seating layout provides plenty of space to stretch out, front and rear, and there's abundant storage, including a large center console. When it comes to utility, the low cargo floor and lift-over height ease loading, and the innovative Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback can quickly drop the seatback using release levers located near the tailgate opening or via a pull-strap accessible from each rear door.
The CR-V is well equipped with sophisticated instrumentation that includes an average fuel-economy indicator, instant fuel economy, miles-to-empty indicators, an engine oil-life indicator and more. A standard full-color "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel. A multi-angle rearview camera, standard on all models, provides a choice of three different views on the i-MID or navigation screen, offering more visual information for the driver when backing up.
The CR-V LX comes standard with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers; the CR-V EX and EX-L have six-speaker systems. The audio system offers impressive connectivity, with a Pandora(R) internet radio interface (with compatible iPhones) and a convenient SMS text messaging feature (with compatible smart phones) that can read incoming texts aloud through the audio system. The standard Bluetooth(R) HandsFreeLink(TM) phone interface offers convenient hands-free calling. Models equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) include FM Traffic, which has no monthly fee. A DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) with a 7-inch screen and a wireless remote control is available on the CR-V EX-L.
Safety
The 2013 CR-V exemplifies the Honda approach to safety. As standard equipment, every CR-V incorporates: VSA electronic stability control system with roll-over sensor; ABS with Brake Assist; driver and front-passenger airbags; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure helps make the CR-V highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash. A pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle is also included, as are daytime running lights (DRL).
Third-party analysis highlights the CR-V's safety credentials. The CR-V has been named a TOP SAFETY PICK (the highest rating possible) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The rating recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes. The rating also factors in standard electronic stability control as well as rollover performance based on ratings in IIHS tests. The CR-V earned the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four ratings, including the rigorous roof-strength test. The CR-V also earned NHTSA's best-possible Overall Vehicle Score of 5-Stars, with 5-Star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests1 in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios.
Powertrain
The CR-V features a sophisticated powertrain that offers a refined balance of versatile performance for city and highway driving and high levels of fuel efficiency for an SUV. All CR-V models are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque (SAE net). In keeping with Honda's proven commitment to the environment, the CR-V engine meets strict California Air Resource Board (CARB) Ultra Low Emission Vehicle-2 tailpipe emissions standards and Federal Tier 2-Bin 5 emission standards.
The engine is paired with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission that works in conjunction with the engine's Drive-By-Wire(TM) throttle control to smooth shifting action, and Honda's unique Grade Logic Control system can intuitively hold the most appropriate gear on hilly roads, reducing unnecessary shifting. For the all-season confidence of all-wheel drive, the Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is available to help access available traction in low-grip driving conditions such as snow, rain and unpaved road surfaces.
The CR-V has an EPA fuel economy6 rating of 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD) and a compact SUV-class leading 22/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined rating for the AWD CR-V. Standard Eco Assist indicates to the driver when the vehicle is being operated in an efficient style via "green" visual cues surrounding the speedometer, and a selectable ECON Mode alters operating characteristics of the vehicle to support an efficient driving style.
Chassis
With its fully independent front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension, the 2013 CR-V chassis is designed to maximize passenger comfort, driving enjoyment, and confidence. All CR-V models feature Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) that works with the standard VSA and Electric Power Steering to detect instability in slippery road conditions both during cornering and under braking, and automatically initiates steering wheel inputs to prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction. This advanced new technology supports the driver's action in operating the vehicle more comfortably and with greater confidence. CR-V EX and EX-L models are equipped with 225/65-17 all-season tires with 17x6.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The CR-V LX is equipped with 215/70-16 all-season tires with 16x6.5-inch stamped steel wheels.
Manufacturing and Awards
The CR-V is sold in more than 160 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In the U.S., CR-Vs are manufactured at the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio from domestic and globally sourced parts.
In the relatively short time it has been on sale, the fourth-generation CR-V has earned significant recognition. Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com named it a "2012 Best Redesigned Vehicle." According to the editors, the CR-V "boasts greater comfort, improved fuel economy and enhanced dynamics across the range while offering impressive options that include a more sophisticated version of its Real Time AWD."
The 2012 CR-V was ranked number one in Best Retained Value in the SUV $25K-$35K category by Edmunds.com and named one of the Top 10 cars with Best Resale Value by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. The 2012 CR-V was also named the top Compact Crossover SUV in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new vehicle ownership.