2017 Honda CR-V Review Interior, Exterior & Safety

The CR-V is Honda’s long-running compact crossover and slots between the subcompact HR-V and three-row Pilot crossovers. Statistically-speak...

The CR-V is Honda’s long-running compact crossover and slots between the subcompact HR-V and three-row Pilot crossovers. Statistically-speaking, the Honda CR-V is probably at the top of your shopping list if you're in the market for a compact crossover SUV. For 2017, the CR-V is all-new, but its recipe hasn't changed a bit. Available in LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels, the CR-V packs a lot more value and a much-needed dollop of refinement into a new package.

2017 Honda CR-V

The completely redesigned 2017 Honda CR-V could easily have been a case of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." After all, the outgoing CR-V was still selling at a class-leading clip, so there was no pressing reason to change course. We would have understood if Honda made some superficial design tweaks and called it a day.

The styling has gone from anonymous to awesome, led by an aggressive new front fascia, reshaped rear windows and sculpted haunches that convey a surprising muscularity.

2017 Honda CR-V

Safety
Honda includes on EX and above models a host of safety tech like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a system that nudges the Honda CR-V back into its lane if it begins to drift. EX trim levels and above feature the company’s 7.0-inch touch screen infotainment system, which has been updated over previous Hondas thanks to the addition of a volume knob.

2017 Honda CR-V

Interior
As noted above, the 2017 Honda CR-V's 2-row, 5-passenger interior space has only improved -- an impressive feat given that the outgoing model was already among the most spacious in its class. EX and above models have a pair of useful rear USB ports to keep mobile devices juiced.

2017 Honda CR-V

Exterior
Though still unmistakably a CR-V, the latest version of Honda's small SUV looks like it has hit the gym. It is slightly longer, wider and taller. Ground clearance has also increased, from 6.3 inches for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 6.7 inches for all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions to 7.8 and 8.2 inches, respectively.