2015 HONDA CR-V OVERVIEW

TESTDRIVENOW.COM OVERVIEW: 2015 HONDA CR-V AWD TOURING QUICK TAKES

Introduced for the first time on a CR-V is the comprehensively equipped, top-of-the-line Touring trim, expanding customer choice to 10 model variants: LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and Touring, all available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain. Exclusive features on the 2015 CR-V Touring include 18-inch alloy wheels, projector beam headlights, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, 10-way power driver’s seat with two-position memory, and a suite of advanced driver assistive features.

All other CR-V trims received feature upgrades, especially the EX, which now includes such premium comforts as heated front seats and a 10-way power driver’s seat. All trims include numerous new standard features.

The Honda CR-V, a perennial favorite of American car buyers and the best-selling entry-SUV of all time, receives the most significant mid-model cycle redesign in its 17-year history,

with a new Earth Dreams Technology™ engine and transmission, significantly enhanced exterior and interior styling, and a long list of new standard and available features.

A new top-of-the-line Touring trim includes the first-ever Honda application of Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and the first CR-V adoption of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

These systems are a part of the new Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies that, together with other high-end features such as a power tailgate, bring a new level of sophistication to the benchmark compact SUV.

The 2015 CR-V’s new Earth Dreams Technology™ powertrain – a 2.4-liter, direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) with G-design Shift – delivers increased performance and cruising efficiency with an 11 percent increase in peak engine torque and a significant fuel efficiency gain.

The CR-V’s already impressive functionality is enhanced with multiple upgrades, including a new configurable center console, new rear console heat/air ventilation ducts, and an available 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface. Refinements such as a redesigned high-quality and high-tech interior further increase the CR-V’s sophistication.

Exterior design changes, including re-styled front and rear bodywork, mirrors and wheels, lend the CR-V an aggressive and bold appearance with unique Honda style.

Customers will also benefit from a longer list of standard features on all trims.

The best-selling CR-V EX, for example, adds 7-inch Display Audio, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, Honda LaneWatch™, Smart Entry/Push-Button Start and LED daytime running lights.

New for 2015

More efficient engine with improved horsepower and torque
New seamless and efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT)
A smart- and tough-looking new exterior design Body, chassis, braking system and sound isolation improvements
New standard features include a center console armrest, sliding sunvisors and rear console ventilation ducts
New available features include a power tailgate, 10-way power and heated driver’s seat with memory, LED daytime running lights, and Display Audio
Available Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver assistive features that includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW)18, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)1, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) and Honda LaneWatch™

These improvements, especially the significant feature upgrades and new line-topping Touring trim, provide customers with more value and choice than ever before. Add car-like interior comfort and a smooth and quiet ride, and the enhanced and upgraded 2015 Honda CR-V once again sets a new benchmark for the highly competitive compact SUV segment.

Underscoring the enhanced and upgraded nature of the 2015 CR-V, the front and rear bodywork, mirrors and wheels are redesigned for a wide, planted and confident stance. The CR-V’s versatile and spacious interior is even more accommodating with a configurable center console including an integrated sliding armrest.

Beyond its versatile packaging, the CR-V includes easy-to-read instrumentation and, for the first time on CR-V, Honda’s new 7-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface. Display Audio, standard on EX and above trim levels, allows the user to tap, pinch, and swipe – just like on a smart phone or tablet – to control audio and other telematics features, including the available next-generation HondaLink™ and the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System™.

All CR-Vs retain the full-color “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel. The CR-V’s audio and telematics systems offer a high level of connectivity, including a standard Pandora® internet interface and SMS text messaging function, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface.

The 2015 CR-V’s new Earth Dreams Technology 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine produces 181 lb-ft of torque, an 11-percent increase from the previous engine (from 163 lb-ft to 181 lb-ft13) while making the same 185 horsepower. The new lighter-weight engine is mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth, seamless ratio changes and contributes to increased EPA fuel economy ratings of 27/34/29 mpg (city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models (+4/+3/+3 over the 2014 model), and 26/33/28 mpg for the Real Time AWD models (+4/+3/+3).

An updated suspension design and features such as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) all contribute to the 2015 CR-V’s car-like driving experience, which is enhanced further on the EX and above trims with wider front and rear track dimensions due to wider wheels (+0.5 inches). The CR-V uses a front MacPherson strut front and a rear multi-link suspension that have benefitted from tuning changes. The rear multi-link system helps maximize rear seating and cargo space while providing stable and comfortable handling and ride quality. High-capacity shock absorbers help deliver a refined driving feel.

As with all Honda vehicles, safety is a primary focus, starting with the CR-V’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure that helps make the CR-V highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal collision crash. Overall, the body receives over 60 changes to improve stiffness and collision performance, and the 2015 CR-V is targeted to achieve top safety ratings, including a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA. Standard safety equipment on all models include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) electronic stability control system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, frontal airbags, side-curtain airbags, SmartVent® front-side airbags and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. The newly available Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive features includes Honda LaneWatch™, Forward Collision Warning (FWC), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

The 2015 Honda CR-V is covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Additional benefits of ownership include Honda Roadside Assistance, which provides free 24-hour roadside assistance during the 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty term. CR-Vs are manufactured at the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio using domestic and globally sourced parts.