Mar 23, 2017, 00:00 AM by Paul Immediato

The Honda CR-V has been the best-selling entry-SUV since its launch in 1995 as the Comfortable Runabout Vehicle. It debuted as a small SUV that met the need for a daily driver that could go off road while satisfying varied lifestyles. CR-V has since been upgraded to add elegance, sportiness, state-of-the-art tech and entertainment, more power and better fuel economy.

Last redesigned for 2012, the 2017 CR-V begins its fifth generation with a new chassis, more aggressive styling, and an available turbocharged engine.

New for 2017 are more than 60 changes that have been made to the CR-V’s body to increase safety performance through better energy absorption; enhance dynamic performance with increased body stiffness; and improve noise, vibration and harshness. North American-built, the new CR-V is produced at three plants -- East Liberty, Ohio; Alliston, Ontario, Canada; and Greensburg Indiana -- and its engines are manufactured in Anna, Ohio and in Alliston, Ontario.

The new CR-V styling heads in a fresh direction with an aggressive attitude, thanks to crisper and sharper front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all models, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase, short rear overhang and new dual exhaust outlets give the 2017 CR-V a more sophisticated and athletic presence.

The CR-V's new windswept front end appearance includes signature Honda LED headlights (Touring trim), a Honda-first Active Shutter Grille system that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminum alloy wheel sizes to 17 or 18 inches on all trims, narrower A-pillars for improved visibility, and sporty dual exhaust.

The revised CR-V is higher and longer, with a wider stance, as the compact SUV gains 1.2 inches in length over the previous generation and now measures 180.6 inches in length, 66.5 inches in height (a gain of 1.4 inches), and 73.0 inches in width (up 1.4 inches) on a 104.7-inch wheelbase, an increase of 1.6 inches. Curbweight comes in at 3421 for my test vehicle, taking off about 130 lbs. from a similar Gen-4 model I tested two years ago.

The 2017 CR-V in EX and higher trims are powered by CR-V's first-ever turbocharged engine, a 1.5-liter DOHC, Direct-Injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine with dual Valve Timing Control, delivering refined and responsive performance across the engine's full operating range. Combined with the CR-V's more aerodynamic body, models equipped with the new turbocharged powerplant have the highest EPA fuel economy ratings in the compact SUV class (non-hybrid).

CR-V LX trims are powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC direct-injected i-VTEC engine with Variable Timing Control. Both engines are mated to a smooth shifting and sporty continuously variable transmission with Honda G-Shift control logic. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 184 hp and 180 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the 1.5-liter turbo is rated at 190hp and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque. In AWD, the 2.5 is EPA rated at 25/city, 31/highway and 27/combined mpg. My test turbo, rated at 27/city, 33/highway and 29/combined in AWD, averaged 28.1mpg in mixed-use driving.

On the highway, acceleration is predictable, with sure passing power, but on the track, CR-V lumbered through a zero-to-60mph sprint in 9.1 seconds during a 17.0-second quarter-mile. The MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear, both with stabilizer bars provide a family-friendly riding experience and steering is responsive for the niche, with minor understeer.

The 2017 CR-V raises the bar for interior refinement, utility and premium features in the compact SUV class. Spacious inside, the quiet cabin is accommodating, filled with electronics and comfort items and is thoughtfully laid out. Passenger volume is up by 1.8 cu.ft. to 105.9 cu. ft. Interior room measures 40.1 inches of front headroom and 39.2 in row two – slight gains over last year; Legroom is 41.3 inches in front and 40.4 inches for the second seats – more than 2 inches of increased rear seat room, and shoulder room measures 57.9 and 55.6 – an inch less than last year.

The fifth-generation CR-V incorporates premium active safety, passive safety and driver-assistive features, including Honda Sensing™ technology, now offered as standard equipment on EX and higher trims. Utilizing Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure, the 2017 CR-V targets the highest available collision safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS, including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with Honda Sensing.

CR-V is offered in four trim packages in both AWD and 2WD. The Base LX starts at $24,045 and the EX trim I tested starts at $26,695 for the 2WD -- and you gain the Turbo engine, Honda Sensing™, Smart Entry and a 7-inch display audio touchscreen. EX-L starts at $29,195 gaining leather inside, a power liftgate, power seats and auto-rearview mirror. The top-of-the-line Touring trim starts at $32,395 in 2WD and picks up a hand-free access power tailgate, full LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and satellite-linked navigation. My EX in AWD (for $1500 more) based at $28,195. Body side molding added $225, roof rails were $399, running boards were $549, splash guard set added $104, back-up sensors added $528 and destination and handling charges were $940, for a sticker-as-tested of $30,515.

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Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.