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)2, 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.
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™9 and the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System™10. 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®11 internet interface and SMS text messaging function, Bluetooth®12 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 horsepower14. 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 mpg15 (city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models (4/3/3 over the 2014 model), and 26/33/28 mpg15 for the Real Time AWD models (4/3/3).
An updated suspension design and features such as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)16 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.