2015 Honda CR-V: More features, new look, better mpg

The 2015 Honda CR-V, which is will debut nationwide Oct. 1, will include what the manufacturer describes as “the most significant mid-model cycle refresh in its history.”

As the biggest-selling sport utility vehicle in the United States, the 2015 Honda CR-V will feature a new direct-injected Earth Dreams Technology i-VTEC engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a new suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver assistive features.

The MSRP price range is $23,320-$32,770.

Interior and exterior styling on the 2015 Honda CR-V will be enhanced. Many new standard and optional features will debut as well as a new premium Touring trim.

Gas mileage estimates has also improved. The 2015 CR-V has increased EPA fuel economy ratings of 27/34/29 mpg (city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models and 26/33/28 mpg for Real Time AWD models, both increasing +4/+3/+3 mpg over 2014 models.

New for the 2015 CR-V:

Standard Features

* More efficient direct-injected engine with torque up 11 percent.
* Seamless, sporty CVT for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency.
* Exterior design plus chassis, braking system and sound isolation improvements.
* Standard features include a center console armrest, sliding sunvisors and rear console ventilation ducts.

Optional Features

* Power tailgate, 10-way power and heated driver’s seat with memory, LED daytime running lights, and Display Audio
* Honda Sensing cludes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Honda LaneWatch.

The CR-V is also enhanced with multiple functionality upgrades, including a new configurable center console, new rear console heat/air ventilation ducts, and an available 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface.

A redesigned high-quality and high-tech interior further increases the CR-V’s sophistication. Exterior design changes, including re-styled front and rear bodywork, mirrors and wheels, lend the CR-V a bolder, sportier appearance with unique Honda style.

A new top-of-the-line Touring trim includes the first Honda application of two advanced driver-assistive technologies, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and the first CR-V adoption of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

New Honda CR-V Powertrain

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 over the previous engine’s 163 lb-ft. while making the same 185 horsepower. The new lighter-weight engine is mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) with G-design Shift 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 and 26/33/28 mpg for the Real Time AWD models.

New Honda CR-V Pricing

Trim/Wheel Drive/MSRP/ EPA MPG (city/highway/combined)
LX FWD $23,320 27/34/29
LX AWD $24,570 26/33/28
EX FWD $25,420 27/34/29
EX AWD $26,670 26/33/28
EX-L FWD $28,020 27/34/29
EX-L AWD $29,270 26/33/28
EX-L Navi FWD $29,520 27/34/29
EX-L Navi AWD $30,770 26/33/28
Touring FWD $31,520 27/34/29
Touring AWD $32,770 26/33/28