2024 Honda CR-V: Comfort Meets Performance Innovation
The Honda CR-V has long been a champion in the compact SUV segment, and the 2024 model year continues this tradition of excellence. Building upon its predecessors' strengths, the 2024 CR-V offers a compelling package that combines spacious interiors, advanced technology, and refined driving dynamics.
The Honda CR-V has long been a champion in the compact SUV segment, and the 2024 model year continues this tradition of excellence. Building upon its predecessors' strengths, the 2024 CR-V offers a compelling package that combines spacious interiors, advanced technology, and refined driving dynamics.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the 2024 Honda CR-V lies a choice between two capable powertrains. The standard offering is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm. This engine couples with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), providing a smooth and efficient driving experience.
For those seeking enhanced fuel efficiency, Honda offers a hybrid powertrain option. The hybrid system combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, delivering a total system output of 204 horsepower. This setup provides ample power and significantly improves fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 40 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for the all-wheel-drive hybrid models.
The CR-V's performance is noteworthy for its class. While it's not a sports car, it offers responsive and composed handling that stands out among compact SUVs. In testing, the hybrid Sport Touring model accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, which is competitive within its segment. Drivers can expect similar performance from the standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
Responsive Steering
One of the hallmarks of the 2024 Honda CR-V is its responsive steering system. The vehicle employs a Dual Pinion Assist Electric Power Steering (EPS) across all trim levels. This sophisticated steering setup contributes significantly to the CR-V's agile handling and driver-focused experience.
The steering system offers a good balance between ease of use in low-speed maneuvers, such as parking, and stability at higher speeds on the highway. With a steering ratio of 12.3 for all-wheel-drive models (12.4 for front-wheel-drive variants) and 2.4 turns lock-to-lock, the CR-V provides quick and precise steering responses.
What sets the CR-V apart is the level of feedback the steering system provides. Drivers can expect a good sense of what's happening on the road, enhancing confidence and control. The steering weight is well-calibrated, neither too light nor too heavy, allowing for effortless maneuvering in urban environments while maintaining stability during highway cruising.
This responsive steering contributes to the CR-V's overall driving dynamics, making it feel more nimble than its size might suggest. Whether navigating tight city streets or winding country roads, the CR-V's steering precision adds to the vehicle's versatility and driver engagement.
Well-tuned Suspension for a Smooth Ride
The 2024 Honda CR-V's suspension system is a testament to Honda's commitment to ride comfort without sacrificing handling prowess. The vehicle features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing an excellent balance between comfort and control.
Front-wheel-drive models have stabilizer bars measuring 26.6 mm in the front and 17.2 mm in the rear, while all-wheel-drive variants use a 26.0 mm front and 12.5 mm rear setup. This careful tuning allows the CR-V to absorb road imperfections effectively while maintaining composure during cornering and sudden maneuvers.
The suspension's sophistication is evident in its ability to provide a soft, compliant ride without feeling floaty or disconnected from the road. Passengers will notice that while they feel bumps and cracks in the pavement, the suspension does an admirable job of absorbing these imperfections and quickly returning to its normal, smooth state. This quick recovery is key to maintaining ride comfort over various road surfaces.
Moreover, the CR-V's suspension tuning contributes to its stability during cornering. The vehicle remains composed and under control when navigating turns, inspiring confidence in the driver. This balance between comfort and handling is one of the reasons the CR-V gets praise for its well-rounded driving characteristics.
It's worth noting that the suspension tuning varies slightly between the standard and hybrid models due to the different weight distributions. However, both versions maintain the CR-V's reputation for delivering a comfortable ride quality among the best in its class.
Available All-Wheel Drive System for Improved Traction
The 2024 Honda CR-V offers an available Real-Time All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control System™, enhancing the vehicle's capability and driver confidence in various driving conditions. This system is available across all trim levels, allowing buyers to choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive based on their needs and preferences.
Honda's all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions or challenging terrain. The system continuously monitors road conditions and driver inputs, then distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed to maintain optimal traction.
Under normal driving conditions, the system primarily sends power to the front wheels for improved fuel efficiency. However, when wheel slip is detected, or during acceleration, the system can instantly transfer up to 50% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels. This quick response helps maintain stability and traction, whether navigating snowy roads, climbing a steep hill, or accelerating on a wet surface.
The intelligence of the system lies in its ability to predict the need for all-wheel-drive engagement. For instance, when accelerating from a standstill, the system can preemptively send power to the rear wheels to minimize the potential for wheel spin. This predictive capability enhances the CR-V's performance and safety in various driving scenarios.
Furthermore, the all-wheel-drive system works with the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, providing an additional layer of control and stability. This integration ensures that the CR-V maintains its composure even in challenging driving conditions, contributing to its reputation for reliability and all-weather capability.
Quiet Cabin, Especially in Hybrid Models
One of the standout features of the 2024 Honda CR-V is its exceptionally quiet cabin, particularly in the hybrid models. Honda has put considerable effort into noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction, resulting in a serene interior environment that enhances the overall driving experience.
The CR-V's quiet cabin is achieved through a combination of design elements and materials:
Sound-Insulating Materials: Honda strategically places sound-absorbing materials throughout the vehicle, including in the doors, floor, and ceiling, helping to minimize road and wind noise intrusion into the cabin.
Acoustic Glass: The windshield and front side windows use acoustic glass, which features a sound-insulating layer sandwiched between two layers of glass, effectively reducing high-frequency noise from entering the cabin.
Active Noise Control: Honda employs an active noise control system in hybrid models. This technology uses the audio system to emit sound waves that cancel out certain low-frequency engine noises, further enhancing cabin quietness.
Aerodynamic Design: The CR-V's exterior design has been optimized for aerodynamic efficiency, improving fuel economy and reducing wind noise at highway speeds.
Engine and Transmission Isolation: The engine and transmission are on hydraulic mounts that help absorb vibrations, preventing them from being transmitted to the cabin.
The hybrid models, in particular, benefit from the inherently quieter electric motor operation during low-speed driving. When the gasoline engine does engage, the transition is smooth and barely noticeable, contributing to the overall sense of refinement.
This emphasis on a quiet cabin pays dividends in terms of passenger comfort and driver focus. Conversations can be at normal speaking volumes, even at highway speeds, and the reduced noise levels contribute to a less fatiguing driving experience on long journeys.
Performance, Comfort, And Efficiency
The 2024 Honda CR-V continues to set a high standard in the compact SUV segment. Its responsive steering provides a connected driving experience, while the well-tuned suspension offers a smooth ride without compromising handling. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and confidence in various driving conditions, and the quiet cabin, especially in hybrid models, elevates the overall refinement of the vehicle.
With its blend of performance, comfort, and efficiency, the 2024 CR-V caters to a wide range of drivers. Whether navigating city streets, cruising on highways, or venturing onto less-travelled roads, the CR-V is a versatile and capable companion. Its inclusion in Car and Driver's 10 Best Trucks and SUVs list for 2024 is a testament to its well-rounded nature and continued excellence in a highly competitive segment.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with an increasing focus on electrification and technology integration, the 2024 Honda CR-V is a prime example of how traditional virtues like comfort, practicality, and driving enjoyment can be successfully combined with modern innovations. For those in the market for a compact SUV that excels in multiple areas, the 2024 Honda CR-V certainly warrants serious consideration.
