What an impressive review! Not only was it thorough, but as a speaker, you have an incredible ability to speak clearly and without the all-too-common "ums," "likes," and "ya' knows." Camera work was also very good. Very helpful to me, as I am about to consider a used 2015 CR-V for my next ride.
HA HA HA (I'm laughing at myself), I just last week bought a used 2015 Honda CR-V EX AWD, fully loaded, seems with everything except leather. I bought the CR-V instead of the CX-5 I was considering. My CR-V is a lease return so it is in almost mint condition, looks showroom new. For other reviewers who are look for a style or how-to, here's what I like about this video: Alex is really good overall. He speaks well and knows what he is talking about. (Yes, he has had to do a number of takes, but that shows the level of his professionalism, wanting to produce a quality final product. I like his "speed talking," enabling him to cram an hour video into 30 minutes (yeah, I can pause or replay if needed :) And I appreciate his DETAILED review. He's a talking owner's manual or user guy. E.g., no one else has explained the engine design, the vibration issue (that does not bother me), or how the AWD works. In this regard, I like his frank talking. Let's admit it folks, these are not "four wheelers." 99.9% of these "family SUV" drivers won't take their CR-Vs into a muddy parking lot at the county fair, much less off the beaten path. So why get your panties in a bunch that the CR-V failed THE ROLLER TEST. (Alex's dry humor is great, e.g., where he discusses the insignificance of Honda getting an F on the roller test.) Good for Honda I say, coding the software so you don't fry your CR-V "hardware" instead of coding so the CR-V will pass the roller test. Yeah, if you're driving in steel roller like conditions (30 MPH on a sharp curve, with intermittent black ice on the roadbed?) the CR-V is not for you. Anyway, on the car lot I took all of 5 minutes to look at the car (at 70,000 miles it is near new, for a Honda, and after all, it is a Honda). Fast forward one week after buying it (I don't drive much) today I took the first opportunity to actually sit in my new used CRV to explore what is what. (Am I uncool for leaving the hyphen off "CRV?" Sorry, you're just gonna have to take the pain.) Bottom Line: Wow, after looking at this great video I am amazed at everything my CR-V has. Auto headlights, daytime running lights, keyless start, some kind of fancy alarm, collision avoidance,auto door locks, OEM floor mats, NAV, fog lights, moon roof. They even put new expensive Continental brand tires all around. Even has the owner's manual and other books in the cloth binder in the glove box. Come to think of it, I think the only thing my car is "missing" is leather. Thanks Alex, Michael, 7 days before 2019
This is just a phenomenal video review. Everything is covered and you are also willing to give the cons with the pros more than some others. I look forward to a similar review off the HR-V, when it is available.
GREAT review! As a very satisfied '14 Accord owner, I am a big fan of the drivetrain in this CRV. I'd love to eventually add this generation CRV as a second car but am frustrated by how much more these seem to sell for when compared with Accords (not just msrp but truecar/etc). Am I wrong for seeing the CRV as, essentially, a civic wagon with more clearance? I just feel like I'm getting more for my money with the Accord. Love the cargo practicality of these small crossovers but struggle to rationalize the price.
I won't be buying another car (I drive about 1,000 miles annually, but I like having a car when I need it), so Alex on Autos won't be all that useful for me. But I gotta reward Alex for the great job he did on reviewing my 2015 CR-V I bought last week. So. . . a thumbs up on this video, and I have subscribed. Over and out!
Robert, zero traction is zero traction. In the snow belt in snow you will always have *some* traction. Even a few percent of normal is fine. It's simply not possible to have near zero traction unless you're on rollers. I suppose if you had slick summer tires on and then drove into a snow bank you could get close, but if that's teh situation then you have bigger problems. Toss winter tires on your CR-V and you'll never look back.
Alex on Autos: It seems that you've never been stuck where your front wheels were on ice while in a FWD car equipped with the stock all season tires which are usually poorly rated ones due to a deal made between the car and tire manufacturers. I have in a 2011 Hyundai Elentra and a 1999 Honda Civic. While having snow tires would've certainly helped with traction, having power to the rear wheels would've gotten me out just as well, if not better. Regardless, saying that "it's impossible to not ever have any front wheel traction" is untrue, and I'm actually surprised that you could actually come to such a conclusion. Have you seriously never seen a FWD vehicle been stuck in ice or snow before?
Robert LeBlanc I've plenty of experience in this are, but that;s my point, when you're stuck in that situation you still have *some* traction, just not enough to move. That's different than zero. Even a slick sneaker will have *some* traction on an ice rink. I've played with RWD, AWD and FWD cars on ice test tracks with deliberate low friction surfaces so this is based in reality. The only time in real life you'd have zero traction up front on both wheels is if they were in the air. The Honda software is fine with even 1% of normal traction, but when the software thinks both front wheels are in the air free-spinning, then it has an issue.
Alex on Autos It seems to me that if the drive wheels are spinning, and you're not moving, you don't have traction, and at that point a competent AWD system should then supply power to whatever other wheels do have traction. If the CR-V can't do this if the front wheels don't have traction, then to me it's a useless AWD system.
Robert LeBlanc I have a feeling I'm not explaining this properly. Assume you're on an ice rink that's has anti-freeze poured on it, you'll have a surface that's slick as snot. All four wheels go on the ice, everything will be fine because traction is equal, so all four wheels will be spinning happily away. Put the left wheels on the ice and the right wheels on asphalt, you'll move because the traction imbalance is L-R or R-L. Put the front wheels on the asphalt, you're OK as well. Put the rear wheels on that surface and then you start having to divvy situations up. In the roller test that Teknikans Värld performed, the traction control was off completely. This is important. So, front wheels on slick anti-freeze ice and rears on asphalt (TC OFF) and if the surface is level you'll move because the clutch will partially lock up and that combined with the traction up front will get you going. However, if you add a bit of a slope here then the slight lockup won't get the rears spinning as quickly as the front. An abrupt engagement can damage the parts of the system so the car won't allow the clutch to close in that situation. How do you fix the situation? Engage traction control (on by default anyway). The reason this works is because the computer will use the front brakes to slow the front wheel spin to a speed where the clutch pack can be engaged to about 90% so 40% of the power will flow to the rear wheels. In this situation 40% of the power is going to teh rear and 60% is going to the front where most of it is being "consumed" by the traction control situation. This is more than enough to get you up the incline.
Alex on Autos I didn't know that the traction control was turned off in that test, or that the CR-V required it to be on in order to apply rear wheel power. Thanks for the explanation, which clears up why the CR-V didn't engage rear wheel power. However, your statement of there never being a situation where the front wheels can not have any traction... well, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree with that.
I like the refreshed version of the CR-V better than last years version. The rear end isn't as ugly and the wheels are better. I still wish they wouldn't have discontinued the Honda Element. I own a 2006 Element and wonder what I might have to replace it with someday.
very good review Alex. Been waiting for this car review forever. A little correction at 9:35, this CR-V has a reclining rear seat, even with the old model.
I understand that you're competitively comparing, but NEVER should a Honda be compared with a Jeep or any other Chrysler product for that matter. Start talking reliability and resale value and the CR-V is the best choice.
LOVE your reviews, Alex! You cover many facets of the makes and models and then cross-examine them. You do what I do by asking questions that others don't ask. GREAT JOB!
Quin1an, when you say handles better, what are you referring to? Feel or actual road holding? Like most other publications the road holding scores are higher in the CR-V than in the Forester when comparing like model to like model. .77Gs in the Forester, .82Gs in the CR-V.
Alex on Autos Question: I've been driving Honda Cr-V since last year. At first it felt nice. But, I found that over the long distances, the car is kind of unstable on he highway. Whenever I go above 50-55 mph, I start feeling that the car tends to swirl to the sides a bit. I found myself slowing down on every curve. It feels like I'm a beginner in driving and at times very scary. Like the car is about to tip over. I've been driving for the last 23 years on everyday bases and that has never happened before. Is that some glitch that CR-V has or may be needs wheel alignment? Or what? Please advise.
Of all the car reviewers there are on RU-vid you are simply the BEST! (And I include famous RU-vid channels like Top Gear etc) I really appreciate how you take the time to show and tell us all the car's details. Your reviews try to highlight the good points of the car as well as the cons but you do so in a way which is not tinged with such a heavy personal preference. The way you talk is also very pleasant to listen to. Your pacing is very nice that even non-native English speakers like myself can understand. You don't sound cocky or smug at all. It's all in a "stating-facts" tone. I sometimes link some of your videos as an example to my students learning English of how to speak properly. I hope you review more cars. Can you please review more small compact cars too? I hope you also review more Asian cars like Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda etc. I love watching all your reviews. I guess it would be too much already to ask if you can do video smackdowns where you pit one particular model with another. But I hope you will consider. :D Good luck and all the best to you! Here's me looking forward to more of your reviews.
WoW !!..I'm impressed with your comprehensive review....Thank You!!....who needs a brochure after watching this ?..even the sales person at the dealership can't give you this level of information in such detail.....SUBSCRIBED!!
Great review once again Alex. I'm thinking about getting a used Crv 2016 touring however I'm very hesitant because of the vibration issues that have plagued the 2015 model. I can't seem to find much information regarding this issue with the 2016 model. I was hoping you might know if that had been fixed for the 2016 model year or if it's still an issue. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks very much!
Great review once again! Big fan of your channel. Your reviews are properly planned out. Are you going to be doing more reviews on highways? Sort of scary. Anyways, I would like to see honda hr-v review and would prefer you comparing both cuvs (if possible). I believe honda hr-v will sell quite well. Also, not sure why honda labels some of their cr-v as 4wd? any ideas? I have a 4runner and I tend to get different message when I read 4wd on crv. Also, what do you think of 2016 honda pilot (showcased today) and when can we expect a review on their new 9sp transmission. Thanks in advance
Met a humble hardworking delivery driver that owed three crvs. His wife drove one. One 475,000. Another 425,000. When he described the mileage, I suggested he must be an attentive shade tree mechanic on the side. His response: all oil changes- jiffy lube with oil filter changes at every OTHER oil change :O
Great review. I have an 2013. Over here in Ireland you can get a diesel version. Mine is a 2.2, which produces 150 hp, with a huge torque of 350 nm. Pulling power is fantastic, given the high torque. Also, its very economical, with up to 50mpg!. The CRV is a fantastic all round great vehicle.
This has been the most comprehensive car review I've seen . You even have near perfect sentences while not making it ridiculously mundane and obvious you're reading from que cards. That's talent right there. Got my subscription! Keep it up!
Awesome review as always Alex! Not sure if you were aware of vibration issues produced by the engine while idling in drive mode. Did you notice any vibrations when you test drove the CR-V? Can you also do a review of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and compare it with the CR-V? Thank you Alex for your awesome and informative reviews!
Alex, user reviews on the CRV forums and on edmunds has reports of a number of users complaining about vibrations at idle when in drive. Apparently it is most likely to happen with all accessories off. Can you comment on your experience? Thank you.
This has to do with the design of the engine as I explained in the engine section. The cylinders are deliberately offset from the crank to improve efficiency. While they have worked to mitigate the vibration as much as possible, I'm sure this is the cause of the complaint. You just need to decide if you are willing to trade some vibration for about 10% improvement in fuel economy.
They do compete but I had to keep the video limited to a small number of competitors and the Forester is not high on the CR-V's cross shop list. The Forester is number 8 in sales in this segment so in fairness to the others if I had included it I would have also had to include the others and you'd have been here all day watching that video.
Alex on Autos How are they in terms of room for the driver and passenger? Are they comparable? We know that Forester will smack CR-V in AWD, but is there a significant (practical) mpg penalty?
mountainhobo The Forester is similar in terms of leg room, a little better in terms of headroom but the CR-V is notably more comfortable. The Forester has a much lower starting price and standard AWD and that comes at a cost: an interior that looks more economy car than the CR-V which looks more like your average mid-size sedan inside. The Forester is good value, but the CR-V is the more comfortable and more luxurious crossover. The CR-V's CVT is much more responsive than the Subaru model as well. Now that Subaru has moved to a multi-plate clutch style CVT with a front wheel bias there is less difference between the two systems than you may think. The CR-V's system is not designed to send 100% of the power to the rear while the Subaru can under limited circumstances but in the real world, especially on paved or dirty/gravel roads you're never going to need that even in ice and snow.
Thanks, Alex. Interesting points about the transmission. However, Forester does offer a manual option, right? That could compensate for lack of responsiveness of the automatic. I wonder how much worse would the practical fuel economy be with manual Forester vs. CVT CR-V.
OMG - This is the BEST presentation I've ever seen on this car Alex!!! You did and awsome job Sir. Honda ought to buy the rights from you to put this great presentation on a DVD and pack it in with the owner's manuel. The new owners manuel packet on the 2015 is just awful. It comes with a DVD that is just a cheezy pdf of the already awful owners manuel. But there is a lot of cool stuff on this car that you revealed that nobody at the dealership knew about and was never explained to me, and you cogently covered it. THANK YOU.
Agree. Great review though weird to see all the 5 year old comments. You’re the newest in this barren wasteland that used to be flourishing with new comments.
@@getdatmoneymane9930 I’m hoping to get one too as my first car in about a year with some decent miles on it. Hopefully it depreciates enough. Hope you’re able to find a good car that you like!
These reviews have been incredibly valuable for me, as I am in the market for a new vehicle. How would you compare the CR-V to the Nissan Rogue? I plan on test driving both within the next week, but I'd like your opinion on the strengths/weaknesses that one has over the other.
Inph The Rogue hasn't been quite as reliable, but I like the 7-seat option. I think the Nissan is a little more comfortable but the CR-V has a nicer feeling interior. The Rogue is less expensive.
Wayne S I spoke with a Honda rep on this last week and the issue is a particular low idle setting to save gas at idle. The fix is likely going to be a software update to disable this mode and kick the idle up to the same idle speed as the Accord which doesn't have this mode. When will that happen however is anyone's guess.
I like the revisions made and your review is very well done. I have the 2014 EX with leather, no nav. It replaced my 2010 model. I like the car but think the steering is too quick...you really have to look a long way out so as not to over steer. Point 2, road noise remains a problem but it is improved over the 2010. Point 3, My car was about $30K so it really should have included garage door opening buttons. Point 4, the horse power and torque is insufficient, it should be about 20% more to bring performance up to par. On the positive side, the dash is very user friendly and the cargo space is large for a small SUV. I also tow this vehicle behind my motor home and you can pull it with all four wheels on the ground. Mine is all wheel drive which I like but I don't get the published mileage.
Alex, I think front wheels having zero traction is a very real case. I once was travelling through Oklahoma in a FWD Outlander with a small trailer in tow. It was snowing and there was packed ice at spots. I approached into a hotel to inquire about a room, but when leaving, the path going out had a small elev of < 5%. The front tires just kept slipping and pushed my car back again and again. I ended backing up with a trailer in tow to get out of the situation, it was a pain.
Thanks for this awesome review Alex! I was one viewer way back in September inquiring about this and I'm so happy you have gotten to this vehicle. This has gone up on the purchasing list. One question though. Do you feel the Touring model is a better value than the EX-L considering the power tailgate, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control are specific to Touring?
wow, ..wondering then just how loud the Civic is, since in those i've rented back to the '10 model Civic, was surely the loudest car, by far, save for sixties trucks i supppose, i've ever been in.
Honda already knew the vibration problem of 2015 CRV in November 2014, but Honda and their dealerships continue to sell this car without notifying this to customers. They sold cars in BAD FAITH! When I talked to the dealership Metro Honda about this problem, they said they cannot fix it and they are waiting for Honda Headquarter's instructions for how to fix it. In the meantime, Honda America denied the vibration is the problem. If it is not the problem, why they don't accept the car when I returned it to them? If it is not the problem, why do they post a video online announcing the vibration problem is under investigation? If it is not the problem, why so many many customers complained online, on TV and with government? Do they have deliberately against Honda? No, this just proves 2015 CRV has a problem! I, like all who posted complains below, have a vibration problem. Since I paid a full price for a new car not a problem car, so I talked to Honda about consumer's right! Honda's attitude is very rude and unreasonable! I am very angry with Honda's bulling attitude to their customers! We are a group of innocent victims! Why do we pay for their mistake! Our money is from our hard working, why let Honda steal from us? Please let us get together to file complains with all governments and post our bad experience with Honda online as much as possible, in order to prevent more victims! I filed my complains to the following organization: - California Attorney General Office - California New Motor Vehicle Board - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - CA. gov Consumer Affairs - National Center for Dispute Settlement (Although this organization is on Honda's side, if we file more complains to them. They should know who they should support.) - Honda Headquarter in Torrance, California - Local DMV - Congressman in your area Also I submitted my complaints to the following website: - Edmunds.com - cars.com - facebook - Yelp.com I need a justice!!!
There are lots of comments online about serious vibration issues and this model year. You briefly mentioned more vibrations in your video because of the engine difference but didn't seem to be as bad as some online are stating. Can you comment on your experience with vibration and this vehicle?
I know one of the folks complaining about the vibration in the CR-V and it honestly didn't seem any different than the one I had to test. Personally I didn't think it made much of an impact on me.
Alex on Autos Thanks for the response. I am looking at this vehicle as I really like it and am worried about the vibration comments. I have test drove 3 CR-V's now (two EX-L and one Touring) and have not really noticed any sort of vibration. Only on the last one have I noticed a slight feeling (and I mean slight) in my hands on the lower steering wheel but if I wasn't looking for it I would have never noticed. I have also gone 40+ mph and have not felt anything. I am just worried that if I pull the trigger on this vehicle that the issue will rear its head on me and be very noticeable since some of the comments really make it out to be some serious vibration/shaking.
***** This 4-Cylinder is different, its cylinders are offset from the centerline deliberately. The design trades additional vibration for increased fuel economy. Honda tried to compensate for this with an eccentric balance shaft but it can't remove all of the increase.
Alex on Autos I believe the offset is to counter the side forces on the piston during the combustion stroke. In other words, as the piston is pushing down on the connecting rod the rod is not at an angle as in a conventional engine design, this cuts friction which aids efficiency and economy. A number of engines are employing this type design, even some motorcycle engines.
Hi Alex, Great view as usual. It obvious you enjoy this type of work. How would rate the fit and finish of this new model? I have driven Hondas since 1991. I recently purchased a Honda Accord Sport which its fit and finish is not as good as the Honda it replaced. It is almost unHonda. I would love to see how you would rate this vehicle in terms of fit and finish compared to its rivals in the segment and the 2014 model.
Great review. I love the Jeep Cherokee, and the Nissan Rouge, but would chose the Honda CRV over them because they hold their re-sale value much better and longevity.
Thanks, great review very comprehensive and thoughtful. My wife have a 2012 (she love it) and we previously had a 2007, I think the 2012 is a small step back compare to the 2007 in materials, handling,flexibility and overall design. My father have a 2001 and I think that is the best CRV off all, with all his practicality and clever design is like the Swiss army knife of the small CUV. The original denomination, Comfortable Recreational Vehicle was loss a little bit with every new generation-
It looks cute and I should have it soon. Like the Cherokee it is marching to a different drummer than most in the segment. The Renegade is the only subcompact crossover with real off roading ability, it's a stark contrast to the Trax and Encore which have a very low front end and scrape on driveways.
Alex on Autos Thanks for information. Can't wait to see your video on it. You are by far the best at reviews on RU-vid. I enjoy that you have continued to improve your videos and try new things through the years (seperate infotainment, car seats, love that ruler for size comparison). Keep up the great work!
Initially i liked the video, but after reviewing other sources it turns out that this CR-V has a big vibrating issue. this video should be updated or deleted to give the right information and real car problems.
@@FoundingRU-vidr-2005 - I just test-drove a 2016 that _buzzed_ with vibration, leaving my legs numb & tingling. Other 2016s I've tested were nowhere near that bad, but it did prove to me that the vibration problem is still very bad in at least some CR-Vs.
Thank you for the amazing review of the Honda CR-V I have scanned the SUV market for quite some time and the CR-V went under my radar for a long time, it's only now I realized what a great car that is. I'm now going all in for a CR-V 2016-2018 and I can't wait to find the right one so I can pull the trigger.
Alex, it is a correct review, congratulation! You spoke about the most important properties, you shown many things about this new crv. Two things, maybe could make more wide-range your report: safety (IIHS, EURONCAP) and some light-offroad-in conjuction with unrealistic swedish roller test, but anyhow it was interesting and well-composed. Thank you, Adam
Alex, OUTSTANDING COVERAGE!!, in this video and all others I have seen from you!! I picked up a 2014 CRV LX back in 11/2014, and LOVE IT!!! LIKE IT HURTS!!!! I needed a 2nd vehicle after having to regroup my finances over the past 2 years, and giving up an 06 Rav 4 with the v6 engine as part of my financial restructuring. Selling my 06 Rav was one of the saddest days of my life especially since I was saying goodbye to a Rocket Ship thanks to the 2GR-FE V6!!!! The new Rav 4 is well just freakin' SAD!!!! Got a great deal on my new "V" with Katzkin leather installed by the dealer, window tint, CARDOC maintenance program, new tags, tax and registration out the door for $27,800 dollars!!!! from Ocean Honda in Port Richey, Florida. Saw the "15 in Touring trim in the new car showroom yesterday while in for my 5000 mile service, and wanted to get more info on the Touring trim, so I checked you out and have subscribed to you channel for a long time now. Thank you and I appreciate your presentations that are informative, entertaining and engaging. Best Regards!!! JOEY!!! :)
Excellent review. I have watched and am subbed to ALOT of car reviewers and I do enjoy yours very much. I am going to purchase a new car in the next few months and am set on either a 2016 CRV EX-L or Subaru Forester 2.0 Turbo and keep going back and forth between the two.
I have a 2015 CR-V EX-L and I think the seats are hard and uncomfortable. My prior vehicle was a 2013 Nissan Juke and those seats were very comfortable and much softer. Also I sat in a 2017 Nissan Rogue and those seats were very comfortable too. I think Honda could do much better job on seat design.
Hi Alex thanks for your reviews. When can you get your hands on a 2017 CR-V? If you do can you comment on the Honda sensing package performance, especially adaptive cruise control with low speed follow (esp for stop and go traffic).
Thanks ! Got the CRV , EX - AWD . 40k miiles when I bought it ...got Over 50k on it now , Vibration ? yeah , but only when your 're at a stop ; then it smooths out. got the 2015 ... under $20 k ... in 2019
I just viewed a CR-V review from the UK. Over there Honda sells this model with an optional Diesel engine AND a NINE speed automatic. I have to wonder why we're stuck with a droning CVT.
Great Job again Alex.Honda had a bad history with transmissions in the late 90ies and early 2000, I had a bad experience myself with 2002 Accord.Also with windows rubber, so I decided to stick with Toyota as it's more reliable, but I don't know if they addressed these flaws in recent models. I see you always try to be as fair and not biased as possible in your videos.
Doesn't this vehicle have a GDI engine? Ah, yes, you mentioned that but no mention about the possible carbon build-up that often occurs in GDI engines. And isn't it true that far more owner complaints were filed for this year and model? W But of course when this review was done those complaints hadn't yet been filed. Maybe an update is in order?
Awesome review! We have a 2014 crv ex AWD. I wish I had gotten the 2015 just for the cvt and better mpg. Overall love the review and feel I made a good choice.
Alex I have 1 year old twins and I need the cargo space along with a roomy 2nd row. I am thinking of the Honda CR V and now the Nissan Rouge after watching your video. Which would you say is best for my needs?
I live in Europe, where the price pr gallon is 4 or 5 times bigger than in the us. So I must say, the 26 miles pr. gallon is a major turnoff for me. I like the review though, it's very thorough! :D
I have been watching your reviews for a couple weeks, but I finally subscribed. Great reviews! Very detailed, but a bit too long for my taste. I hope you get a bunch of cool cars to review!
