You are one of the few reviewers on YT that actually speaks honestly and has an opinion- I mean a real opinion and not the double-talk or focusing on weak points that the makers are okay with acknowledging. Thanks for being one of the REAL auto journalists out there. I know it's a fine line to walk but kudos.
Great review Sam. Purchased a 2017 CR-V EX last month, Traded in my 2012 CR-V EX. The new generation is so much better in every way, even with the CVT. (Getting used to it I guess!) ❤️ Love Honda quality & design.
Thanks for the review! I'm in the market for a small SUV daily driver. Mulling over a new 2.0 Escape and the CRV. "doesn't feel like a real transmission." Sure, it doesn't feel like a transmission like we've had in cars since the dawn of time. But even from a performance standpoint, gear based transmissions are inferior not just because of torque efficiency, but because they add instability during acceleration. As somebody who has driven a manual most of my adult life, the thing that I never enjoyed was turning left at an intersection. You upshift mid-turn, and you feel the vehicle bob around while transitioning gears. Just feels awkward. Automatics are better for that, but you still feel that drama when those gears change in a left turn. If you're RWD and your car has considerable grunt, you better watch your right foot. If you're FWD and on ice, it can be enough to get the car to push into the ditch. CVT's don't have to have any of that. You can have linear acceleration in every circumstance. And it's always wringing the most torque it can based on how much fuel you're giving the engine. Thing is, though... Pro CVT: removes drama Con CVT: removes drama What fun is a vehicle that really does EVERYTHING for you? And what fun is there in acceleration that sounds like you just cranked the throttle on your lawn mower and you just experience this linear acceleration where nothing really seems to happen? If I woke up tomorrow to have a CVT in my Mustang, I'd be miserable. Even though my 0-60 and quarter mile would probably be better! It would just be dull as dirt! So I do get it. But in a commuter/daily driver, I'm good with a CVT. If it gives me better MPG, smoother turns on snow covered roads, and assumably less stress overall on the entire drive train, then it's a no brainer. It's the next evolution for transmissions, for better or worse. Thanks again for the review!
Just leased a 2017 CR-V EX last week and so far I am very impressed. I don't mind the CVT as I am used to it from my previous Honda Civic. I find everything in my new CR-V to be well balanced and it drives very well. Love it.
Wow, great quality. Great speaking voice. Understands your audience: Talks about interior, space over performance when talking about a crossover. I don't even feel like I need to go to the dealership. Subscribed.
Great review! I just test drove a 2017 EX AWD yesterday and although I really hate how the rims and grill have all those busy lines, everything else is a significant upgrade - especially the sensing, driving dynamics, stiffer chassis, turbo power, while getting almost the same MPGs as my old Fit Sport and almost the same 0-60 times as my old 5th gen Prelude (both manual). Considering how large, safe, and well equipped this thing is, that's simply amazing!
Hey Sam, you are the only one I've watched that mentioned body fit and finish being less than expected. I agree with you on this. I went to test drive a 2017 CR-V and noticed misaligned window sill trims on the back doors on all the CR-Vs. Hope they fix this for next model year. Thanks for pointing this out.
I'm trading in my leased 2016 Accord EX-L and am getting back into a suv in a year when the lease us up. This unit definitely made me feel a bit like my 2007 RX 350 that I traded in for the Accord. Outside of the obvious lack of acceleration compared to the RX the interior, road feel, handling was crisp, clean, very comfortable, seats exceptional. The seats were the only ones I've sat in since the RX that are as comfortable!!!
The new redesigned Honda CRV is really nice and it's more masculine look! If ever I will buy one I will just pick the front wheel drive limited edition. Great review!
Roger Moore I agree. Finally they changed the design. Old design was ugly. My boys didn't want me to get one because they would say it looked like a granny's vehicle. Now they wouldn't mind with the new design.
I was planning on getting this vehicle, until you demonstrated the CVT. There's no way I can live with that. I did drive a friend's car with it down the block. It was fine at that slow speed. But going up long upgrades and passing someone on the highway or passing lane road it would bother me too much. Thanks for the demo.
I am losing sleep over deciding between the CRV EXL and the Mazda Grand Touring. The Mazda is actually around $2000 less. Watched both of your reviews, still undecided. Thank you for the reviews.
I TRULY believe you will be MUCH happier with the HONDA CRV vs. the Mazda. Have you researched the resale value for both? Maybe this may help you if you've not already reached a decision. Looking forward to hearing which choice you made. :)
I wouldn't blame the acceleration delay on the CVT. My '16 Civic touring has the same delay, and from what I've researched, it's actually programmed in, as an actual turbo lag, on purpose. I've seen comparisons using a Hondata performance chip and it cures that delay.
Hey Sam, I'm trying to decide between a the Mazda has the better engine, transmission and handling and not to forget the 3rd row. I can seem to decide.
Thank you for another great review. This review was especially important because you truly replicate what a regular driver will experience daily with the drivetrain. Will you be reviewing a PHEV / BEV soon (Bolt or Prius Prime)?
im new, this is the 1st video i came across from you, i liked the way you described it all & the way you approach to details, i am subscribing, keep it up please!
Nor am i they should be chromed out better similar to an 2017 Outback design instead. Food for thought or you could always switch to aftermarket alloys yourself. Yes costly but VERY possible. I'm thinking of doing that if i get this Touring CR-V for sure.
Would you consider a 2wheel dr or an all wheel drive. My husband company vehicle was a Honda Fit 2 wheel drive did excellent on freeway on snow. I'm thinking of purchasing a 2wheel drive instead. What do you think?
Great review.. The Honda CRV is a popular choice of SUV here in Australia, although standard safety features only available on the top of the line CRV which gives it a much lower star rating. The CVT transmission is a let down. Interesting pricing here is similar to USA!?
Hello, Your last three or four reviews you mention very high temps in Arizona. Wonder if as your testing the vehicles with AC maxed, it's affecting the overall gas mileage figures?
The CX-9 is nice and in another class compared to the CR-V. It's much bigger, with less fuel economy, and more luxurious. But I didn't like the CX-9 sound system - too much distortion.
Im aware they are both in different classes, hence the issue in deciding. The touring has more features and safety equipment compared to the Mazda sport and touring trims. However, the Mazda has the better engine, transmission and handling and not to forget the 3rd row. I can seem to decide.
Daryl Chang Put into mind the cx-9 is way more expensive, but if you ask me I would take the cx-9, though I would consider looking at the 2017 forester xt, I currently have a 2014 cr v and I just test drove the forester xt and I love it but I might wait for the redesign on the forester.
I just wish it has more storage in the center console I like having places to put my stuff also wish the seat adjusted more like tilted backward or not tilted st all hate bucket seats
Currently own a 2011 CRV and it'll probably be the last CRV I'll ever own due to the CVT transmission. Unless Honda goes back to the standard transmission.
john smith Do you own a vehicle with CVT? I owned a Nissan Altima 2014 top model, loved the car itself BUT HATED the cvt! It feels like the engine is going to blow up when you accelerate. I ended up trading it in for a Jeep which is my FIRST JEEP & I have to say it has truly been a GREAT experience! As the saying goes...IT'S A JEEP THING, YOU WOULDNT UNDERSTAND! LOL ☺
I own a '16 Civic Touring with a slightly detuned version of this engine with the CVT. It's a very good transmission, no matter the means of power transfer. The reason you hate CVT's is likely your vehicle choice. Nissan's are like Subaru CVT's..very rubber band like.
a year ago everyone was saying how good the CVT was in the CRV and now everyone is dumping on them. No one buys the CRV to race them. They get good MPG, but not sure of the longivity of them compared to Automatics.
i had to pass on the CRV. my right knee contacts right on the center console with the shifter. not sure why they made it protrude in the driver space so much. the previous CRV was open in this area
Love you, Sam, but Honda is not the Audi of Japanese car brands. I think that honor now belongs to Mazda, whose new interior design closely matches Audi style. Great reviews!
Will never truly understand how the Honda CRV is the highest selling compact/mid sized crossover in the USA, over some of it's competitors from Chevy, GMC, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Jeep, Toyota, Nissan, etc...? I know why it is better than the Ford though after being in the last two gen's of the Escape recently.
We need the Canadian version in the USA. But don’t know how this is the best in category. It has as many flaws as other suvs. He was way to nice about this review, not very honest.
Audi of Japanese brands...I'd say Mazda. Those interiors punch above their weight class. Repeatedly said Hard to like cvt, class avg power, yet it gets 4 stars.
This is a heavy creature features and safety features car, not a 30's something dry attack vehicle. Once you accept that, and are able to enjoy all of the features, it wines and dines the drive in sheep's clothing. I judge a car by how fast it stops and the CRV packages so many braking features, safety features, and creature features, that after awhile you forget about attacking the road. It spoils with an exceptional ride, 60 - 0 braking, 0-60 time, and MPG. Push the CRV and it kicks aggressively into attack mode when needed. You just will not want to be there for long. For me, driving is not just about the engine anymore. Welcome to the other side of driving. Yes, I've owned the EX-L for 2 months.
I think I'd rather have a traditional 6 speed auto and give up a few MPG instead of that CVT. But yea 1.5L is bit too little for 3400lbs SUV, we'll see how it holds up long term. Oh yea, those Touring rims are absolutely horrible.. Premium looking vehicle and then you get rims that look like blender blades..
the speakers really suck. im not sure how you said it's good. not comparable in anyway to Nissan' sound system or any brands' top trim for that matter.
Check out the Mazda CX-5. A better vehicle to drive and more comfortable and quiet on the inside. Would have also preferred to watch the entire tire change at the end...so we know that you actually did it and not an auto mechanic.
Anybody know when this gets to the uk, Honda are being extremely dismissive of their loyal uk crv customers by launching it everywhere but the uk. When is it getting here or else I will buy a mazda
I know everyone is happy with the return of the volume knob, but I think the infotainment system looks a mess. It's as if Honda was like "here's your volume knob and now shut the hell up" because that knob doesn't match with any of the other buttons near it and why use that big of a display for the touchscreen and not use all of the space provided. It could have been so much wider. And I've never been a fan of the shifter placement. CR-V shoppers must not care because that shifter has been there for years. Give me an electronic shifter any day over that. If a little inconvenience keeps my OCD at bay, then I'm happy.
Same old crap!! 15 more minutes.,smoothie sales stuff and some quite appropriate . BUT HOW MUCH DOES THE FRIGGIN CAR WEIGH???? In the old days you walked into the agency and there was a passal of sales literature loaded to the gills with the straight skinny. Now you go on line, get 20 minutes of (some dope, lotsa fluff) and you come out still wondering.
Regret to buy Honda CR-V 2018. CVT box is noisy and and lazy. Fuel economy? U can forget it... you can’t expect 1.5 turbo units to do magic work... the law of physic is input = output... so it means u have to apply more gas to get up the hill/heavy load or up to speed from idle mode. So there goes your fuel figure. The weakest point is the CVT box....it s so noisy that a refined new Honda sounds like a cheap dog car. It’s probably the cause for high fuel consumptions as it is too lazy to get up to speed. My brought the car back to the dealer twice yet they didnt do sh!t except reset the computer eg 435km/full tank1 and 489km/full tank2. The dealer shift blame on - try different gas station(WTF), its a new engine or use Econom button(WTF 2). And then there is an oil dilution issue reported in US and China. Oh another issue left and right indicator sometimes do not return precisely so the guy behind u will scream at u for the confusion. Buy a new Honda CRV bringing new troubles for me.
