CARS.COM — Honda's CR-V compact SUV was redesigned for 2017 and is the automaker's best-selling model. It's currently vying with the Nissan Rogue to be the most popular passenger vehicle in the U.S.
The CR-V sports new styling with a more muscular stance, a more spacious interior and a choice of engines. The base engine that powers LX models is a 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder that was used in the previous generation. New for 2017 and standard in the EX, EX-L and Touring trim levels is a 190-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder.
Of the four trim levels, the Cars.com editors found the EX model offers the best value, with the right blend of equipment at a price that is within reach of more buyers than the EX-L or Touring models.
Related: 2017 Honda CR-V Vs. 2017 Nissan Rogue: Review Faceoff
Standard features on the EX include desirable items such as a power driver's seat, making it easier for multiple drivers to find a comfortable position, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow playing phone apps through the audio system. Moreover, the EX comes with several beneficial safety features, such as forward collision warning with autonomous braking and a blind spot monitor.
In typical Honda fashion, there is just one factory-installed option, a navigation system that is available only on Touring models. Otherwise, what you see is what you get when it comes to feature availability for each trim level (aside from dealer-installed accessories).
All models have some major features in common: a continuously variable automatic transmission, a choice of front- or all-wheel drive (which adds $1,300), seats for five and a standard backup camera.
Here is how the 2017 CR-V trim levels compare:
The base price for the front-drive LX is $24,985, and for the AWD LX, it is $26,285, including the $940 destination charge (included in all prices). Key standard features include:
- 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
- CVT
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Active grille shutters
- Backup camera
- LED daytime running lights
- Power mirrors
- Automatic air conditioning
- Remote locking/unlocking
- Cruise control
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Cloth upholstery
- Manual driver's seat and 60/40-split folding rear seat
- Two 12-volt power outlets, one 1.0-amp USB charge port
- Four-speaker audio system with 5-inch screen and Bluetooth phone/audio
The EX trim level starts at $27,635 with front-wheel drive and $28,935 with AWD. It comes with the following additional key features:
- 190-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Foglights
- Rear privacy glass
- Power glass moonroof
- Heated outside mirrors with turn indicators
- Power driver's seat
- Heated front seats
- 1.5- and 2.5-amp USB charge ports
- Six-speaker audio system with 7-inch touchscreen, HondaLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Forward collision warning with autonomous braking
- Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
- Road departure mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot and rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
- Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
- Remote keyless entry with push-button start
Pricing for the EX-L (leather) trim starts at $30,135 for FWD and $31,435 for AWD. The EX-L has the same equipment as the EX plus:
- Leather upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever
- Power front passenger seat
- Power liftgate
- Auto-dimming inside mirror
- HomeLink remote system
- Two-position memory for power driver's seat
- Eight-speaker audio system
A navigation system is a $1,000 option on the EX-L.
The Touring model is the most lavishly equipped CR-V, with base prices of $33,335 with FWD and $34,635 with AWD. It adds the following to the EX-L standard features:
- Navigation system
- Premium nine-speaker audio system with HD radio
- LED headlights
- Roof rails
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Hands-free power liftgate opening and closing
- LED ambient interior lighting
