2022 Honda CR-V Review: Just Short Of Perfection

Honda's best-selling vehicle, the Honda CR-V is a well-rounded and value-rich crossover SUV designed specifically for the urban environment and with American families in mind. With its compact classification and gasoline and hybrid variants, the CR-V goes up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and many more in a rather full segment. Like many of its competitors, the CR-V boasts contemporary looks, a spacious and featureful interior, and high safety standards to consolidate its position as an everyday family vehicle.

Gas-only variants come powered by a placid but efficient turbo-four motor with 190 horsepower, while the hybrids get a four-cylinder augmented with two electric motors for 212 hp. With only a CVT and basic all-wheel drivetrain offered, it can feel rather mundane to drive, though it remains composed and fairly refined. Honda doesn't bestow the urban runabout with one of the best infotainment systems either, so while the CR-V does offer a solid all-round approach to the compact crossover package, can it stand up to rivals that take a more focused stance?

What's the Price of the 2022 Honda CR-V?

In the USA, the Honda CR-V goes on sale for an MSRP of $26,400, which is for the 2WD LX. The 2WD Special Edition follows at $27,600, the EX at $28,910, and the EX-L at $31,500. It'll cost an extra $1,500 to option in the available AWD setup to any of the 2WD models. The price of the Honda CR-V Touring comes in at $36,200.

Hybrid models start at $31,610 for the Hybrid EX, while the Hybrid EX-L goes for $34,200. The top-spec Hybrid Touring will set you back $37,400. The cost of every Honda CR-V excludes any tax, registration, and licensing fees, as well as Honda's destination and delivery charge of $1,225.

Handling and Driving Impressions

Honda has given the CR-V a smattering of the poised and engaging drive dynamics it's mastered over the years. The crossover's steering is precise and communicative and its chassis impressively adroit, resulting in a driving experience that's rather enjoyable, especially in comparison to other small SUVs such as the RAV4. Honda's suspension setup is superb as it keeps the CR-V composed and devoid of any body roll around corners. It allows the CR-V to glide over most bumps and rough road surfaces.

The engine isn't the most powerful but it works really well with Honda's CVT to deliver efficient and smooth performance. Honda includes a Sport setting in the CR-V that only slightly quickens throttle inputs. Activating the Eco drive mode will optimize efficiency by lulling responses and managing any functions that affect fuel economy.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Honda CR-V A Good SUV?

Within the highly competitive classification, the Honda CR-V measures up as one of the top competitors for its well-roundedness and value. It sports a subtle but attractive aesthetic and a cabin strewn with good-quality materials and durable surfaces. It's really spacious, too, boasting one of the largest trunks in the midsize classification. It's fairly comfortable on the road and while it does lack some key features - especially in the base model - it does come standard with a good selection higher up in the range, for the price. The biggest letdown with the CR-V is its infotainment system, which, in the entry-spec model, comprises a diminutive screen and no smartphone integration. Overall, is just unintuitive and unrefined. If the infotainment system isn't too much of a concern for you, then you won't be overly disappointed in your purchase. You do get great fuel economy, at least.

What New Honda CR-V Model Should I Buy?

With the subpar infotainment system and scant selection of features, the Honda CR-V LX is not recommended. The Special Edition is a far more appealing option as it comes outfitted with a better infotainment setup that comprises the seven-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and inclusion of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. A good selection of comforts and conveniences are also added to the Special Edition including smart entry with push-button start, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. If power seating adjustability and leather upholstery are a must for you, then you'll have to opt for the Honda CR-V EX-L, which slots in just below the top-spec Touring. And, if your priority is fuel economy, you'll do well to look at the hybrid options - the Hybrid EX-L provides a good balance of features versus cost.

2022 Honda CR-V Comparisons

2022 Honda CR-V vs Toyota RAV4

Though very similar to the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling crossover SUV in America and has been for a long time. It's equipped with a slightly more powerful 2.5-liter engine that is utilized in the hybrid versions, too. The RAV4 is also not offered with a turbocharged powertrain, however, which means it's also not one of the fastest crossovers around. Fuel efficiency is quite similar between the competing regular SUVs but the RAV4 Hybrid outperforms the CR-V Hybrid easily. In terms of driving experiences, the CR-V is a little more engaging with its sharper responses. The RAV4 in TRD Off-Road guise comes equipped with off-road-focused gear, including a genuine 4x4 system, which makes it the superior off-roader. Both SUVs boast spacious interiors adorned in quality materials and durable surfaces. The CR-V has the larger trunk, however, at least with the regular ICE powertrain. The RAV4, on the other hand, can tow up to around 2,000 pounds more than the CR-V can when properly equipped. When it comes to features, both SUVs do lack some key comforts. The entry-spec RAV4 does, however, come standard with a larger infotainment touchscreen and full smartphone integration. Both vehicles are superb, so you'd ultimately have to take each for a test drive to make a final decision for yourself.

2022 Honda CR-V vs Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is the sportier and more engaging crossover than the Honda CR-V, which takes on more of an all-rounder or practical focus. It comes equipped with a feisty 250-hp turbocharged engine and boasts adroit handling dynamics that make it a joy to drive. It maintains a wonderfully refined ride quality, too, and is only slightly less frugal than the CR-V in its most efficient guise. The CR-V's turbo engine does offer better acceleration than the CX-5's entry-spec engine, but the CX-5 wins back favor by going all-in on comforts and conveniences even with its entry-spec models. LED headlights and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with full smartphone integration are just some of the features the entry-spec CX-5 lords over the base CR-V. The Honda does, however, offer a good deal more room for cargo with the back seats up or folded down. While the upper-tier Mazda models may get quite pricey, they offer the feistiness of the turbo engine and come with plenty more premium features, making the CX-5 very well worth considering.