Date: May 2017
Mileage: 2,100

Our 2017 Honda CR-V has been with us for 2-months now, and it’s easy to see why it was such a runaway winner as Best Small Utility in our latest Drivers’ Choice Awards. 

It really does offer tons of space in an easy to drive package, making it simple and efficient to go about running weekend errands; exactly the reason compact crossovers are so popular. 

Despite our early misgivings, with this CR-V Touring package’s 1.5-liter I4 turbo, it’s 190-horsepower has proved more than adequate. Our fuel economy average is off to a good start too at 28.8 miles-per-gallon; right where the Combined rating says it should be. 

Inside, we love that Honda has given us a volume knob for the radio, but still hate that we have to take our eyes off to road too much to use the touchscreen for station tuning; and hair trigger steering wheel controls take a lot of getting used to as well. 

And we’ve got nothing but time, as our year of CR-V is just getting rolling. 

Date: July 2017
Mileage: 5,000

We’re 3-months in and very much enjoying the roomy interior and confidence inspiring ride. Though we haven’t added too many miles since last report, 2,100; it handles a lot of commuting chores; bringing our total to just over 5,000. Everybody must be taking it easy on the 1.5-liter turbo-4, as mileage is so far a stellar 31.5 miles-per-gallon. 

Surprisingly, there’s been zero complaints about the CVT transmission; just the usual touch-sensitive control nitpicks. But, then, we’re just getting to really know the CR-V and it has a lot of hot driving months ahead.

Date: October 2017
Mileage:

With summer now in the rearview mirror, our 2017 Honda CR-V is heading towards cooler weather and fall colors. 

Powering the “leaf peeping”, is of course the CR-V Touring’s small but mighty 1.5-liter I4 turbo. So far, its 190-horsepower has kept our power-hungry staff satiated; though we must be working it harder of late; as mileage has slipped a bit to 30.3 miles-per-gallon.

We did have one recall to address, which required a few hour’s stay at the dealership for replacement of a rear fuel feed pipe.

Other than that, it’s just been minor nitpicks; a shifter that finds Neutral instead of Drive too easily, and what one driver feels is the very slow pace of the power lift-gate.

You’ll find plenty of space behind it though, and a much lower load floor than most of the competition. Both make the CR-V a very practical and user-friendly vehicle to have around the office.

So, it’s 7-months down, 5-more to go with the CR-V.

Date: December 2017
Mileage: 14,500

We’ve previously praised its tidy and efficient 1.5-liter turbo-4 based powertrain, transporting us and our gear wherever we’ve needed to go, over the last 14,500-miles, with plenty of pep. Not to mention delivering a fine 29.9 miles-per-gallon average. 

After a recent road trip, one of or staffers had this to add: “Big side mirrors, easy-to-use radar cruise control, top-notch smartphone integration, comfy seats, USB power for all, and a bangin’ stereo make the CR-V a great road tripper.”

His only desire, a bigger fuel tank so he could stay in it for even longer stretches between refuels. Well, winter weather will be the CR-V’s next challenge.  

 

Specifications

  • Engine: 1.5L Turbo I4
  • Horsepower/Torque: 190/179 lb-ft.
  • Trim Level: Touring
  • Price as Tested: $34,735