Honda CR-V Refreshed For 2017 With Turbo Power

Profits gained from the previous CR-V's dominance were thrown at the new interior, bringing it further up the ladder and helping the industry obscure the line between premium and base cars. Given that the definition of "fully loaded" now includes an infotainment system, heated automatic seats, USB ports, and a host of semi-autonomous driver aids and collision mitigation, we'll just go ahead and say that a new CR-V can be optioned with the full enchilada. Honda's press release stressed on the fact that a physical volume knob is made present in this model to do away with the annoying touch-sensitive slider control. That's all good and well, but the more exciting news is the new powertrain options.

Base trims get a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-banger, the first example of forced induction in the CR-V, which makes 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Those wanting an old-school setup can opt for the 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.Ruining the fun will be a CVTthat drives either the front wheels or all four tires depending on spec, but at least it should be efficient. Honda hasn't released EPA ratings yet but it claims that it's figures will make the CR-V the class leader, and the new active grille shutters should only help that. With the mild yet important refresh taking the CR-V a few steps further, the small SUV will likely remain a sales leader by sticking to the recipe that made it great the first time.