Cars In Review: 2017 Honda CR-V Touring Edition

I have to admit this was not my first choice for this week’s blog post, only because I was trying to challenge myself to write about a car company that I don’t release much posts on, but since I had a hard week last week I figured why not stick with my favourite car brand and write about something I’m comfortable with. Now I won’t reveal what the other car review was that I was going to write about, in case I do find the encouragement to do so soon, but just know it will be worth the read like every post is that I release on this site. 

For this week’s Cars in Review, we are throwing it all the way back to 2017! This post is also in dedication to a really special person in my life. I hope this post makes you smile or at least continues to keep that smile on your face and encourages others around you to do the same. 

Okay so first things first, when Car and Driver gives a rating of 10/10 overall for a vehicle, you know this car is top of the line. And plus it’s a Honda, so how could it not be? This SUV checks off all the boxes, even the ones you didn’t expect to be part of the list and it was actually named one of the best Trucks and SUVs for 2017 from Car and Driver interestingly enough. Still not convinced that Honda’s are great cars? Well here’s another reason why! This CR-V also features two fuel efficient powertrains, including the first turbocharged engine, but we will get into the specifics of this in a later section. 

What’s New for 2017?

For 2017 Honda decided to completely redesign and reengineer the CR-V to make it more spacious, and for the first time (as mentioned previously, offer it with a turbocharged engine). Upgrades were also made to the driver assistance features (which will be covered in a later section) as well as it was made to be more stylish and feature more upgraded materials.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

For the CR-V, Honda offered it in three different models – LX (starting at $25,020), EX (starting at $27,770), and the Touring model (starting at $33,470). When it comes to picking the best option of all three, I have to personally say that going for the Touring model is the wisest. Now it does depend on the budget you set for yourself and it is important to note that regardless of the model you choose, it will still be a great car overall. But in terms of the pricing difference, it really isn’t that much and you’re getting the best of the best with opting for the highest model. When compared to the other two, the Touring model by far has the best – most advanced technology, convenience, and luxury styling enhancements – so if you can afford to go for it, why not? 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

When developing a completely brand new engine type for a car that your company produces, homework is essential, and that’s exactly what Honda did. As mentioned previously, they created a turbocharged engine and paired it with one of the best Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) on the market. The base LX version sees a 2.4 liter inline four under the hood that helps to produce 184 horsepower, whereas the higher trim levels (EX and Touring) feature a turbo 1.5 liter inline four that can make 190 horsepower. Both of these engines come available in either the rear or all wheel drive options. 

In terms of the feel while driving, the setup is described as “seamless” and despite the abrupt throttle inputs while handling the corners, it’s virtually invisible. When it comes to performance however, here’s another slight mixed bag of emotions. The acceleration is satisfying but nothing to really talk about, and overall it is a more refined ride with enthusiastic steering and wonderful brakes. It also rewards the drivers with its dynamic chassis and minimal body motions.  

Fuel Economy Ratings

For the highest trim level (the Touring Edition), the fuel economy ratings are as follows: for the Front Wheel Drive version – 28 MPG city, 34 MPG highway, and 28 MPG combined, and for the All Wheel Drive version – 27 MPG city, 33 MPG highway, and 27 MPG combined. To find out more about the other EPA ratings for the trim levels, please check out the websites linked here (LX EPA ratings and EX EPA ratings).

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The CR-V inside and out is a really great car and it only makes sense that a car of this level of stature has a really clean and good look to everything that surrounds it. The interior is stylish and spacious creating an overall comfortable and inviting energy. As mentioned, only the best of the best are within this car and the highest quality of materials can be found decorating the interior in the most logical layout there can be. The cabin has a functional look to it that just makes so much sense, featuring a dashboard made from soft-touch materials, a multifunctional center console, and a really great driving position. It is decorated with a nice blend of faux-wood accents, chromed plastic, and brushed satin finishes that give it that upscale look. The seats are supportive and overall nicely created giving the occupants hugs in the right places. 

Interestingly enough, the CR-V leads its class in cargo volume and luggage space thanks to the rear foldable seats that allow for a 60/40 split from the cargo area using levers to create a large flat cargo floor. But it’s not just in these areas that the CR-V sees the high ratings, it’s also through the inclusion of user friendly and useful equipment (which will be covered in the next section).   

Infotainment and Connectivity

Here is where another mixed bag of emotions will be felt for this car. It does offer an excellent presentation but it is offset through the (user described) frustrating HondaLink infotainment system. The rotary volume knob was reintroduced which was highly appreciated but its the lack of other controls, the slow responses, and the absence of auxiliary input that’s what can’t be forgiven. Patience is advised and a lot of it at that when it comes to using the HondaLink’s 7.0 inch touchscreen. The rotary volume button is the only form of physical control as the touch-sensitive ones are more of the preferred option but make it hard to pay attention to the road when trying to use them. 

It does come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto though, so not all hope is lost for this section, each providing the user with a better, more preferred interface and allows for easier control. Standard features for the 2017 CR-V include: Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, a 12-volt outlet, and a four speaker stereo. The higher trims see: navigation, a premium nine speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, and an additional USB port in the center console as well as a pair of USB ports for the rear seat passengers. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with onboard Wi-Fi.  

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Act (NHSTA) gives this model a 5 star rating when it comes to its overall safety, so let’s explore why. Standard features include air bags (of course), the Vehicle Stability Assist system, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring system. The upper trim levels (EX and Touring) see a little bit more safety features though that are included under the Honda Sensing Suite – essentially the big umbrella. For instance, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to name a few. 

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

When it comes to the warranty and maintenance coverages Honda doesn’t mess around. The standard new vehicle warranty for this car is typically 3 years or 36,000 miles or 5 years/100,000 KM in Canada. The powertrain warranty however is 5 years or 60,000 miles. While maintenance coverage is actually not included for this vehicle, it is dependent on the vehicles Maintenance Minder system, found in the owners manual, which lets the driver know when maintenance is usually required. Honda specifically created an extended warranty for the A/C compressor shaft seal however, that is covered for 10 years (or unlimited mileage) due to a known issue that was seen in the 2017-2022 CR-V models. 

Final Thoughts

We made it to the end of this post and I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it. And since you made it to the end, why not check out a post we released a while ago on the Best Vacation Spots within Driving Distance in Canada, this car would surely be the one to drive around on the tours!