Refreshed 2015 Honda CR-V Tops Fuel-efficiency Leaderboard

2015 honda cr-v

There's a new fuel-economy leader among mainstream compact crossovers, with the upgraded 2015 Honda CR-V raising the bar for automatically transmissioned entries to 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined. Only the Mazda CX-5 with its six-speed manual transmission can best that 34 mpg mark, and that's by a single mile per gallon. The new leaderboard here, for entry models with automatic transmissions, is as follows, with a hybrid and the manual Mazda included for comparison's sake:

• 2015 Honda CR-V—27/34/29, representing jumps of 4/3/3 versus the 2014 model
• Ford Escape—22/31/25
• Toyota RAV4—24/26/31
• Chevy Equinox—22/32/26
• Nissan Rogue—26/33/28
• Hyundai Santa Fe Sport—20/27/23
• Mazda CX-5 (with auto)—26/32/29
• Mazda CX-5 (with MT)—26/35/29
• Subaru XV Crosstrek—25/33/28
• Kia Sportage—19/26/22
• Subaru XV Crosstrek (hybrid)—29/33/31

All-wheel-drive models of the 2015 Honda CR-V see a major fuel-economy jump as well, and they'll post EPA ratings of 26/33/28.

The difference-maker for the 2015 Honda CR-V? A new 2.4-liter Earth Dreams four-cylinder engine that delivers the same 185 hp as the previous model but with an 11 percent increase in torque, which now tops out at 181 lb.-ft. As a further bonus, the powerplant is paired with a new CVT that boasts "G-design Shift" technology for a more engaging driving experience.

And at the same time, the price of the 2015 Honda CR-V advances by just $200, to reach a new MSRP of $23,120.

Photo by Honda

Highlights

The mid-cycle refresh for the 2015 Honda CR-V naturally includes new style cues, in this case to provide a sportier appearance, and the vehicle sees some subtle changes to improve the cabin experience, too. Up front, for example, the center-console armrest has been redesigned, and rear-seat passengers will now enjoy second-row climate vents.

The brand also has filled out its upper-grade models will plenty of creature comforts, and the 2015 Honda CR-V EX is a case in point. Already well-stocked with features for 2014, the 2015 model adds standard features like display audio with a 7-inch screen, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, the Honda LaneWatch system, LED daytime running lights and smart entry with push-button start. Moving up to the new range topper—the 2015 Honda CR-V Touring—will provide owners with even more premium touches like a power liftgate and the full range of Honda safety measures.

Now bundled as the "Honda Sensing" suite of driver-assistance technologies, the setup marks the first time the CR-V has offered collision-mitigation braking, lane keeping and adaptive cruise control, and all of those features are combined with carryover tech such as forward collision warning, lane-departure warning and a rearview camera. MSRPs for the 2015 Honda CR-V Touring will start at $31,520.

The 2015 Honda CR-V is scheduled to be on sale Oct. 1, 2014, at dealerships across the country.