We conducted the test drive of the updated Honda CR-V in Spain, where, unlike our latitudes, sub-zero temperatures simply do not occur. Therefore, we decided to focus mainly on the exterior, technical content, and on-road behavior. We will leave the test of snow and snowdrifts for later.

The new CR-V has become lighter and more compact: the body is 105 mm shorter and 30 mm lower. However, this is not so obvious to the eye. The secret lies in the wide front bumper and massive radiator grille that stretches from one headlight to the other. The high shoulder line flows into a powerful rear pillar, and the shape of the rear windows resembles a coupe. An important change: the spare wheel has been moved from the rear door to the trunk, and the freed-up centimeters have benefited the interior space.

On the outside, chrome has been added — door handles, window trim, hood and tailgate moldings now shine. In the base version, there are 17-inch wheels with low-profile tires; 18-inch wheels are optionally available. Getting in and out does not cause trouble even for short drivers: the 185 mm ground clearance allows you to do without running boards, and the sill is covered with a plastic trim to avoid soiling clothes. Similar protection is also present on the lower part of the bumper near the tailgate.

Inside, there is pleasant-to-the-touch plastic and Japanese assembly precision with minimal gaps. The steering wheel adjusts for reach and tilt, and the seats adjust within wide limits. On the center console, there is a liquid crystal display, controlled by touching the screen directly with a finger. This has noticeably reduced the number of buttons.

The central tunnel between the front seats is designed unusually: it is not solid. The gear lever is raised up, like in the FR-V minivan, and thanks to this, a free passage has formed between the seats. Rear passengers have plenty of space, and with such interior spaciousness, you would expect the trunk to be quite tiny. But no: with the seats folded, the compartment volume is 524 liters. The organization of space also pleased: in addition to the cover hiding the contents, there is an intermediate shelf that divides the trunk into zones — convenient for separating, say, auto chemicals from groceries.

After inspecting the car, we head to the mountains. First, a high-speed highway, where the CR-V pleased with predictable reactions. True, the two-liter 150-horsepower engine is clearly weak for such a car. No other engines are provided for the crossover yet: the diesel promised in Europe will not be brought to us.

You should not count on a noticeable increase in dynamics by choosing the 6-speed manual instead of the 5-speed automatic. Although the official data says otherwise: the difference in acceleration is 2 seconds. Perhaps that is so, but to accelerate quickly on the manual, you have to mercilessly rev the engine to 6000 rpm. If you do not do this, the gain in dynamics is simply not felt.

The automatic transmission lacks a manual mode but uses the new Grade Logic technology. The system evaluates the driving style — tracks speed, intensity of braking and acceleration — and itself selects the optimal shift point.

Having left the highway, we get onto a mountain serpentine with endless turns, ascents, and descents. The steering wheel pleases with excellent feedback. And here you realize that the handling of the crossover clearly outpaces its dynamic capabilities. The CR-V accurately holds the set trajectory, and body rolls are almost absent — the merit of a well-tuned suspension. It does not irritate passengers with excessive stiffness, but it also does not allow the car to sway.

Noticing a dirt road in the mountains, we turn onto it — after all, the Real Time 4WD all-wheel drive with the Dual Pump system remains untested. The principle of operation remains the same, but some things have been refined: the response speed of the rear differential with the clutch has been increased, and its housing has been strengthened. The moment of rear axle engagement can only be felt on the manual if you start sharply from a standstill. Of course, such all-wheel drive is not designed for real off-road. Its element is roads of medium surface quality, of which there are plenty in Russia.

Sales of the new model will begin in March. Currently, there is frantic demand for the previous model — there are rumors of a significant price increase. However, representatives of the Japanese company assure that the increase will be insignificant.

Be warned!

The data from the cruise control radar is used in the operation of the CMBS system, which is responsible for preventing collisions and mitigating their consequences. It analyzes the speed and distance to the object ahead. Activation occurs at speeds above 15 km/h, and the speed difference between the CR-V and the object must be at least 15 km/h.

If the system assesses the situation as dangerous, it warns the driver in three stages. First, an audible signal and the Brake icon on the instrument panel. Then the car begins to brake, and the seatbelt pretensioners jerk them two or three times. And finally, when contact is inevitable, the belts tighten to the maximum, and the car brakes urgently. CMBS is ideal for highways, but whether it will be available in Russia is still a question.

Driving Steering wheel with good feedback. The dynamics of the two-liter engine are not impressive, regardless of the type of gearbox. So it is wiser to choose the automatic.
Interior The spacious interior pleases with materials and build quality. All seats fold quickly and easily, forming a large cargo area with a flat floor.
Comfort Both front and rear passengers will be comfortable. There is enough space for legs, shoulders, and above the head.
Safety Adaptive cruise control and a collision prevention system have been added to the standard equipment.
Price According to preliminary data, the new Honda CR-V will not become significantly more expensive compared to the previous generation.

Our opinion

The main changes in the new CR-V concern the exterior — it has become expressive and attractive. Japanese engineers have put a lot of effort into refining the engine, gearboxes, suspension, and all-wheel drive. If the promises of a slight price increase come true, the CR-V will gain a serious advantage over competitors.