Honda recently facelifted the fifth-generation CR-V, which has been recently revealed in Detroit. The brand’s update on the popular crossover goes beyond slapping it with refreshed aesthetics but rather bringing the model closer in line to their envisioned electrified future. More on that later.
In the terms of looks, the front fascia appears to be slightly more aggressive with a combination of satin finishing and chrome trimmings. The lineup also gets rounded LED fog lamps while the Hybrid variants get an LED strip instead.
The rear end gets a mild refresh with darkened taillights and dark chrome finishing around the rear glass with the Hybrid Touring receiving a variant-unique bumper while the petrol-powered variety get chrome exhaust finishers. Completing the updated look for the EX, L and Hybrid trims are 18-inch alloy wheels while Touring and Touring Hybrid trims get 19-inch alloys instead.
The interior receives a minor refresh with customers getting a redesigned centre console bin while the Qi wireless smartphone charger is fitted as standard on the Touring variants. The Hybrid ditches its gear selector lever for a new push-button setup flanked by three drive mode buttons.
Honda plans to have at least two thirds of all new car sales by 2030 consist of EVs and hybrids, so the introduction of a hybrid CR-V to the North American market comes as little surprise. With it, a third model in joins the brand’s North American electrified range, previously consisting of the Accord and Insight.
The CR-V Hybrid borrows the Accord Hybrid’s powertrain which utilises a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder combined with dual electric motors providing drive to all wheels and a total system output of 158kW. In America, the non-hybrids ditch their 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engines for the 142kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder VTEC Turbo with 242Nm of torque on tap.
The array of driver assistance tech, as part of the Honda Sensing suite available across the range, includes Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Auto High Beam Headlights and Blind Spot Information. It’s no wonder that the CR-V’s awarded with a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
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