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Reinvented 2017 Honda CR-V ranked ‘Best Compact SUV for the Money’

With an 8.8 out of a possible “10” score, U.S. News and World Report ranked 2017 Honda CR-V #1 overall value in the white hot compact SUV segment for 2017. How’d Honda do it?

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There is no shortage of well built , quality competition in the North America compact SUV segment. Second only to the pickup truck in sales volume, the crossover/ SUV segment dominates new car sales in the United States. Sitting at the top of the pinnacle in user-friendly, fuel efficient, tech driven SUV design is 2017 Honda CR-V -- beating out Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape and the venerable Toyota Rav4.

The reinvented CR-V is a bit of a visual and perceptual mind blower

It’s that crazy thing that Honda does so well. The first time I got behind the wheel of the reinvented Honda CR-V in San Francisco, California, It took me a moment to wrap my multi brand driven auto journalist perspective around how far Honda CR-V had evolved since its major refresh of late 2015. How could a compact 2-row SUV sit this big? Not only could CR-V be purchased with a turbocharged engine option, but even at the base trim level, was upsized, upticked as to standard features, refined as to ride comfort, and visually kicked the proverbial butt of the compact SUV segment -- hands down. Read my initial drive impression of what U.S. News and World Report calls “ The Best Compact SUV for the Money.”2017_Honda_CR-V_Touring
Here’s how USN weighed in on 2017 Honda CR-V

Is the Honda CR-V a Good SUV?
When Honda first introduced the CR-V back in 1997, "CR-V" stood for "comfortable runabout vehicle." That’s still an accurate description of this SUV’s prime mission: comfort. Today, no other vehicle in the class hits all the marks for a top-flight compact SUV: lots of cargo space, a great interior, plenty of passenger space, and excellent fuel economy with the available turbocharged engine. There are also plenty of infotainment and tech features to choose from. In the base model, you’ll get a standard rearview camera, Bluetooth with voice recognition, and a USB port.

Driving the CR-V is enjoyable but also reveals its one flaw: The turbo engine is great around town, but trying to pass someone on the highway requires a bit of planning, as the engine is a little underpowered. Still, the Honda CR-V makes a case for itself not only on its practicality and comfort, but its value as well. In fact, because it has the best combination of quality and value in the class, the Honda CR-V is the winner of the 2017 Best Compact SUV for the Money award.

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Comments

R.Norman (not verified)    February 10, 2017 - 7:55PM

I wonder if the 2017 CRV with the 1.5 Turbo will prove as dependable and low cost to maintain as the 2.4L models?
I doubt It?
Turbos do not last as long as naturally aspirated engines Turbos run at over 200,000 RPM'S, and operate at extreme temperatures and are prone to coking and eventual bearing failures.

Redd. F (not verified)    February 12, 2017 - 5:57AM

In reply to by R.Norman (not verified)

You sir are wrong. People have been running turbos for over 200,000+ miiles with little to no shaft play. Perhaps in the old days, but these use MHI turbos and Mitsubishi makes some of the best turbos out there. Being oil and water cooled it will be rare for these turbos to fail prematurely. Just accept that there is a replacement for displacement.

Scott Harris (not verified)    March 14, 2017 - 10:20PM

have a two year old CRV,AWD
love everything but 2 important parts,
Number One. The driver and passanger seats are uncomfortable and just plain awful. sure wish there was a fix.
Number two. The actual gas milage is barely 25 mpg. My 4x4 1/2 ton Chev truck does this!
otherwise a good car.