We revisit 2015 Honda CR-V Touring at 10,000 miles

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10,000 miles and close to a year after its initial launch, we revisit our original introduction to Honda’s best selling SUV. So good so far.

New is new, and for most automotive journalist looking for a real-world assessment of a manufacturer’s newest car, light truck, or upgraded model offerings, “New” can be problematic.

For Torque News, participating in Honda’s Huntington Beach National Roll Out Event of the best selling SUV in North America was an eye opener. The major “Refresh” of CR-V took the driving public and automotive press by storm. Great! But how has Honda’s pre production CR-V held up after 10,000 miles of hard-press-corp driving?

This week I received delivery of perhaps the most photographed and media scrutinized 2015 Honda CR-V Touring Edition on the road today. With 10,000 miles showing on the odometer, without looking too closely, our test mule looks darn near as good as it did the day Honda rolled it off of the truck in Huntington Beach, California.

At the time, not a fan of subcompact SUV, I had just returned from the Santa Cruz Mountains were a week before Nancy, the crew and I had traversed the back roads of the Loma Prieta ridge, behind the wheel of a 2014 CR-V--FWD; a good car, but not a great car. None the less, while photographing the “Kings” Honda Ridgline on the back roads of Santa Cruz, we learned a bit about 2014 Honda CR-V and what we would do to improve the best selling SUV of any size or brand in North America.

More power, greater stability, less interior noise and premium seats

Much to my surprise, Honda would grant all of my wish list and more, with a major cosmetic and powertrain upgrade of 2015 Honda CR-V, while holding the base MSRP,($23,445-$32,895) adding a longer list of standard comfort and safety features, upping the fuel economy while increasing horsepower and torque. What was not to like?

I was sold, as was the buying public and the majority of the automotive press. American Honda Motors delivered a mid-cycle refreshed CR-V just short of a total redesign, and did it without measurably increasing the $ bottom line.

Earth Dreams ™ engine technology meets the best CVT transmission in the industry

A bit of personal disclosure: Being an “Old-School” crossover owner has its up and down side. For one thing, (my personal driver) the Chrysler--Mercedes Benz manufactured Pacifica Tour sitting in my driveway was arguably the most advance crossover of its day, and came with the price tag to justify Mercedes Benz participation in the joint venture.

With an MSRP approaching $45,000, 10 years prior, and everything but today’s touchscreen personal interface and active safety features, the Pacifica remains my personal benchmark when assessing SUV and crossover offerings. In today’s inflated dollar, that’s $65,000 dollars.

Honda’s CR-V is not a full, nor midsize SUV. It doesn’t come equipped with living-room size captain’s chairs, cathedral-like ceilings or 300 horsepower under the hood; that’s a given. So, when reviewing Honda CR-V and SUV, crossovers in CR-Vs segment, I personally back up 30 years or so and mentally revisit the sub-compact SUVs of the 1980s and 1990s.. I owned a handful of those too, one being a Geo Tracker, an original Rav4 and a Suzuki XL-7. That’s where the compact SUV segment originated, CR-V represents the pinnacle of where the segment sits today.

Honda has taken the sub compact utility light truck based concept , supersized it, pushed it to the next level in engine performance, comfort, safety, fuel efficiency and driver convenience, while holding the price point down to a financially attainable level, and increasing horsepower, torque and fuel economy by close to 50%

Today American Honda Motors takes the market lead in a very crowded segment, and consistently earns the # 1 sales and consumer satisfaction ranking with CR-V.

What sets 2015 Honda CR-V above the competition? In an automotive world of slight nuance-difference between competitors, it’s most often the manufacturer that can package the greatest customer-perceived value for the $ spent that takes the sales lead in the segment. Honda CR-V has held the #1 spot 10 out of the past 13 years.

Larger car ride position and road feel, segment leading fuel economy

Well, I’ve had more than one fellow automotive writer and Torque News readers pull me out on the carpet for writing what they perceive to be ad-copy for American Honda Motors. What can I say? When a product looks good, drives exceptionally well, is exceptionally reliable, features the best standard-featured safety measures in the segment, while recording the best EPA MPG average in the SUV class, I’m going to write a positive review about that vehicle.

Until “Someone” builds the perfect SUV...

Initially, when taking the wheel of CR-V: At 6 ft 5 inches tall, I fit comfortably in the driver’s seat, front passenger seat, and 2nd row bench. I find little to no compromise of leg-knee position when driving 2015 CR-V. The power driver’s seat in CR-V Touring is infinitely adjustable, comes with a 2-position memory toggle, heat and power activated slides.

On the downside, I find the leather seats in our 2015 test ride to be a bit on the stiff side, the interior noise level less than silent, and a slight, ever-changing, intermittent underlying vibration when sitting at a stop light or driving at low speeds. Do I find any of the aforementioned notations problematic or extraordinary for a compact economy SUV? No!

Great fuel economy sans the sacrifice of horsepower and torque

Add to the mix the best working CVT transmission in the segment to a super low emissions, Earth Dreams ™ 1-VTEC 4 cylinder engine that produces the highest average fuel economy in the segment without sacrificing mid range torque, an aesthetically pleasing, well balanced, and ergonomically correct interior of class-setting utility and voluminous proportion, one discovers the reason behind 2015 Honda CR-Vs record sales; CR-V is an exceptional drive and ownership experience.

In Honda’s best selling SUV, I rediscover a fun to drive, easy on the wallet and exceptionally reliable compact SUV driving experience. Maneuvering in and around city traffic is a breeze, as is parallel parking with the assistance of Honda’s stellar backup camera and left-side blind spot watch. There will be no more guessing where the curb is, I like that!

For drivers of shorter stature, CR-V affords a high-view-seating position, ease of interior re-configuration, near flat deck attributes, with enough power to haul all that life brings with it. Wash it off and take it out on the town. CR-V is up to the task. I’m personally taken aback by the ease of folding the rear passenger seat into a “Near” flat cargo deck. A kid could do it, and they probably do.

This took no more than 3 minutes to do so, and with the “Touring” variant CR-V, comes equipped with an electric lift hatch that may be activated with the key less entry fob, or from CR-V’s dash. I also like the power door locks, windows and sunroof.

Personal connectivity, touch screen and Hondalink ™ , yes, its all there

Honda continues to evolve voice command activated features throughout the lineup. In my case, I tend to stay off of the touchscreen while driving, opting for “Steering wheel” and road-eye-contact personal interface. For everyone else, I recommend spending an hour or so with your owner's manual. Learn these system while sitting in a parked position. I find that after a few hours of practice( both on the part of the driver and Honda’s voice recognition) system tend to work pretty well.

Our Honda CR-V Touring comes equipped with top of the mark audio, Bluetooth interface, ‘hands free’ cellphone access, text capabilities, satellite radio and Honda’s suite of active safety features. “Heads up” active accident avoidance features work very well on CR-V. Check with your dealer as to option availability on your preferred trim variant. Note: The rear view cam, left side blind spot watch is now standard featured throughout the lineup. look for Honda Sensing ™ on the CR-V Touring edition.

Slightly south of “perfect,” Honda’s working on it!

O.K., enough with the advertising-like diatribe. 2015 Honda CR-V is slightly south of perfect. Here’s a few changes that I’d like to see in 2016. No worries, your slightly used CR-V holds one of the highest residual values in the industry. And, if you’ve experienced some minor flaws, one time dealership fixes or an annoyance or two, welcome to the world of car ownership, imperfection comes with the territory.

Consumer report of excess vibration noted

As reported by a minute percentage of the 132,000, 2015 model year Honda CR-V Earth Dreams engine powered, CVT equipped SUV owners, there exist an inherent slight vibration felt through the steering wheel and driver’s seat of CR-V when sitting at idle in drive. And...when cruising at low speeds when the CVT drops the engine rpm below 1100 or so.

Honda says they're working on a universally accepted fix for the reported problem; I’m taking Honda’s word for it

Some drivers have complained of excessive vibration, while I did note a vibration that I contribute to the interaction of the CVT transmission with the direct injected, 1-VTEC 4 cylinder engine, after less than 4 hours of driving our very seasoned press fleet CR-V, the vibration for me and my passenger fell into the realm of normal operation, background noise, and stereo dust.

It quickly became a non issue for me as I marveled at the “total” package presented by CR-V

Would I like to experience a CR-V as quiet as the Acura RLX Hybrid?, certainly. Let me know when Honda or any other brand manufactures one for under $32,000.

A little tighter road handling please

2015 Honda CR-V presents the driver and passenger a comfortable drive-ride environment, and a larger car ride-feel due to an updated suspension ACE ™ body structure and amplitude reactive dampers; I appreciate that. CR-V presents a decent “ride” characteristic, yet falls short of the very smart AWD drive, road traction and subsequent handling of 2016 Honda Pilot. I know that this is a tall order, but for me, although much improved over previous model years, I’d like to see Honda push the CR-V envelope with reduced body roll, truer road tracking and perhaps just a bit tighter steering feel.

Scuff resistant surfaces in interior kick panels and door entries please

The automotive engineer in me understands the manufacturing cost and weight saving attributes of mold injected plastics; we find copious amounts of it used inside, outside, and around 2015 Honda CR-V.

Most of the plastic used is visually pleasing, nice to the touch and securely blind fastened, some is not. Again, because we’re driving a used 2015 model with 10,000 miles showing on the odometer, there is a bit of wear and tear evident in and outside of the vehicle; most of it very minor.

One thing that would drive me over the edge, especially if I was dealing with children on a daily bases is scuff marks and fingerprints. On inspecting CR-V I discovered several contact areas prone to scuffing. Notably the lower rocker panels, door entries, rear hatch entry and rear cargo hold; all covered in a smooth matt-black or gray molded plastic. This needs to be upgraded to a non scuff surface.

Our CR-V Touring is notably the “high end” of the compact or midsize SUV crossover segment. dollar for dollar Honda packs more tech rich personal connectivity and safety features into their CR-V than the competition does. In looking at the competition, while we do find domestic and import brands that offer similar packaging and long-term reliability, all fall short of CR-V in exterior styling, ease of interior passenger to cargo deck transform-ability, ease of city maneuverability, and standard feature bang for the $.

In closing, after driving CR-V over gravel roads, two lane country sweeps, in the city and over Oregon’s Interstate 5, I, like the several million CR-V owners on the road today, walk away mostly satisfied with its fit and finish, interior comfort, utility, road performance and stellar safety features.

Honda CR-V delivers as promised. While arguably not the perfect vehicle for everyone, until the perfect under $35,000 compact SUV comes along, my vote goes to CR-V, its that good!

Submitted by michael (not verified) on August 6, 2015 - 10:29PM

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When you were test driving the vehicle, did you have AC and headlight on? Was the weather hot or cold? My understanding is when you have AC or headlight turned on, the engine runs at higher RPM at idle therefore the vibration goes away. My CRV vibrates like one of those head massage vibrators. I don't think there is a new car out there that you can buy that vibrates like my CRV.

Submitted by Jay (not verified) on August 25, 2015 - 10:27AM

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Vibration is really bad- do not expect from a 30k vehicle. If this author spent his own money he would be singing a different tune. Basically all these sites are afraid of saying anything really bad about vehicles because they get paid in the back end. As far I am concerned this is useless- look at end user comments that will give you better info.

Submitted by eshepherd (not verified) on August 31, 2015 - 3:22PM

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I would like for them to drive mine for 4 hrs...without the ac on...when i blow myself out with ac it calms down...
The bigger problem I feel this is about, is "disclosure". Why is it I talked to the salesman for an hour or more, about everything trying to narrow down two choices I had..he assured me this is the best car on the road and said nothing about vibration until the next day when I called him and told him..I think this is the issue that needs to be addressed..Would I have bought a car like this had I known? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I have had the worst service from them as well..they dont want to deal with it period and said it's in Honda's hands..okat Honday fix my car or replace it! Money is money and it took everything I had to get this car..I feel so cheated..and I feel the after affects when I am not driving..something is very wrong with how this all played out..............................never again.
Location is: Honda of Fishers Indiana

Sad commentary to be sure. However, Honda CR-V remains the best selling SUV of any size in North America, and by the majority of accounts, very reliable, more comfortable than the competition and fuel efficient. Your warranty is universal and accepted at any certified Honda repair. I kindly recommend that you switch service departments, or go after your dealership on the disclosure issue. Wishing you best of luck in finding a mutual satisfying remedy for the problem at hand.

Submitted by Walter Hovi (not verified) on September 7, 2015 - 2:49AM

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Got a crv touring 2015 no vibration after 500 miles . Hope it does not start . Love this crossover so far I have zero complains so far . I think its great especially for 34000 . I think it feels and looks like more then that at the touring trim .

Walter, what's the rpm on your CRV when in D gear and stopped? I wonder if its just a matter for Honda to increase the RPM. My CRV vibrates when RPM drop to around 550.

Submitted by Dewayne (not verified) on September 8, 2015 - 8:19PM

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Thanks for your comments. Me and the wife looked at the 2015 crv but decided to wait on the 2016. Im sure glad to learn about this problem before buying one. I will find something else I guess and maybe Honda will have the issue fixed the next time we buy a new car.

Submitted by Walter Hovi (not verified) on September 8, 2015 - 8:29PM

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The crv is a great car the best for affordable crossovers in my opinion . Great ride great on gas and now they made look good too .The vibration is so little you won't notice it unless you look for it . Don't let this stop you from trying it out . There is a reason its # in sales in the USA .

I'm not denying the car looks good, has some real attraction to it. This is part of the reason I bought the CRV. The gas mileage is awesome, a big change from my prior Toyota FJ Cruiser. I am simply stating that THIS car is very seriously wrong The vibration seems to vary in some vehicles...this particlar one is awful..and I compare with my last and it was hands down more comfortable. My issue is that I was NOT told there is a problem..and disclosures are there for reasons. I was lead to believe it is the best car on the road by GINO at Honda of Fishers. This is not minor. I don't want the stress of legal decisions to overcome this. I know it is time consuming and I dread it but I have a car that I need to keep at least 5 or 6 yrs. I don't know if I can make it past what is now, 5 mons. I just want a car I can be comfortable in since I am in at a lot.
They ignore me, they keep telling me Honda has not found a cause or a solution and there is nothing they can do. It is impossible to get hold of anyone at HONDA Corp. They route you to reps that just take what you say and tell you they will contact you when they find a cure.

It has been the worst I have ever been through with a car. I can't understand why they just treat it like it's nothing. I have ideos, I have other service pros confirm that this car is in need of some serious attention.

Yours may be great.. I wish I could get on here and agree but I'm sorry this is just not right.
From my stand point as a complaint...I get NO HELP.

Sorryvery sorry to say :( my CR-V2015 purchase 8/11/2015 staring to vibrate after the 10,000 my wife who has always drive ford explorer since 1997 our last 2004 still running great 125k and going!! Well back on CR-V ISSUE is NOT little and is noticeable Mr.WALTER HOVI today march 22 2016 the dealership RICK CASE HONDA Miramar fl kept my CR-V to change the motormound according to Honda bulletin. Really hope this is resolve by doing this I will really be very disappoint on CR-V after all this time driving a Ford and going for a Honda

Submitted by Walter Hovi (not verified) on September 9, 2015 - 12:31PM

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That sucks hope they help you out with fixing the problem or something . My crv does only shake very little when in drive and only when stopped. I never even notice it . Try a different Honda service shop to bring it to . Maybe you can finded someone to help else where being that you can go to any US Honda service shop good luck .

Submitted by eshepherd (not verified) on September 9, 2015 - 11:29PM

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I talked with the head service guy at Honda of Fishers again today..and he told me the fix would be ready in Oct..I was told that last month too..
BTW ( to Michael) I do have a Honda CRV with a vibrating seat..and vibrating dash and backseat as well and it vibrates as much as a recliner ( comparison). It happens when I am in drive with foot on break such as at a stop light etc also happens at about 70 mph..my arms and hands feel the after affect..I don't like it.
Bottom line is: I didn't agree to buy a defected car that Honda has decided to sell without disclosure. So far I have heard that Honda Corp is responsible but I have also been told that the dealership should have disclosed and had signed notification before transaction.This is just uncool and I will never trust buying cars again. All they have to do is be honest..They do best in th elong run with honesty.
Gino ( saleman) Honda Fishers) sent me a message asking how I liked my new car, once I sent him a response and reminded him of who I was, he has totally ignored me...I dislike those generic letters they send out ..that is not good business.
I dont want trouble, or stress..I just want them to make good on the car..5 mons is way to long to be ignored...
Now there is now something sounding loose in glovebox , doors, etc..can't find it..
DO NOT buy from this dealership unless you make them sign an adendum to prove they are selling you a brand new car without issue....
I am spreading this news and have even contacted a TV station.
Thanks everyone..al the info and tips I get is very helpful.
ES

Eshepherd, my previous comment was to Patrick as he stated Honda is still the best selling SUV.
I know you own a CRV with vibration problem that's why you are in this forum.
My CRV is the same and when I went back to the dealership, like you I was told they were aware of the problem but they have no fix for it.
When I called Honda Canada, the service support tells me they don't have any complaints of the vehicle and that I was the first. I told them its riddiculous because this problem is all over the internet. The guy even said don't trust internet.
Regardless if Honda has a fix or not, this is the last Honda Ill ever buy.
The dealership who sold me this defective car is Honda West in Calgary. I would not recommend anyone to shop car there. Bunch of liers. Sales guy even told me the audio system on my CRV is BOSE.

Good day Michael. I agree with you, disclosure is everything. Please share: What is the point of manufacture for your CR-V,[Alliston, Ontario, East Liberty,Ohio, Swindon U.K, or? trim level, and month of manufacture. Note; Your sales person may not be a qualified as you are when it comes to CR-V depending on how long he or she has been selling the Honda brand. Thank you for your participation.

Hi Parks,
I purchased a 2015 Honda CRV Touring (CVT transmission) back in July.
Wasn't told about any vibration after I noticed it myself.
The vehicle is manufactured in Ohio.
Other than the vibration, I am pretty happy with the SUV's performance. Just not happy that the dealership never mentioned about it. Also not happy when I called Honda Canada about the problem. I was told they have not seen any issue with vibration and that I was the first person to complain about it.

Well, we both know that the Honda Canada rep may have been less than candid on the phone. In reading the following comment; Yes, that's true, direct injected small displacement engines do not idle/run as smoothly as a normally aspirated fuel injected 4, 6 or 8 cylinder engine. However, in driving 2015 CR-V, and the entire Honda lineup for that matter, I've discovered very little to no notable vibration throughout the lineup. if your vibration is excessive, it may be coming from another non-related component, motor mount, frame, etc. let's hope that Honda will step up to the task in October. Take care.

Submitted by ideal888 (not verified) on October 20, 2015 - 6:17PM

In reply to by Michael (not verified)

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Hi Michael,
Honda Canada knew about this in January, Salesmen were told in their sales training session in March, Honda Canada's Car Show rep admitted the problem in March, I went to Honda West early this year, a salesman admitted the existence. they will always tell you not to believe things you in internet even Honda USA's own youtube admission. I hold off my purchase for a year now

Submitted by Walter Hovi (not verified) on September 10, 2015 - 4:19PM

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I feel cars vibrate my dad got a ford escape does the vibration thing . Maybe a bmw or a high end vehicle might not . Even then it probably will if you got something doing it like crazy you probably got lemon maybe you can get a lawsuit then . Because I got a 2015 crv it barley shakes the normal amount.

Submitted by Charles Atkinson (not verified) on September 29, 2015 - 8:22PM

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I own a 2013 CR-V Touring now 2 yrs. old with 90,000km's - LOVE IT!! However, because of the amount of driving I do I am looking at trading for a 2015 so find this interesting.
I understand that nothing is perfect but two things concern me about all the comments/complaints.
1)Dealerships are NOT being up front with buyers (as commented on by such) about the likelihood of the problem and Honda's efforts to remedy.
2) Honda themselves are NOT acknowledging same to Owners having customer service deal with their customers in a way that reflects why they are there in the first place.
Unfortunately, this problem exists in so many facets of life today.

WHERE IS HONESTY THE BEST POLICY ANYMORE?

DON'T THEY GET IT -- THEIR REPUTATION + CUSTOMERS CONFIDENCE, TRUST & LOYALTY IS INVOLVED???

Submitted by Walter Hovi (not verified) on September 29, 2015 - 8:38PM

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My car is breaking in great Honda crv touring 2015 . After 1000 miles I am in love with it no vibration great all around car .

Submitted by Paul Smith (not verified) on November 1, 2015 - 12:10PM

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Picked up my new cr-v Friday. Big vibration issues at idle from the get go. Yet to take it on the highway.

Submitted by Charles Robinson (not verified) on November 11, 2015 - 9:02PM

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Has anyone had vibration problems with Honda CR-V 2016? Is the vibration problem on the 2015 models only in the AWD model or has anyone with FWD had the problem.
I am waiting before I buy.

the 2016 CRV AWD has the same vibration issue as the 2015. The vibration is unbearable when at a stop light or when driving at different speeds. DONT BUT A CRV!!!!!!!

Purchased 2016 CRV, EXL, FWD on 12/28/2016. No problems at 1,000 miles. At idle can not even tell if it is running. 34 mpg on hwy. Glad I pulled the trigger and purchased one. Drives and rides better than my 2013 Accord EXL.

Submitted by Clark Jeffreys (not verified) on February 4, 2016 - 11:23AM

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I have the 2016 Touring, and have not had any of the vibration problems. I was told by the service manager where I purchased the vehicle that Honda had fixed the problem. He also stated that if I ever did have the problem to bring it in and the motor mount bushings would be replaced, as well as a re-flash on the computer system. Best small suv my wife has ever owned! If you don't like rattles, vibration, oil burning, check engine light, engine misfires, don't purchase a Subaru Forester! My wife has had two of these. A total nightmare!!!!! Not showing the love at Subaru for sure.