Other than the Touring trim adding standard all-wheel drive, the 2022 Honda CR-V is pretty much unchanged. That’s hardly a bad thing, all things considered. The CR-V does face off against some other compelling small SUVs.
The redesigned Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson offer great value, for example, and the Mazda CX-5 stands out with its sleek styling and pleasing performance. Which one to get? Check out our CR-V Expert Rating below to help you decide.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
With the exception of the hybrid model, every 2022 Honda CR-V works with the same powertrain. A 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 supplies 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, all of which are sent to the front wheels as standard, although AWD is available on all trims.
Regardless of the drivetrain, the 1.5-liter turbo-four is always paired with a CVT automatic. When we tested an AWD CR-V Touring, it reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Efficiency numbers read 27-28/32-34 mpg city/highway, with FWD examples holding a slight advantage over their AWD counterparts.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
The EPA estimates the all-wheel-drive 2022 Honda CR-V will get 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Front-wheel-drive models get 30 mpg combined. While those figures make it one of the most efficient vehicles in its class, we’ve found that the CR-V is fairly sensitive to driving style.
For reference, a previous test vehicle averaged an impressive 35.4 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, while another CR-V averaged about 28 mpg over longer testing.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
The 2022 Honda CR-V has a wide front and rear door openings that provide ample clearance on the way in. Occupants will have little difficulty entering or exiting. Once inside, the driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel offer plenty of adjustabilities.
The CR-V’s interior dimensions are generally larger than those of rivals, and the rear seating space is among the biggest you’ll find in a small SUV. Four full-size adults will fit with little problem.
The 2022 Honda CR-V ride is quiet and smooth. You might notice some wind and tire noise, even the occasional engine revs when accelerating, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary.
The CR-V is comfortable on rougher road surfaces too. That’s the case even in the Touring trim, which has the larger 19-inch wheels and shorter (less cushy) tire sidewalls.
One of the CR-V’s defining traits is its massive storage space. There are 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. You can also easily fold them down and increase their capacity to 75.8 cubic feet.
Small-item storage is also exceptional. The deep center console is configurable with a sliding tray that doubles as a cover for valuables.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
An otherwise excellent presentation is offset by Honda’s frustrating infotainment system. Base LX models come with a 5.0-inch color radio screen, but all other models get a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio; navigation is optional, as is a nine-speaker audio system.
Honda reintroduced a rotary volume knob last year and we appreciate that, but a lack of other controls, slow infotainment responses, and the absence of an auxiliary input can’t be forgiven.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
The 2022 Honda CR-V does not disappoint when it comes to building quality. Flowing interior panels and trim inserts fit together nicely.
The same holds true for the leather on the seats and steering wheel in higher trims. Considering all trims now come with the turbocharged engine, the CR-V earns high marks for overall value in our book.
PHOTOS
