2024 Honda CR-V Review
By Damon Minks
| Updated 3 Days Ago
Compact SUVs are the most popular automotive segment in the United States for several reasons, including but not limited to fuel efficiency, versatile performance, and affordability.
MotoPickers Rating: 9/10
While drivers have more compact SUV options than ever before, this also means that shoppers are more likely to feel overwhelmed with their choices. MotoPickers is reviewing Honda’s compact CR-V SUV to see whether its popularity accurately reflects its quality in vital areas like style, safety, and technology.
Honda’s CR-V is the US’ second best-selling compact SUV behind Toyota’s RAV4. Its competition, besides the RAV4, includes:
- Mazda CX-5
- Nissan Rogue
- Subaru Forester
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
- Ford Escape
- Chevrolet Equinox
The 2024 CR-V starts at $29,500 and seats up to five passengers. It offers optional all-wheel drive (AWD) capability and a hybrid version with slightly more horsepower and increased fuel economy. This 2024 model year is part of the CR-V’s sixth generation, which began with a complete redesign in 2023. While the 2024 CR-V is essentially a carryover from its predecessor, Honda has added a new Sport-L trim level.
A 2024 CR-V Sport-L trim features more athletic exterior accents, larger alloy wheels, and enhanced features while remaining a practical daily driver. The model as a whole has also received high marks from respected driving safety organizations such as the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Transit Safety Administration).
However, there has been chatter surrounding this Honda SUV’s drawbacks, including less cabin storage space for smaller items and a somewhat clunky hybrid powertrain. Our review elaborates on this model’s strengths and weaknesses while evaluating how its pros and cons compare to the competition.
Shoppers may notice relatively quickly that the 2024 CR-V’s starting price is higher than many of its competitors. Keep reading to discover whether it’s worth the extra money.
Exterior spotlight
Honda’s base 2024 CR-V features a rugged exterior design with a long wheelbase and wide stance. Available roof rails, standard on hybrid grades, and an optional hands-free access power tailgate increase travel convenience.
Drivers looking to optimize the 2024 CR-V’s utility can select the available Utility package, which includes:
- Roof rails
- Crossbars
- Running boards
- Trailer hitch
Running boards, with their durable steel and corrosion-resistant design, detect side splashes from road debris like water and mud. Honda equips these running boards with an injection-molded polypropylene plate and a custom step pad that balances form and function.
Fans of sporty SUVs can opt for this Honda’s available large gloss-black grille, which seamlessly blends with the Sport Touring Hybrid trim’s platinum accents lower bumper and dual chrome exhaust within all hybrid grades. Hybrid trims also feature sleek gloss-black alloy wheels.
One of the 2024 CR-V’s most significant exterior strengths is its dual-low-beam LED headlights with auto on/off functionality bookended by a distinctive and contemporary LED taillight pattern. Selecting the optional Honda Performance Development (HPD) package yields sporty outside elements like a tailgate spoiler, an HPD emblem and decals, and fender flares.
The tailgate spoiler utilizes injection-molded ABS for increased durability, while fender flares supply muscle detail and contain polypropylene material for longevity. However, there are some drawbacks to this popular SUV’s outside design. The styling is more tepid than rivals like the Mazda CX-5, and competitors like the RAV4 have more eye-catching wheel options. This Honda’s ground clearance is also lower than that of rivals like Subaru’s Forester, which is ideal for urban travel vs. off-roading.
Interior comfort and layout
Entering the 2024 Honda CR-V reveals a spacious interior with an exceptional 39.3 cubic feet (cu. ft.) of cargo space behind the rear row. While this cargo area is impressive, you won’t find as many interior storage solutions for small items besides more obvious features like a center console with inner and outer trays. Folding down the rear seats expands this SUV’s cargo capacity to 76.5 cu. ft.—and optional seat back protectors stop these seats from experiencing damage when supporting items.
The cabin contains a minimalist feel, fostering perks like sizable sightlines for all passengers. Front seats within the 2024 CR-V are body-stabilizing, and selecting a Sport Touring Trim supplies you with a heated steering wheel. Still, it’s vital to note that heated seats aren’t standard within each 2024 CR-V trim. Seating materials can include optional leather trim, while hybrid variants boast sporty orange contrast stitching on seats, the steering wheel, and the shift knob.
A 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support is standard on EX trims and above. At the same time, the EX-L, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid include two-position memory capability for the driver’s seat in addition to a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The one-touch power moonroof is standard on all trims besides the base LX grade, and dual-zone automatic climate control is included across the board.
One luxury interior feature worth considering is this compact SUV’s available illuminated door sill trim. This feature gives the cabin some additional flair while shielding the door sill from wear and tear deterioration, such as scuff marks. Honda also offers durable all-season floor mats as an accessory for easy cleaning.
Performance and handling
Honda’s 2024 CR-V is lauded for its smooth and comfortable ride, which is assisted by various drive modes, like Snow mode for slippery winter terrain and Sport mode, which facilitates sharper acceleration. Those seeking additional horsepower are best suited to the two-motor hybrid powertrain with 204 horsepower. However, it’s worth noting that the hybrid powertrain has received some criticism for producing excess noise and climbing hills at a slower pace.
The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter powertrain delivers 190 horsepower, which is competitive in the context of its rivals. Mazda’s CX-5, Subaru’s Forester, and Hyundai’s Tucson all have lower horsepower at 187, 182, and 187, respectively. A well-tuned chassis further enhances comfort while driving, while available AWD with Intelligent Control System sends additional power to the rear wheels when sensing turning. Torque ranges from 179 lb-ft to 247 lb-ft.
Mileage for the 2024 CR-V’s gas trims clocks in at 27-28 MPG in the city and 32-34 MPG on the highway. Hybrid trims deliver 40-43 MPG in the city and 34-36 MPG on the highway. While the 2024 CR-V’s 190 standard horsepower isn’t necessarily lacking, rivals like Nissan’s Rogue provide more robust turbocharged engine options. The CR-V’s towing capacity is also slightly disappointing at 1,500 lbs, as other compact SUV options, like Toyota’s RAV4 and Ford’s Bronco Sport, offer up to 3,500 lbs of towing.
Additionally, sport-oriented 2024 CR-V grades focus more on comfortability and utility, whereas many drivers seek these trim types for increased performance.
Technology and infotainment
Driver-centric accessibility is the 2024 Honda CR-V’s throughline. This compact SUV’s standard 7” or optional 9” touch infotainment display features a finger rest to steady your hand and the ability to learn user preferences, which provides shortcuts to frequently used apps for safer and more intuitive driving. Other convenient features include available wireless smartphone charging for less interior clutter, available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Audio, and speed-sensitive volume compensation for clearer audio on areas like highways.
The base 160-watt audio system with four speakers is underwhelming within the 2024 CR-V. Still, Honda offers an available 240-watt audio system with six speakers, a 320-watt audio system with eight speakers, and the available Bose Premium Sound System with 12 speakers, which includes subwoofers. An optional Wi-Fi hotspot and available front and rear USB charging ports increase passenger connectivity.
Opting for the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System means you can control directional routes with voice commands and Honda HD Digital Traffic with real-time traffic updates. One of our favorite tech features within this compact SUV is its hybrid power meter, which simplifies your ability to monitor a hybrid trim’s power output and recharging status via clear visuals on the instrument cluster. During reverse driving, utilize the infotainment display to choose between normal, top-down, or wide angles.
Ambient lighting capabilities vary within each 2024 CR-V trim. The first five variants contain ambient lighting in the center console, while the peak Sport Touring Hybrid trim brings this lighting to door pull and footwell areas in addition to the center console.
Select the Remote Package, and you can use the HondaLink smartphone app to wirelessly connect with the 2024 CR-V and complete commands like locking and unlocking doors, locating your parked vehicle, starting the engine, and preconditioning the cabin’s climate. When it’s time to exit this SUV, the doors automatically lock after you walk away with the key fob in your pocket.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named Honda’s 2024 CR-V a Top Safety Pick—their second-highest grade behind Top Safety Pick+. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials gave this compact SUV their top score of five stars. Let’s look at the features that helped the 2024 CR-V achieve these high safety marks, starting with standard systems.
Standard safety features
Honda Sensing is a suite of advanced and standard safety features within the 2024 CR-V that includes systems such as:
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind-Spot Information System
The Collision Mitigation Braking system can detect and warn of impending collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. If the system judges a collision as unavoidable, it’ll initiate automatic braking to reduce the impact’s severity. The 2024 CR-V’s Road Departure Mitigation technology provides assistive steering inputs if you drift from your lane without signaling, while Lane Keeping Assist offers the same assistance on highways.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow initiates automatic braking to keep you at a preset distance from vehicles you’re following and will resume after you come to a stop with a tap of the gas pedal. Traffic Sign Recognition, an upgrade within competitors like Subaru’s Forester, communicates real-time road sign information onto your digital instrument cluster. Blind-Spot Information System provides visual and audible alerts when other cars are in your blind spot.
Available safety features
We recommend opting for the 2024 CR-V’s available Cross Traffic Monitor and parking sensors. The Cross Traffic Monitor will notify you of approaching vehicles when you’re backing up, but it’s vital to note that it won’t automatically brake. Parking sensors are practical with their ability to warn you of obstacles when pulling forward or out of a parking spot.
Trim guide
Below is a complete list of the 2024 CR-V’s six grades along with highlights and starting prices for each variant.
LX (base, gas-powered) – $29,500
The entry-level LX trim is slightly more expensive than many of its rivals, but offers 190 horsepower, Honda Sensing safety technology, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
EX (gas-powered) – $32,010
An EX trim includes a one-touch power moonroof and heated front seats.
Sport Hybrid – $34,050
Moving into this hybrid variant yields 204-horsepower, practical roof rails, and sporty exterior styling.
EX-L – $34,660
The EX-L trim delivers a leather-trimmed interior and a power tailgate in addition to increased fuel efficiency.
Sport-L Hybrid – $37,050
Dual-chrome exhaust finishers and wireless smartphone charging help the Sport-L Hybrid grade strike a balance between form and function.
Sport Touring Hybrid – $40,200
The peak Sport Touring Hybrid trim reflects its value through features such as the upgraded Bose sound system, a hands-free power tailgate, and a heated steering wheel.
Recalls for the 2024 Honda CR-V and warranty information
Honda’s 2024 CR-V has experienced one recall due to some models’ tire identification numbers missing their four-digit date code, which doesn’t comply with federal regulations. Authorized dealers can inspect and replace these tires, if necessary, free of charge. New 2024 CR-V buyers will receive a three-year or 36,000-mil Limited Vehicle Warranty, whichever comes first, and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
Final verdict
While Honda’s 2024 CR-V doesn’t present many changes from its redesigned predecessor, your money will be well spent if you opt for this year’s edition. The 2024 CR-V is especially beneficial to drivers regularly navigating urban environments, and multiple hybrid options increase efficiency. Additionally, its cargo space is highly-competitive, the cabin is spacious, and its safety capabilities are some of the best in its segment, which is why we’re giving it a 9/10 rating.
