2013 Honda CR-V Overview

2013 Honda CR-V Overview

Overall User Score

4⁄5

Based on 1 review

Hot off a supposed 2012 redesign rife with mixed reviews, Honda brings its 5-passenger crossover into 2013 with only very minor changes to feature content. The rumored diesel is still just a rumor, but since the European version gets its redesign for 2013, perhaps North American Honda drivers can get their hands on that ultra-fuel-efficient edition for 2014—but Honda makes no promises. For now drivers on this side of the pond are left with a CR-V moving further away from sport utility and deeper into crossover territory, a development that isn't very widely welcomed.

Returning drivers criticize Honda's deletion of the door-mounted spare tire, pop-up table in the trunk, rear window access and 2 inches of ground clearance as compared to models up to 10 years older. Still others complain about the lack of certain comforts in the base LX, such as a passenger armrest, general seat comfort and the cost to upgrade these basic considerations to a tolerable level. Beyond that a fully loaded CR-V doesn't seem to get the advertised fuel economy, materials quality is disappointing, road noise is a problem and sometimes build quality fails miserably, with mystery chirps and an apparent ration on glue dampening some drivers' excitement.

That said, Honda's real-time all-wheel drive (AWD) available on the CR-V wins especially high accolades for its fuel efficiency, smooth ride and agility from former owners of boxer-powered Subaru front-runners like the Outback and Forester. Indeed, every driver new to this primarily front-wheel-drive efficient compact is highly impressed, comparing it favorably to every major competitor in the areas of fuel efficiency, ride quality, user-friendliness of dash gizmos and driving dynamics while wishing they sprung for the CR-V instead of the last car they owned.

The secret to the CR-V's efficiency is in the gear ratios of its 5-speed automatic and the dynamic nature of its universally available AWD system, which directs power to the rear wheels only when the fronts slip. In all that means the 185-hp and 163-lb-ft of torque 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powers the CR-V to 60 mph in a slightly slow 9.4 seconds, but does so at just 23 mpg city/31 highway with FWD and 22/30 with AWD. Drivers comment there is ample power for real-world driving, but admit it would be much more fun to drive with at least a V6.

Offered in LX, EX, EX-L and specialized EX-L trims, the 2013 Honda CR-V affords features like automatic headlights, keyless entry, a rear-view camera, color infotainment system, integrated steering-wheel-mounted controls and Bluetooth connectivity even at its base LX. Moving up to the EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels as opposed to steel 16s, foglights, sunroof, rear privacy glass, retractable cargo cover and 6 speakers for the Pandora-, iPod- and CD-capable stereo system as opposed to the LX's 4 speakers. The EX-L nets features like roof rails, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, powered driver's seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a 7-speaker stereo upgrade with satellite radio, while the specialized EX-L trims add either a navigation system or a rear DVD entertainment system.