Remaining one of the more popular choices in the compact crossover market, the 2014 Honda CR-V is essentially unchanged from last year. Again, this over-achieving mini-ute totes 5 passengers in quasi-posh surroundings, as well as offering 70.9 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded.
Three trims, the base LX, midlevel EX and top-shelf EX-L, once more comprise the CR-V lineup, with all editions delivered with standard front-wheel drive (FWD). Of course, all are again available with Honda’s touted Real Time AWD (all-wheel drive) with Intelligent Control System, which allows cruising in FWD under normal conditions while standing by to instantly transfer torque from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip, front and rear, on slippery roads.
Although many reviewers feel the CR-V’s design has become a bit ho-hum, it nevertheless packs, in base LX form, 16-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, reclining rear seats, simulated alloy cabin trim accents and full power accessories. Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering also return as standard equipment aboard this entry-level trim, as does a wide-angle rear-view camera and manually adjustable air conditioning. Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Information Display, with a 7-inch touchscreen display as the command center for the standard Bluetooth hands-free calling, as well as for the 160-watt audio system boasting a single-CD player, 4 speakers and a USB port.
Moving up to the midlevel EX, expect to find such added bling as 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, premium cloth upholstery and a pair of added speakers.
The flagship EX-L, meantime, adds on a standard roof rack, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and dual-zone auto climate control. Also delivered standard on this high-end trim are leather and simulated alloy cabin accents and an upgraded 328-watt audio system flaunting 7 speakers, satellite radio and separate rear audio controls.
Options and accessories, finally, include a satellite-based navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment available in the EX-L, as well as step running boards, remote engine start and rear parking sensors, all of the latter available to the entire lineup.
Powering the 2014 CR-V lineup is the ubiquitous (and, according to most reviewers, underwhelming) 2.4-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine. Mated with the standard 5-speed automatic transmission, the 4-banger puts out 185 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque, good enough for the 2014 CR-V to get an estimated 23 mpg city/31 highway in FWD configurations and 22/30 in AWD variants.
Standard safety features, finally, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Daytime running lights are standard across the lineup, while the EX and EX-L trims throw in front fog/driving lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a remote antitheft alarm, all standard.
