The Honda CR-V has received a lot of positive hype. Now in its sixth generation, the 2024 Honda CR-V follows in the deep tire treads left by its best-selling ancestors. Prior model years have earned numerous awards, highlighting not only that it is a safe vehicle but that it is a safe investment as well. As for the 2024 model year, Honda will offer the CR-V in six distinct trims; three will be powered by traditional gas engines, while the other three will be offered with hybrid engines.
But that’s not all Honda has up its sleeve. In fact, it’s the overall package created by this midsize SUV that grabs the attention of drivers, regardless of what’s under the hood. The CR-V has found what seems to be the perfect balance of accessibility and appeal for the average American driver. And with plenty of tech tricks up their sleeve, Honda has outfitted the CR-V in a way that a vast majority of drivers can fully appreciate what this vehicle has to offer. Take a look at the 2024 Honda CR-V to see why it deserves all of the attention it’s receiving.
Standard or Hybrid: Which CR-V Is Which?
From the outside, it’s hard to tell a gasoline-powered CR-V from a hybrid version. The exterior of the 2024 Honda CR-V features a rugged and aggressive appearance. With a wheelbase of 106.3 inches and ground clearance of 7.8 or 8.2 inches (depending on whether 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive is selected), the numbers suggest that the CR-V is well-deserving of this stance. Even better, this size translates into a maximum 76.5 cu.ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Naturally, Honda has designed the cargo floor at a lower level to allow for greater ease in maneuvering all of the awkwardly sized and shaped objects that might occupy it. With no differences in size, shape, or cargo capacity, the main difference between the standard and hybrid CR-V models is the powertrain.
The standard version is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that’s good for 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. While other SUVs may take a few moments to make their way to highway merging speed, the 2024 CR-V has no problems on this front. Offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive iterations, drivers can enjoy typical Honda fuel economy either way. Front-wheel drive models get 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, while all-wheel drive versions drop those numbers slightly to 27 MPG and 32 MPG, respectively.
True to its kind, the Honda CR-V hybrid models are exceptionally fuel efficient, thanks to a 204 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder hybrid engine. While the top Sport Touring trim is offered only as an all-wheel drive vehicle, the other two trims can be equipped with front or all-wheel drive. Here, the difference in fuel economy between the two options is a bit more noticeable, with the front-wheel drive model getting 43 MPG in the city and 36 on the highway, while all-wheel drive models drop to 40 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
A Look at the Three Standard Trims
Honda deserves its reputation for providing vehicles that manage to strike an important balance between budget and necessary features. For example, every CR-V, regardless of powertrain, comes equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance features, including a Driver Attention Monitor, a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Lane Departure Warning.
In addition to an impressive array of safety features, the 2024 CR-V comes well-equipped from the base LX to the top Sport Touring trim. The LX and EX models are equipped with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which can be operated via the 7-inch color touchscreen. The EX-L– the highest trim among the standard models– comes with a standard 9-inch touchscreen that can be customized with shortcuts, along with wireless smart device connectivity. The EX and EX-L are also outfitted with three USB-C charging ports throughout the cabin.
It’s become part of Honda’s trademark to create a range of vehicles that are all equally serviceable to drivers of all budgets, and the CR-V is no exception. There are a few little comfort and convenience touches that separate the trims from each other, such as the illuminated vanity mirrors and the heated and power adjustable driver’s seat that appear at the EX level, or the EX-L’s automatic dimming rearview mirror and leather-trimmed seats. Ultimately, the things every driver needs are part of the standard package, from Cruise Control and Hill Descent Control to an appropriate number of cup holders.
The Three Efficient Hybrid Trims
Those interested in the hybrid version of the Honda CR-V may choose from the Sport, brand-new Sport-L, and Sport Touring Hybrid trims. The Sport trim aligns more with the EX turbo trim regarding features and accessories. It includes many of the features that distinguish the EX from the LX, such as a One-Touch Power Moonroof and Honda’s Blind Spot Information System. It also adds a few of its own, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The newest trim– the Sport-L– takes on quite a few luxury features, though it leaves the glory to the reigning Sport Touring trim. The Sport-L includes power-adjustable driver and passenger seats and orange accent stitching throughout the leather seats. Also on deck for this new trim are a power-operated tailgate, an 8-speaker upgraded audio system, glossy black exterior accents, and 18-inch wheels.
The Sport Touring pairs the 2.0L hybrid engine system with all of the very best bells and whistles Honda has to offer. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is heated, ambient lighting is conveniently placed in the center console, door handles, and footwells, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system is on board to make driving an actual pleasure. All-wheel drive is standard in this model as well.
An All-Around Exceptional SUV for a Variety of Drivers and Lifestyles
When considering everything the 2024 CR-V lineup has to offer, there is sure to be a trim that is perfectly tailored to your unique driving needs. Its engine is impressively peppy but isn’t winning records with its 0 to 60 performance time, which is perfectly fine for an SUV like this. Its all-wheel drive versions help keep the vehicle stable when the roads and weather get tough, but it’s probably not Baja-ready off the assembly line. Still, it can tow as much as 1,500 lbs when properly equipped.
Offering an almost equal choice between standard and hybrid versions allows a greater range of drivers to take advantage of its intelligent and intuitive performance. On top of that, Honda offers subtly different trim levels that allow drivers to get precisely what they want for a price tag that won’t break the bank. While we may all want the top luxury trim, in theory, it isn’t required in order to enjoy the best Honda has to offer with the CR-V. Most drivers will agree that excitement is in the eyes of the beholder and that sometimes, getting the kids dropped off at school and surviving rush hour without incident are some of best parts of a day. For these drivers, the 2024 Honda CR-V is designed to exceed expectations– and maybe even put a little smile on your face.
