Last year, Honda’s acclaimed SUV, the CR-V, entered its sixth generation, signaling even more improvements to its already best-selling compact vehicle. Now, for the 2024 model, a few tweaks have been made to make the sixth generation better than ever. If you were impressed by the 2023 CR-V, you’re going to be bowled over by the 2024 model.
What makes this 2024 model so attractive to drivers? Undoubtedly, its versatility. It’s long been seen as the cream of the crop in terms of family vehicles, yet it has a lot more to offer than just that. From young college kids to single commuters, the CR-V has a trim for everyone. There’s a lot to be excited about when looking for a Honda CR-V for sale, and the 2024 model is sure to take your daily drive to the next level with exceptional fuel efficiency, ample interior space, and cutting-edge tech.
An Overview of the First Five Generations
There are not that many vehicles, let alone SUVs, that make it to their sixth generation. That alone is a signal of quality and smart marketing. The Honda CR-V, which stands for Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, first hit the streets in the United States with the 1997 model. While considered an SUV by most drivers, this first generation had more in common with the Honda Civic than the other SUVs at the time. Its second generation made it a far more competitive vehicle as it debuted with better mileage, a sharper exterior, and a bit more bulk so it could go toe to toe with the other SUVs of the early 2000s.
By 2007, the CR-V entered its third generation, and its exterior more resembled today’s sixth-generation than its first generation. It also marked the point in time when these Honda SUVs began to dominate the roadways. Families especially loved them, thanks to their spacious interior and affordability. Power and efficiency experienced a big upgrade with the fourth and fifth generations. After seeing such success, Honda made certain the sixth and current generation sees peak power and efficiency. It also wanted to make it desirable to practically all drivers. Let’s see how they plan to finish that mission with the 2024 model.
Engine Options and Capabilities
The CR-V is set to arrive with a turbocharged 1.5L engine, just as in 2023, but there’s also an exciting hybrid option that’ll offer drivers some top-tier mileage. The 1.5L engine will get you 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, but the hybrid sport trim is where those numbers become eye-popping. With that 2.0L hybrid engine, drivers can get an impressive 43 MPG in the city and 46 MPG on the highway, which is an incredible value at a time when fuel prices fluctuate so dramatically. The two-motor hybrid system has some serious power to it, as well; 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Just further proof that the hybrid engines that drag are a thing of the past.
The CR-V has long had some pep, but it’s clear that Honda wants that aspect to be a larger part of its reputation. Younger drivers, who like a bit of kick in their ride, will be attracted by the environmentally friendly hybrid engine that still lets them take off down the highway. Plus, those who want to stick with the 1.5 L engine still have a fuel-efficient vehicle that will let them save some bucks at the pump. With these two engine options, there aren’t too many customers Honda won’t be able to please outside of ones who want to do major towing and hauling. We say major towing because the model is expected to have the ability to tow up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped. For most people, that will be more than enough.
Cargo Capacity
SUV drivers want two things; plenty of cargo space and for the exterior to not look too bulky. These two desires can seem like they’re in a bit of conflict with one another. There’s no question that older SUVs sometimes looked a little awkward, to put it politely, thanks to overly large trunks and rear seating arrangements. Now, that’s no longer the case. SUVs are often gorgeous and powerful even when they have plenty of cargo space; there are even SUVs with “Sport” in the name; the sport trim on the CR-V is a perfect example.
So, how do SUV drivers have their cake and eat it, too? It’s thanks to some very intuitive designs by engineers. Honda is a little ahead of most other manufacturers since the company has long prioritized fuel efficiency. That means they’re used to designing vehicles that are attractive and competent at the same time. The same mindset carries over to cargo space: with a smart engineer, you can have grace and space. The 2024 CR-V is a nice illustration, with 39.3 cu.ft. of space behind the rear seats. You can then lower the rear seats to add even more room, giving you a total of 76.5 cu.ft. of space.
Yet, when you look at the back of a CR-V, it has none of the bulkiness that many consumers still associate with SUVs. Instead, the angle of its rear gives it a sense of sport, believe it or not. Once more, the CR-V can serve multiple masters. For people who regularly move cargo around, they’ll have plenty of space. However, some folks like the cargo space but do not use it too often, and therefore don’t want to sacrifice looks for room: with the CR-V, that won’t be happening.
Keeping Up With Technology
No SUV is complete without plenty of tech, and the CR-V looks like it’ll meet the moment there. It comes with the expected Android Auto and Apple CarPlay apps, but it’s also coming with a wireless charger. We’ve noticed that these are increasingly the norm in new models across the board, so we’re not surprised to see that the CR-V brags of one. Technology is not just for fun, though. The sixth generation of the CR-V comes with the celebrated Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance tools to give you maximum confidence on the road.
These include innovative features like a Collision Mitigation System, a Road Departure Mitigation System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Other enhancements can be added depending on which trim you choose, including a Blind Spot Information System and a Cross Traffic Monitor. Our age of technology means we can have plenty of infotainment, but safety has increased the most thanks to new Honda innovations. One reason to go for a new vehicle model is that it’s likely to have improved safety and assistance tools.
Defining a Model
As the sixth generation is still new, the 2024 Honda CR-V must prove its worth. The 2023 model was exciting because it represented something novel; now, the 2024 model has to show that this generation has staying power. That’s one reason there’s the CR-V Sport L trim, which comes with a hybrid engine, as it adds something new that still builds naturally on the sixth generation’s features. This third hybrid trim level will surely bring in even more fans, which means the CR-V will now come with up to six trims. Once more, it’s clear that Honda is trying to appeal to everyone. Sales will reveal whether they manage to do it, but so far, the future looks bright.
A Worthy Compact SUV That Is Worth Checking Out
The CR-V has undoubtedly been a standout vehicle among the Honda lineup since its inception a quarter of a century ago and has become a staple in the SUV segment for decades. The esteemed manufacturer has continued to refine this fan-favorite Honda SUV, and 2024 is continuing this trend by offering great performance, a comfortable and roomy cabin, and loads of must-have tech to entertain and protect you. If you’re looking for a modern compact SUV with the innovative features you’re looking for in the newest model, you owe it to yourself to experience the 2024 Honda CR-V up close and personal.
