The Honda CR-V has five trims: LX, SE, EX, EX-L, and Touring. We recommend going for the EX model, for its value for money, as it offers the most infotainment equipment desired in a family car. The base CR-V LX comes with Bluetooth and a rearview camera while the SE comes with a security system and 17-inch wheels. With the EX you will gain a moonroof and heated front seats. Those looking for a luxurious ride, start from the EX-L that adds leather upholstery and available navigation. However, top-notch safety technology and driver assistance features are reserved for the CR-V Touring model - it includes forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. All CR-V models have front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive is available.

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Honda CR-V Cost to Own:

Buying a Used 2016 Honda CR-V Over five will cost you around $20,800 for gas, insurance, repairs, and maintenance. That's about lower than the estimated cost of ownership for the competitors such as Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 2016 CR-V LX with front-wheel drive starts at $23,845, rising to $24,645 for the SE, $26,095 for the EX, $28,545 for the EX-L, $30,045 for EX-L with Navigation, and is $32,195 for the top-level Touring trim. A fully loaded Touring model with AWD will cost around $34,000, but with advanced tech and premium features makes a strong value statement.

In comparison to the 2015 model year, The new CR-V sees a $150 price bump at the low end and around $300 at the high end. All-wheel drive costs an additional $1,300 across all trims. Before finalizing the purchase, while comparing the prices of the rivals, also acknowledge the different levels of equipment in the cars.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder returns on all CR-V trim levels from the 2015 model, which makes 185 horsepower and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Honda CR-V offers a strong value statement, the LX base model includes air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering column, steering-wheel-mounted controls, a multi-function center console, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, 160-watt 4-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a USB interface, exterior temperature indicator, Smart Key/Start, rear A/C vents, and sliding sun visors (exhale).

Standard safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, Vehicle Stability Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, and a multi-angle rearview camera.

The only engine on the 2016 Honda CR-V is of a 2.4L inline-4 that generates 185 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft of torque. The CR-V gets to a speed quickly with a CVT transmission with a Sport mode. The acceleration is quite impressive for its class as it takes 8.3 seconds to reach 60mph and can complete a quarter-mile run in 16.6 seconds. The power delivery is smooth from its fuel-efficient powertrain, making the CR-V a good daily driver.

The latest CR-V has snappier acceleration and superior all-around performance than its predecessors. Moreover, the car offers a comfortable ride and communicative steering. The CVT acts like a conventional automatic, with no transmission problems as such. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides the all-weather capability and allows mild off-roading. AWD is an option at all CR-V trim levels, and Honda rates the towing capacity of the CR-V at 1,500 pounds.

In comparison, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is the only other SUV in the segment that makes use of a CVT unit. While the Honda is the most powerful engine option on offer, the 2016 Kia Sportage is the closest competitor that produces 182 hp and 177lb.-ft of torque. It can complete a 60mph run and quarter-mile sprint in 8.8 and 16.8 seconds, respectively. On the other hand, the 2016 Ford Escape and 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander produce lower outputs and are at least half a second slower than their rivals.

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Check out the 2016 Honda CR-V Gas Mileage and Oil Capacity >>

According to the EPA, the front-wheel-drive version of the 2016 CR-V returns 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined. That makes it the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, thanks to the highly efficient 2.4L engine and the CVT transmission. However, the car looses 1 mpg in fuel economy in both its city and highway estimates compared with the 2015 model. The 2016 Honda CR-V uses regular un-leaded gasoline and comes equipped with a 15.3-gallons tank that helps it to cover 398 and 505 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively. All-wheel-drive CR-V models are rated at 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

When compared to its rivals, all three contemporary SUVs, the Ford, Mitsubishi, and Kia manage lower efficiencies of 25, 27, and 24 MPG, respectively. While the range covered is lower on the 2016 Escape and Sportage, the 2016 Outlander manages 415/514.6 miles in the city and on the highway, thanks to its voluminous 16.6-gallons fuel tank.

The Honda CR-V's spacious interior accommodates five passengers comfortably in two rows and offers class-leading cargo dimensions. With a new SE trim level, the 2016 CR-V's interior continues to offer a modern cabin with nice textures and colors. The front seats the comfortable and the rear seats have an above-average head- and legroom for adults.  It masks external noise with great aplomb, making it a tranquil proposition. Our only complaint is that the dash design looks immensely minimalistic and might not be as per new buyers’ liking. Honda gave the 2017 CR-V a complete redesign, which means a more stylish cabin filled with more niceties.

Along with ample legroom, CR-V's cargo space is also best in class at 37.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.  and 70.9 cubic feet of cargo volume if the rear seats are folded. To add further convenience, Honda offers a power tailgate. The Cr-V's low lift-over height further makes the loading easier as compared to some rivals.

In comparison, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is the only SUV in the segment that can seat seven passengers. However, its additional row of seating does cut into the cargo space with it managing a maximum cargo capacity of 63.3 cubic feet. While the Ford Escape and Kia Sportage have proportionated space for both rows, they fall short due to their trunk volumes of 67.8 and 54.6 cubic feet, respectively.

Interior features of Honda CR-V:

The 2016 CR-V's interior and technology features are impressive considering its competitive pricing. The CR-V LX's interior features include power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering column, steering-wheel-mounted controls, a multi-function center console, and 60/40-split fold-down rear seat. (Infotainment reviewed below).

• Steering Mounted Controls
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Keyless Entry
• Cloth/Leather Upholstery
• 60:40 split-folding and reclining rear seats

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Honda CR-V?

The 2016 CR-V features a standard Bluetooth, a USB port, a four-speaker audio system, Pandora compatibility, and a rearview camera. Available features, standard on higher trim levels including Touring, includes a power moonroof, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a seven-speaker audio system, navigation, satellite radio, HD Radio, a 7-inch touch screen. Though one complaint about the Honda CR-V is its finicky touchscreen system but has redundant controls and buttons for distraction-free access.

Some key infotainment features include:

• 4-speaker sound system
• AM/FM Stereo
• MP3 Player
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Satellite Radio
• Smart Device Integration

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The exterior design of the 2016 CR-V resembles the recently updated Pilot SUV, certainly looks more elegant than boxier previous generation models. The front grille looks futuristic and clean and it does not look like a traditional SUV from any angle which some people may not like. The rear fascia is cleverly designed as it does a great job in hiding the sheer massive size of the tail which is the reason why the cabin is so humungous. The 2016 CR-V is a part of the fourth-generation model starting from 2012. Though the 2015 model received a mild refresh with a better sound deadening, the 2017 CR-V's redesigned interior offers slightly more cargo and passenger space.

Overall, the CR-V's design is tasteful and the dimensions offer a family-friendly space while maintaining the right balance of comfort and agility. It is one of the larger SUVs in the segment but is also relatively heavier weighing 3,358 lbs. It is 179.4 inches long, 71.6 inches wide, and 64.7 inches tall. However, it sports the lowest ground clearance in the comparison below. The CR-V's wheelbase is similar to the Civic, yet the clever packaging offers more space inside. 

The 2016 Ford Escape is the heaviest SUV in the segment weighing 3.598 lbs, while the Kia Sportage is the lightest having a curb weight of 3,280 lbs. While the Escape also sports the longest wheelbase of 105.9 inches and the Sportage is the widest, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is the longest SUV measuring 184.8 inches, and also has a best-in-class ground clearance of 8.5 inches.

Some of its salient exterior features include:

• 16/17/18-inch alloy wheels
• Chrome Lining
• LED daytime running lights
• Fog Lamps
• Rear Spoiler

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The 2016 Honda CR-V is one of the highest-rated SUVs in the segment with 5 out of  5-stars for overall safety in the crash-tests conducted by the NHTSA. The crossover SUV also received top-notch ratings of "Good" from the IIHS. It makes use of a 4-wheel ABS and 4-wheel disc brake system to improve its capabilities. Available advanced safety features include Honda LaneWatch, forward collision warning, pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. 

Some of its other safety features include:

• Blind Spot Information (BSI) system
• Cross Traffic Monitor
• Auto High-Beam System (AHB)
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Traction and Stability Control

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 2016 Honda CR-V Vs 2016 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape, as we see it, is a compact SUV crying out loud for an update. The Honda CR-V, in contrast, has managed to last better with its quirky lines, bulkier silhouette, and better overall build. Even though the cabin room is comparable, the Escape boasts slightly better legroom thanks to its longer wheelbase while the CR-V boasts a better cargo area.

The Escape technically gets the better transmission here, but Honda has been in the game long enough that its CVT comes tuned better for performance and gas mileage than Ford’s torque converter unit. The CR-V is also the more easy-going and comfortable city SUV here. Both SUVs are due for an update, but as things stand now, the Honda CR-V is just the better option.

2016 Honda CR-V Vs 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

Coming in as a completely revised model for this year, the Mitsubishi Outlander gets an undue advantage of being shrouded in the latest tech and gizmos. The new Outlander also looks smarter and adorns a proper SUV-like bodywork. That said, even though the CR-V is comparatively dated, it still has a better-performing engine with higher fuel efficiency and a smoother CVT unit.

The cabin space is comparable but the trunk on the CR-V is slightly larger. The biggest advantage the Outlander has over the CR-V is the availability of the third row of seats. To sum things up, the CR-V has still got the fire in it, but presently, it feels a bit outdated which makes it hard for us to recommend it over the spanking new Outlander.

2016 Honda CR-V Vs 2016 Kia Sportage

If you are looking for a sheer value proposition, it is pretty much hard to beat the Kia Sportage. Its bold design may be for everyone here, but the upmarket cabin and lavish list of equipment do undeniably make it stand out of the pack. That said, the Honda CR-V is still the king of economy and practicality in this pack with its fuel-efficient engine, sizable cabin, and large trunk.

Also, the solid reliability quotient that Honda provides with its cars is something that Kia will find hard to match. So, even though the Kia comes out as the value package here, we have to slant towards the Honda CR-V ever so slightly for the better overall customer experience it serves in the long run.

The 2016 Honda CR-V may not be the fastest and the best handling vehicle but it surely is one of the most user-friendly and practical SUVs you can buy. Currently, it provides best-in-class cabin space and cargo capacity alongside unparalleled fuel economy. However, it does have its flaws, one of them being its slow-to-respond infotainment system and the simplistic dash design. But the CR-V succeeds in providing the best value for the amount paid, making it an unquestioned choice. The latest update for the Honda CR-V is the crossover SUV is about to get a major redesign for the 2023 model, which states that the new 2022 Honda CR-V may attract heavy discounts, watch out!