Picking a Trim: The 2017 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular SUVs out there. But deciding to buy one isn’t quite enough – you still have to pick which one you want.

Each of the CR-V’s trims adds features to the one that came before it. But at what point do you cross from features you need to luxury you want? This detailed breakdown may help you determine which Honda CR-V should be in your garage.

LX

The LX is the least expensive 2017 Honda CR-V on the market with a starting MSRP of $24,045. Despite being the cheapest, it still comes with some pretty great features. You get LED daytime running lights, a multi-angle rearview camera, fold-flat 60/40 split rear seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Honda CR-V is equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that has EcoAssist to save on fuel costs. The SUV also has hill start assist and active noise cancellation. Since it has a smaller engine, it gets pretty good gas mileage at 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Upgrading to four-wheel-drive decreases the fuel economy slightly to 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The Honda CR-V also has some active and passive safety features that are perfect for new and inexperienced drivers. Along with the multi-angle rearview camera, it also has a tire pressure monitoring system, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, driver and front passenger seatbelt reminder, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor.

On the inside, the CR-V’s entertainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, a radio data system, speed sensitive volume control, four total speakers, and USB ports. All the apps are accessible through a five-inch color LCD screen.

EX

The EX is the next step up and starts at $26,695. It comes with everything the LX has and more. Some of the most notable features include Honda Sensing, Smart Entry with walk-away auto-locking, and a seven-inch display audio touchscreen.

The biggest change is that the Honda CR-V EX has a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine that provides more power and torque than the LX. Since it’s turbocharged, you get stronger performance and better fuel economy. The LX gets 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway while using two-wheel-drive. When using the optional all-wheel-drive, it gets 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

The safety systems are improved from the LX. They include collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and road departure mitigation system as part of Honda Sensing. The EX also has auto high-beam headlights for particularly dark nights and a blind spot monitoring system with cross-traffic monitor.

Other improvements to the interior make the EX even more convenient and enjoyable to drive including push button start and an upgraded entertainment system. That means you bump up to a 7-inch display, six total speakers, HondaLink with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto, SiriusXM radio, and an SMS text message function.

EX-L

The EX-L is the next upgrade and starts at $29,195. If the LX adds performance and safety, the EX-L adds luxury. One of the biggest features is the addition of leather on the interior rather than cloth. This trim also implements a power tailgate, power-adjustable seating, and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror, but that doesn’t even begin to cover the improvements.

The interior steps up, as well. The steering wheel and shift knob are leather-wrapped to complement the seating. You also get the HomeLink Remote System. HomeLink can open and close your garage door, but also lets you control lighting, appliances, electronics, and security systems. The entertainment system upgrades to include eight total speakers and the option to add HD radio and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation system.

Touring

The Touring is the most expensive, but the best of the CR-V trims. The starting MSRP is $32,395 and includes every feature you could want in an SUV including a hands-free access power tailgate, full LED headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system also comes standard with the CR-V Touring, making it easier to go anywhere your heart takes you.

The Touring is the only trim that increases the safety by including auto on and off LED high beams for especially dark nights, but that isn’t the only exterior feature that was added. It also comes with roof rails and dual chrome exhaust finishers, which add a sleeker touch to the SUV.

On the interior, the Touring improves the sound system to include nine 330-watt speakers with a subwoofer. This sound system is perfect for long trips across the country or just jamming out to your favorite tunes on a Saturday evening while listening to HD Radio.

(All facts and figures from Honda. Image via Facebook.)