Honda Automobiles: 2015 Honda CR-V

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Overview
To provide enhanced protection for vehicle occupants and other road users, Honda follows a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety that seeks to provide a high level of both active and passive occupant protection. The 2015 Honda CR-V is designed to earn top-level collision safety ratings, including a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Starting with its improved Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body-structure, the CR-V features a host of standard active and passive safety features and includes many new standard and available advanced driver-assistive technologies, including Honda Sensing™ that includes the first-ever Honda application of Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)1 and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)3, and the first CR-V adoption of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)4 and Forward Collision Warning (FCW)9.

Key New Safety and Driver-Assistive Features

  • Improved Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
  • Available Honda Sensing™ features:
    • Monocular camera and millimeter wave radar (used with LDW, CMBS®, and ACC)
    • Forward Collision Warning (FCW) 9
    • Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS®)1
    • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)2
    • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)3
    • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)4
    • Honda LaneWatch™5

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
The 2015 CR-V utilizes the next generation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure technology to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions, including small overlap crash performance. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash. Additionally, ACE helps minimize the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle. For more information on the ACE body structure, see the Body section.

Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design
Structures in the front of the 2015 CR-V are designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Research by Honda shows that the following features can dramatically improve a pedestrian’s chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle.
Specific pedestrian injury mitigation features include:

  • The hood is designed to deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian
  • Sufficient clearance exists between the hood and hard engine parts
  • The windshield base has a unique section structure for efficient impact energy absorption
  • Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports
  • Deformable windshield wiper pivots
  • Deformable hood hinges

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)6 is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the CR-V’s Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and its 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver. VSA functions by applying brake force to one or more wheels independently while also managing the throttle, ignition and fuel systems to help the vehicle maintain the driver’s intended path of travel.

The VSA system constantly analyzes data from sensors that monitor wheel and vehicle speed, steering input, lateral G forces and yaw rate. It compares the driver’s control inputs with the vehicle’s actual response. Whenever the actual response falls outside of a predetermined acceptable range, VSA intervenes with a corrective action. For instance, if VSA detects an oversteer condition, the system may apply braking force to the outside front and rear wheels to counteract the unintended yawing effect. In the event of understeer, VSA may apply braking to the inside rear wheel while reducing engine power to help return the vehicle to its intended course.

VSA also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the front wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. VSA is calibrated to function in a near-transparent manner, and in many cases a driver will not even be aware of its operation. However, anytime the system is enhancing vehicle stability, an indicator light flashes in the instrument cluster. While the driver can deactivate the VSA stability enhancement and traction-control functions via a switch on the instrument panel, ABS remains fully operational at all times.

Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) is standard on all 2015 CR-V models. The system incorporates driving stability technology that initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction during cornering and in slippery road conditions. Using vehicle speed and steering angle data, Motion-Adaptive EPS works with Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) and Electric Power Steering to detect instability in slippery road conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction. This advanced technology supports the driver’s action in operating the vehicle more safely and comfortably.

Two examples of how Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) functions in conjunction with VSA are:

Stabilizes Vehicle Under Braking
This function corrects the driver’s steering input to reduce vehicle instability when the driver is braking hard on road surfaces with different friction coefficients (such as pavement that is only partially covered with dirt or snow).

Mitigates Understeer and Oversteer
To mitigate potential understeer or oversteer situations, the system corrects the steering inputs to help the driver trace the curve.

Brake Assist
A function of the VSA® system, the Brake Assist feature recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly applies added braking force. This Brake Assist feature is controlled by a special logic in the system that evaluates the pedal application rate and force to recognize a panic stop situation. At that point, the VSA modulator pump increases braking pressure while the pedal is still being pressed to ensure maximum stopping force, an action that helps shorten braking distance as much as possible.

Advanced 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution
The CR-V is fitted with 4-wheel disc brakes that have vented front rotors and solid rear rotors. The ABS system also incorporates Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) circuitry that automatically proportions force based on the vehicle’s weight distribution. For more information see the Chassis section.

Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags
Both the driver and front passenger are protected by advanced front airbags (SRS) that incorporate dual-stage and multiple-threshold activation technology. One or both of these airbags will be deployed only in the event of a sufficient frontal impact. If deployed, these airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seatbelt usage and/or other factors. Like other Honda vehicles, the driver’s front airbag is located in the steering wheel while the passenger airbag is located on the top of the dash. When deployed, the passenger airbag inflates upward and then rearward to maximize its protective potential while reducing the likelihood of injuries caused by airbag deployment.

Driver and Front Passenger SmartVent® Side Airbags
Side airbags mounted in the outboard area of each front seatback are designed to help provide pelvic and thorax protection for the drive and front passenger in the event of a severe side impact. In the CR-V, a revised side airbag design allows the side airbags to deploy in a manner that mitigates the risk of injury to a smaller seat occupant. This advancement eliminates the need for the previous-generation CR-V’s passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS).

Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
All outboard seating positions are protected by side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system, which is standard equipment. In the event of a severe side impact, the side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the roof, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. In the unlikely event of a rollover, a roll-rate sensor, along with multiple G sensors determine the rate of roll and deploy the side curtain airbags accordingly. Like the other airbag systems in the vehicle, the side curtain system utilizes sensors to determine the most appropriate timing of airbag deployment.

To provide the optimal level of protection for occupants, testing was performed to determine the most appropriate timing and rate of deployment in the unlikely event of a rollover. The system uses algorithms to continually evaluate the situation and determines whether a rollover is imminent. The roll-rate sensor and multiple G sensors (accelerometers) determine the “scenario” and calculate the angle of roll and the speed of the vehicle in order to deploy the airbags at the correct point for optimum protection. In the case of a rollover, the side curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle will deploy. However, in the event of a sufficient side impact that does not result in a rollover, only the airbags on the impacted side of the vehicle will deploy. The airbag maintains full inflation for approximately three seconds after inflation to allow for the increased duration of a rollover accident.

Seatbelts
Three-point seatbelts are standard for all seating positions. The front seatbelts are equipped with automatic tensioners and load limiters to help minimize injury potential in a frontal collision. When an impact occurs, the automatic tensioner tightens the seatbelt (shoulder and lap) to help hold the seat occupant firmly in position. Each front seatbelt retractor incorporates a load limiter that works in conjunction with the automatic tensioner. The load limiter functions by permitting a small amount of controlled seatbelt slack shortly after the automatic tensioner is activated to limit the peak restraining forces and thereby reducing the potential of serious injury. The front seatbelts also feature adjustable-height shoulder anchors. To help increase seat-belt usage, a reminder for the driver and front passenger has been incorporated into the instrument cluster. After starting the vehicle, a weight sensor detects whether the front passenger seat is occupied. If the driver or front passenger has not already fastened the seat belt, an icon in the cluster illuminates and a chime sounds as a reminder to do so.

Whiplash Mitigation Front Seat Design
Both of the front seats are designed to help mitigate the severity of neck injuries in the event of a rear impact. The seats have a “soft” design, accomplished by using greater spring range settings in both the seatback and seat bottom cushions. In the event of a rear crash, this design allows the seat to more evenly disperse rear impact forces against the occupant as the seatback cushion compresses relative to the occupant’s head. The seatback springs are optimized so that in a rear crash, when the seatback is pushed forward into the occupant, the seat will more equally absorb the occupant’s mass in manner that can minimize the severity of a whiplash injury.

Adjustable Head Restraints for All Seating Positions
The front and rear seats feature individually adjustable head restraints for all passenger seating positions. All rear head restraints comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for rear passenger head restraints.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) provide a simple and convenient method to install compatible child safety seats in a vehicle. The rear outboard seating positions are fitted with dedicated LATCH attachment points. The LATCH system features built-in, ready-to-use anchors and tethers allowing compatible child safety seats to be installed without using the vehicle’s seat belt system. In addition, the rear center seating position features top tether anchors that can be used to secure a single child safety seat. The ability to choose which location works best for individual needs can help families more conveniently maximize interior space.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The CR-V is fitted with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)7 that alerts a driver whenever the air pressure in one or more of the vehicle’s tires decreases significantly below the recommended level. Monitoring the rolling radius and rotational characteristics of each wheel and tire while the CR-V is being driven, the TPMS transmits information on tire air pressure to the ECU. When the pressure in one or more tires drops to a potentially critical level, it causes a low tire-pressure indicator (located in the instrument cluster or in the i-MID) to illuminate.

Hill Start Assist
The Hill Start Assist function helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start Assist automatically activates when the vehicle senses a certain incline and is fully stopped in any forward or reverse gear. The system uses a longitudinal G-sensor along with a wheel speed sensor and steering angle sensor to control the hydraulic brake modulator. Hill Start Assist, when activated, will release the brakes when the driver depresses the throttle.

Honda Sensing™
Honda Sensing™ is a suite of safety and driver assistive features available on the 2015 Honda CR-V Touring that includes Honda LaneWatch™, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Honda LaneWatch™
New to the CR-V, the EX, EX-L and Touring trims include Honda’s LaneWatch™5 display that uses a camera located at the bottom the passenger-side exterior mirror to display a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the Display Audio screen. The image appears when the right turn signal is activated, or when a button on the end of the turn signal stalk is pressed.

The typical field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately 18 to 22 degrees, but the LaneWatch™ display field-of-view is about four times greater, or approximately 80 degrees. The system helps the driver to see traffic, pedestrians or objects in the vehicle’s blind spot. To help make judging distance easier, three reference lines are shown. Drivers should visually confirm roadway conditions prior to changing lanes.

LaneWatch™ can be customized to suit the driver’s preferences. Turn-signal activation of the LaneWatch™ system can be switched on or off, as can the three on-screen reference lines. Screen brightness, contrast and black level are also adjustable.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
On the CR-V Touring trim, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses a Millimeter Wave Radar unit located behind the front grille and a Monocular Camera mounted at the upper portion of the windshield to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead and to determine whether a collision is imminent. If the FCW system detects a vehicle or pedestrian in front of the CR-V and then determines that a collision may occur (due to a speed differential between the CR-V and the object), it will trigger a “BRAKE” message on the Multi-Information Display (MID) and an audible alert.

Drivers may adjust the distance at which FCW alerts occur and may choose between “Long,” “Normal,” or “Short.” Drivers may also select “Off” to disable the FCW system entirely.

Note that the FCW system cannot detect all objects ahead; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors.

Next-Generation Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
Included in the CR-V Touring, the new next-generation Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) is one of the most sophisticated driver-assistive technologies available. Integrated with FCW, the systems’ Millimeter Wave Radar unit and Monocular Camera scan traffic conditions ahead of the CR-V.

When the system detects a potential collision, FCW provides visual and audible alerts to prompt the driver to take corrective actions. The visual alert appears on the Multi-Information Display (MID). CMBS takes emergency autonomous braking action to help reduce vehicle speed and eventual collision forces, and therefore to help reduce the severity of a collision if drivers don’t take corrective action on their own.

Due to the effectiveness of its sensing capabilities, the CMBS on the CR-V can recognize shapes and differentiate between a vehicle and a pedestrian, warning the driver in each case. A Millimeter Wave Radar unit located behind the front grille and a Monocular Camera mounted at the upper portion of the windshield is used to detect vehicles and pedestrians. The radar unit and camera work simultaneously and cooperatively to control the VSA modulator, which initiates any required braking.

It is important to note that CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead, nor is it intended to replace the driver’s assessment of traffic conditions and control of the vehicle. The driver must intervene in certain situations, and must always be attentive when using the system. Although in many cases CMBS will stop the car, it is not intended to apply enough braking force to prevent all collisions. Based on the conditions, the system also may not perform all visual- and audible-alert stages, and may instead automatically engage the brakes if the system deems it necessary.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
The CR-V Touring trim also includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which is designed to alert the driver if the vehicle is leaving a detected lane without the turn signal being activated. The system functions at speeds from 45 to 90 mph on straight or slightly curved roads, alerting the driver of deviations from a detected lane. The LDW system utilizes the same upper front windshield camera used for CMBS® and LKAS.

If the vehicle begins to move out of a detected lane without the turn signal activated, LDW illuminates a Lane Departure message on the Multi-Information Display (MID) and sounds an audible warning, advising the driver to take appropriate action. The system can be activated and deactivated by pressing the LDW button located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column.

There are certain conditions under which the system may not engage or operate, including inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice or heavy rain) and extreme cabin heat (due to operability of the camera). The system will automatically suspend operation when the brakes are applied or the turn signals are used. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. The driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle.

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) on the CR-V Touring trim provides a less stressful driving experience by reducing steering correction movements and driving effort on the highway. LKAS uses a camera to read lane markings and uses the Electric Power Steering to assist the driver in maintaining their position within the lane.

Designed for the U.S. road structure, the system uses a Monocular Camera mounted on the upper portion of the windshield to identify painted lanes, Botts’ Dots and Cat Eye markers at speeds between 45 mph and 90 mph. When LKAS senses that the driver is drifting from the middle of a detected lane, the system generates corrective steering torque to assist the driver in maintaining lane position.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Included in the CR-V Touring trim, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and following interval from the vehicle ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic conditions. This significantly reduces the driver stress of driving in traffic. The system uses the Millimeter Wave Radar and Monocular Camera to continually track the distance to the vehicle ahead, and then adjusts the CR-V’s speed to maintain the set following interval. A short, medium, long, or extra-long interval can be selected.  When required, the CR-V autonomously brakes using the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) modulator. ACC operates in the following ways in the listed circumstances:

A preceding vehicle is detected ­in the lane ahead — decelerates automatically, if required, and then controls the following distance.

Another vehicle merges in between the CR-V and the preceding vehicle — automatically switches “targets” to the nearest preceding vehicle.

The preceding vehicle exits the lane — ACC system continues at cruise-control speed previously selected by driver (25 to 90 mph).

A Multi Information Display (MID) message and audible warning alert the driver when the ACC function is activated.

Expanded View Driver’s Mirror
All CR-V models are equipped with the Expanded View Driver’s Mirror that increases the driver’s field of vision by 4.2 degrees to provide a better view of objects to the back and side of the vehicle. The Expanded-View Driver’s Mirror uses a flat reflective plane on the inner portion of the mirror closest to the door, while the outer portion of the mirror uses a convex element to provide a broader field of view.

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines
All 2015 CR-V models include a multi-angle rearview camera8, viewable on the LX trim’s i-MID color LCD screen and on the EX, EX-L and Touring trims’ 7-inch Display Audio. The camera can show a top, normal or wide rear view when the transmission is in Reverse. LX models feature static guidelines that help drivers gauge how close they are to an object, while EX and higher grades have dynamic guidelines that project the vehicle’s future path based on the driver’s steering wheel inputs.

Safety and Driver Assistive Features

Active Safety Features

LX

EX

EX-L

Touring

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)1

 

 

 

•

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)9

 

 

 

•

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)2

 

 

 

•

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control6

•

•

•

•

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

•

•

•

•

Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)

•

•

•

•

Brake Assist

•

•

•

•

Multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines8

•

 

 

 

Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines8

 

•

•

•

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)7

•

•

•

•

Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

•

LED

LED

LED

 

 

 

1 CMBS™ cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. System designed to mitigate crash forces. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

2 LDW only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

3 LKAS only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LKAS may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

4 ACC cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather or on winding roads. The driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision.

5 Display accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object and speed, and the display may not show all relevant traffic. The display is not a substitute for your own direct visual assessment of traffic conditions before changing lanes.

6 VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle’s course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.

7 For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge. Do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

8 Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up; the rearview camera display does not provide complete information about all conditions and objects at the rear of your vehicle.

9 FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. FCW does not include a braking function. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.