The fifth-generation CR-V exterior offers sporty and innovative styling to match its comfortable and spacious interior, while also providing maximum utility value for a wide range of users. Slightly longer, wider and taller than the previous-generation CR-V, the new model is the ideal size to lead the compact SUV segment.
Defining design elements that add strength and vigor to the 2017 CR-V are athletic wheel arches, a long hood with aggressive aerodynamic front-end detailing, a short rear overhang, and increased ground clearance. The design also features a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase that improves rear-seat roominess and ride quality.
Although the new vehicle’s silhouette is reminiscent of the previous CR-V, its details clearly define it as the next generation. These include a windswept new front end appearance, including signature Honda LED headlights (Touring trim), a Honda-first Active Shutter Grille System that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminum alloy wheel sizes, narrower A-pillars for improved visibility, and dual exhaust outlets. Adding convenience is a Honda-first available Hands Free Access Power Tailgate (Touring), which allows opening and closing the tailgate by using a foot-activated motion sensor located under the rear bumper. Available chrome garnishes, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails and numerous Genuine Honda Accessories also expand beauty, convenience and functionality.
Key Exterior Features Upgrades
1 New for CR-V
2 New for Honda
Exterior Styling
Advancing the CR-V’s exterior with a dynamic and exciting new design, the 2017 CR-V builds strongly on the previous four generations. Like those vehicles, the shape of the new CR-V is utility oriented, providing the roominess, flexible storage and off-highway capabilities that are useful for so many people. The new CR-V heads in a fresh new direction with aggressive new attitude, thanks to crisper and sharper front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all models, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase, short rear overhang and dual exhaust outlets give the new CR-V an upscale presence.
The CR-V cabin form is wind-tunnel tested for minimal aerodynamic drag, and features flush glass, significantly narrower A-pillars, and precisely shaped and tailored mirrors. The airflow separates cleanly off the rear of the vehicle via a spoiler positioned above the backlight. Emphatic character lines on the body sides, and an increase in wheel sizes to 17 (LX, EX and EX-L) and 18 inches (Touring) – all aluminum alloy for the first time in CR-V history – further add to the vehicle’s youthful appeal. The large tailgate opening allows easy loading and unloading of even bulky cargo. Finally, bright LED taillights arranged in Honda’s characteristic wing design help distinguish the fifth-generation CR-V at a glance.
Body and Exterior Summary
LX
- 17″ alloy wheels
- 2-speed intermittent windshield wipers
- 57-percent high strength steels (13.8-percent hot-stamp steel)
- Next Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with new crash stroke front frame design
- Advanced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) countermeasures
- Active shutter grille system1,2
- Capless fueling system
- Class-leading forward visibility
- LED brake lights
- LED daytime running lights (DRL)
- LED taillights
- LED turn signals
- Projector-beam halogen headlights
- Sound-absorbing undercovers
- 75.8 cu. ft. maximum cargo capacity (rear seat folded)
EX adds
- 18″ alloy wheels1
- Auto up/down driver and front passenger’s windows1
- Body-color door handles
- Body-color heated side mirrors
- Fog lights
- One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
- Privacy glass
- Projector-beam halogen headlights with auto-on/off
- Auto high beam (AHB)1
- Rear body-color spoiler
- Remote engine start1
- Side mirror-mounted LED turn signals
- Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop
- Tonneau cover
- Variable intermittent windshield wipers
EX-L adds
- Power tailgate
Touring adds
- 18″ alloy wheels1 (unique)
- Auto high beam (AHB)1
- Chrome fog-light garnish1
- Dual exhaust finishers1
- Hands Free Access Power Tailgate2
- LED headlights, high low beams
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers1
- Aluminum roof rails
- Rear “TOURING” emblem
- Side chrome garnish1
1 New for CR-V
2 New for Honda
Exterior Dimensions
The 2017 CR-V has a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase than the previous-generation CR-V (104.7 in. vs. 103.1 in.) for better second-row seating roominess, easier ingress and egress, and superior ride comfort. Despite this upgrade, the overall length increases a modest 0.6 inches, resulting from a shorter rear overhang, which also adds to the new generation CR-V’s sportier look. The front overhang is the same as in 2016.
The new CR-V also has a 1.4-inch wider stance, which further helps with interior roominess, storage capacity and road holding, while contributing to the CR-V’s more athletic stance. Wheel track is up 0.7 inches in front and 1.3 inches in back, significantly benefitting handling. Finally, a slightly taller overall height compared to the 2016 CR-V contributes to both interior roominess and cargo storage capacity.
Comparison of 2017 CR-V and 2016 CR-V Exterior Dimensions
(See the Specifications and Features section for all data.)
Key Body Specifications
(See the Specifications and Features section for all data.)
High-Strength Steel
Multiple steel grades of high-strength steel are used in the CR-V’s body construction to help achieve excellent overall vehicle dynamics, optimize safety performance, reduce weight, and lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Fifty-seven percent of the body is composed of high-strength steels. Ultra-high-strength, hot-stamped steel is utilized for the first time on CR-V and comprises 13.8 percent of the body structure.
Body Materials
Next Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™)
As an integral part of the CR-V structure, Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body-structure enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. ACE utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle, thus reducing the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. ACE channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars.
Body Rigidity
The benefits of the CR-V’s unibody stiffness are numerous, including the ability to tune the suspension for optimum ride and handling performance. The rigid body structure also directly results in a quieter and more comfortable ride experience for the passengers, with less NVH felt over a wide range of driving conditions. Some key advancements in body structure include the following. (See the Safety Driver Assistive Technology section for more information.)
In the Unibody
- Certain connection areas — where the A-pillars meet the floor sills, and the B-pillars meet the roof rails improves rigidity
- Large body panels are shaped using computer aided engineering (CAE) to reduce booming
- An internal rear structural ring stiffens the unibody for improved handling
- Short-pitch welding places spot welds 20 mm (0.8 in) apart in critical areas of the unibody, compared to 40 mm to 45 mm (1.6 in to 1.8 in) traditional spacing, increasing stiffness and durability
Underneath the Vehicle
- A lateral cross-member and damper structure, located between the rear wheels, improves handling
- A cross-car brace, located at the front of the vehicle, improves handling
Aerodynamics
Developed with a combination of computational fluid dynamics, scale-model wind-tunnel testing, and Honda’s first full-scale wind-tunnel testing incorporating a running belt, the 2017 CR-V is highly optimized aerodynamically. The advanced engineering and development work, in combination with key exterior design features, results in a 2-percent improvement in aerodynamic drag (CdA) compared to the previous-generation CR-V. As a result, the fifth-generation CR-V is not only the most aerodynamically efficient CR-V to date, but also the most aerodynamically efficient vehicle in its class (based on Honda internal test data). This directly benefits both fuel efficiency and interior quietness.
Besides the carefully tailored body panels, the CR-V utilizes such details as narrow A-pillars and flush-mounted glass, hidden windshield wipers with flat blades, aerodynamically shaped folding mirrors with sealed hinges, and sealed hood hinges. Additional wind-cheating features include aerodynamically shaped lighting and exhaust silencers, and extensive undercovers that smooth airflow beneath the engine and transmission, mid-floor area and center tunnel. A functional rear spoiler, located at the rear edge of the roofline above the rear window, helps airflow separate from the body more cleanly, further improving aero efficiency. Detailed management of engine-room airflow, specific wheel designs and the Active Shutter Grille system mentioned below, also contribute to the CR-V’s efficient passage through the air.
Active Shutter Grille System
Making its Honda debut on the 2017 CR-V, the new Active Shutter Grille system reduces aerodynamic drag at cruising speeds, directly helping to improve fuel efficiency on the highway. The system uses an electric step motor controlled by a processor that tracks major temperature parameters including engine coolant temperature, transmission oil temperature and air-conditioning requirements. The system either opens or closes the upper and lower shutters simultaneously to control the amount of air flowing through the engine’s radiator and the air conditioner’s condenser (plus the intercooler, for trims powered by the 1.5L turbo engine). The lower shutters leave a small area always open for optimum airflow even when the shutters are closed. The system is designed to keep the shutters closed as much as possible-even in city driving-for improved aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency.
Underbody Aerodynamics
Lateral strakes located ahead of each wheel and tire help deflect airflow around the tires for additional aerodynamic efficiency gains. Even the stamped steel exhaust silencers are aerodynamically shaped, eliminating the need for an under-cover at the rear of the vehicle. This reduces parts count, complexity and weight while helping to ensure optimal aerodynamic efficiency.
In-Die Softzone
The new CR-V employs selectively tempered “soft zone” technology. This special forming technique allows the creation of specially tempered areas, or soft zones, within an ultra-high-strength hot-stamped steel part. As a result, simpler, lighter components can provide the appropriate energy pathways necessary to absorb crash forces. The technology minimizes both parts count and weight.
The process for creating soft zones involves heating the sheet steel to 930 degrees Centigrade before simultaneously stamping and cooling key areas of the part. A laser cutting trimming process then completes the component.
The rearward ends of the rear unibody frame rails each contain a pair of soft zones designed to fold in a controlled, 3-bend manner in the event of a rear impact, helping to attenuate crash energy. The rated material strength of these soft zones is 650-800 MPa high-strength steel, compared to the much stronger 1,400-1,700 MPa hot-stamp steel of the overall rear frame rail. Using this technology in the rear frame rails saves 3.3 pounds.
Class-leading Forward Visibility
The A-pillar section on the 2017 CR-V is 5.2 mm (0.2 in.) narrower than on the previous-generation CR-V, resulting in a 4.5 percent improvement in view angle and placing visibility for corners and intersections at top of class. Safety performance is maintained through the pillars’ shape, the precise design of load pathways during a frontal collision or rollover, and their use of 1500 MPa ultra-high-strength, hot-stamped steel.
Walk Away Door Lock
Included on EX and above trims, the Walk Away Door Lock feature automatically locks (1) when the driver leaves the vehicle; (2) when the key holder’s distance from the vehicle exceeds 6.5 feet for 2 seconds; and (3) when no other key is detected inside the vehicle. An audible tone sounds and the hazard lights flash to confirm that the vehicle has locked. The Walk Away Door Lock feature is programmable, and may be turned on or off as the driver prefers.
Power Side Mirrors
The CR-V’s power side mirrors are aerodynamically optimized to reduce wind noise and minimize turbulence. EX and above trims add body-colored heated side mirrors and integrated LED turn indicators. The side mirrors can be manually folded for greater convenience in tight parking situations, and include sealed hinges to further reduce wind noise. Previously, heated side mirrors with LED turn indicators were available only on Touring trims.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) Countermeasures
Extensive noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) countermeasures position the CR-V at the top of its competitive set, both while the vehicle is accelerating and at cruising speeds. In addition to the floating suspension subframes described above, strategically placed body sealants, acoustic separators inside the A-, B- and C-pillars, and flush-mounted windshield and windshield wipers further aid overall cabin quietness.
Engine Compartment Isolation
Measures to isolate sound and heat emanating from within the engine compartment include dedicated front, side and rear hood seals, strategically placed heat baffles, a hood insulator panel (EX and above trims), an engine under-cover, and dedicated insulation within the instrument panel. Inside the vehicle, a one-piece molded insulated carpet liner adds further to exceptional heat isolation and noise reduction for the CR-V.
Body Sealing
The 2017 CR-V has a high level of body sealing to dramatically reduce the levels of noise inside the vehicle. Specific measures include:
- Pillar separators seal the hollow A-, B- and C-pillars to reduce the transmission of noise from the floor area into the passenger cabin.
- Triple door sealing utilizes 360-degree molded door seals to reduce wind noise and improve isolation.
- Door gap seals at the rear door edges join triple-sealed door openings and lower door-edge seals in keeping wind noise from entering the cabin.
- To reduce noise in the lower corner areas of each side window, two sealing rubber blocks are added to each door, one at the lower front corner and another at the lower rear corner, to fill the gaps between body and glass.
- Eight air-leak reduction moldings and clips at key locations where the side windows slide into the side doors help reduce the possibility of audible air leaks occurring in these locations.
- Along with internal bracing, acoustic hole seals fill open areas inside the door structures, significantly reducing the amount of wind and road noise that can reach the cabin. The same Thinsulate™ material that is used in the doors is also used to reduce sound transmission through the roof and the rear quarter glass.
- Acoustic undercovers and insulators for the front and rear fenders, floor and trunk, inner door, and under-dash areas further attenuate road noise, vibration and harshness.
Auto On/Off Headlights
CR-V EX and above trims feature auto-on/off headlights for greater convenience. The headlights are multi-reflector/projector-beam units on all CR-V models except the Touring, which has auto-on/off LED headlights described below.
EX and above trims also include an auto high beam (AHB) function, a first
for the CR-V. (See the Safety Driver Assistance section for more
information.)
LED Lighting
All CR-V trims incorporate a wide range of light-emitting diode (LED) exterior lighting features, including standard LED daytime running lights (DRL), LED one-touch turn signals, and LED taillights, brake lights, license-plate light and center high-mounted stop light.
The CR-V Touring trim includes LED low-beam and high-beam headlights. Arranged in a sleek in-line display that matches the new windswept body lines, the LED high beams provide a longer and wider range of visibility during nighttime driving.
The LEDs are both mercury free and lead free, benefiting the environment. They require less power to operate than traditional incandescent lighting, which helps fuel efficiency. The versatility of the LED arrays also contributes to the CR-V’s sharp and upscale design. And finally, LED lights have a longer life and are maintenance free.
One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
The CR-V EX and above trims have a one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature that will fully open or close with a single touch of the switch. The moonroof mechanism was purposely designed to provide ample headroom. The moonroof has a sliding sunshade that opens with the roof and can be closed to block sunlight.
Windshield Wipers
The CR-V LX trim has 2-speed intermittent windshield wipers, while the EX and EX-L trims have variable intermittent wipers. The CR-V Touring incorporates rain-sensing capability.
Wiper-Synchronized Headlights
Laws in some states require drivers to turn on the headlights when the wipers are operating in the rain. In all trims, the new CR-V helps its driver comply with these laws by automatically illuminating the headlights when the wipers are activated in rainy conditions (with headlight switch in Auto).
Details include:
- A light sensor detects the ambient brightness and determines when to turn the headlights on or off, while also increasing the illumination of the wiper switch and instrumentation for good visibility.
- If rain is intermittent, the lights stay on for a predetermined interval before automatically turning off again.
- The headlight and illumination sensitivity can be adjusted through vehicle settings.
Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop
All new CR-V models incorporate Push Button Start/Stop, while CR-V EX and above trims add the convenience of Smart Entry. The Smart Entry system simplifies approaching, entering and operating the vehicle. To gain entry, the driver/passenger simply pulls either of the front door handles while the remote in his or her possession.
(See the Interior section for more information.)
Smart Touch Sensor
Included on CR-V EX and above trims, the front door handles, a smart touch sensor replaces the black rubber lock button of the previous generation. The new smart touch sensor is located on the top rear of the door handle, reducing the chance of the driver’s thumb accidentally activating the door lock when grabbing the handle.
Walk Away Door Lock
Included on EX and above trims, the Walk Away Door Lock feature automatically locks the CR-V when the driver leaves the vehicle. This hands-free locking capability adds everyday convenience that’s especially useful when the driver has his or her hands full or is distracted. In typical use, when all doors are closed and the driver walks away, the CR-V will automatically lock when the key holder’s distance from the vehicle exceeds 6.5 feet for 2 seconds or more and when no other key is detected inside the vehicle. An audible tone sounds and the hazard lights flash to confirm that the vehicle has locked. The Walk Away Door Lock feature is programmable, and may be turned on or off as the driver prefers.
Remote Engine Start
Included on CR-V EX and above trims, Remote Engine Start lets the driver start the CR-V remotely via the remote key fob, thereby activating the climate control system with a target temperature of 72 degrees. The system will automatically operate the heater, front and rear defrosters, front heated seats, heated side mirror, and air conditioning as needed.
To start the engine remotely, the owner presses the LOCK button on the key fob and then holds the ENGINE button for a second. The vehicle’s hazard lights will flash, indicating that the signal has been received. When the engine is started remotely, the wipers, lighting and audio systems remain off, and the security system remains set. The engine will run for up to 10 minutes after remote starting and can be extended by another 10 minutes using the same procedure.
Power Tailgate
The CR-V EX and above trims feature a power tailgate. Replacing the twin gas-charged strut and separate electric motor system on the previous CR-V, the new CR-V uses a spindle-type strut on the left side. This “active” strut contains a small electric motor and planetary gear set. Fully sealed, the spindle-type strut lends the tailgate area a cleaner appearance while also helping to improve cargo room. The spindle-type strut is also 3.1 lb. lighter than the gear-driven system on the previous-generation CR-V Touring trim.
The power tailgate can be operated via the remote key fob, from a button on the driver’s door panel, a button above the rear license plate (for opening) or from a button located inside the tailgate (for closing).
Three distinct capabilities included in the new CR-V (EX and above):
- Stop and Hold – The stop and hold feature allows the tailgate to be stopped at any desired position, which is useful when the CR-V is parked in tight areas such as in a crowded parking lot, in a garage, or near a wall.
- Programmable Height – This function allows the CR-V driver to set the opening height of the tailgate to their desired level. This allows drivers of different heights to program the tailgate to open at a height that is convenient for them. Like the stop and hold function, the programmable height function allows safe use of the tailgate in a confined area such as a garage with a low ceiling. To use the programmable height function, simply press the tailgate switch for 3 seconds when the tailgate reaches the desired height. The system beeps twice to indicate that it has been programmed.
- Hands Free Access (Touring only) – New to Honda and exclusive to the CR-V Touring is a new hands free access system. Convenient and versatile, this premium feature makes operating the tailgate easier and more satisfying for drivers with different needs, or who are different sizes. The power tailgate can be easily opened or closed simply by kicking a foot underneath either of the two motion sensors at the rear center of the vehicle (one at the lower rear bumper edge and another underneath the rear fascia). The sensors can detect a kicking motion (in-out foot motion required) (longitudinal range: 1.2 inches to 3.9 inches from sensor, lateral range: around the center of the rear bumper). This enables people carrying items the ability to load or retrieve items, even if both hands are full and unable to operate the remote. It also keeps the driver’s hands clean if the tailgate and handle are dirty. The hands free access works as long as the user is carrying the CR-V’s key fob.
Enhanced Cargo Capacity
The 2017 CR-V has a wide and deep cargo area offering 39.2 cu. ft. of storage volume (37.6 cu. ft. for the Touring trim) with the second-row seats up (2 cu. ft. more than the 2016 CR-V), and 75.8 cu. ft. of storage volume with the seats folded (4.9 cu. ft. more than the 2016 CR-V). This positions the new CR-V near the top of its competitive set in total cargo volume. With the second-row seats folded, the storage area is also 9.8-inches longer than the 2016 CR-V. Additionally, a single-motion folding second-row seat feature makes converting the CR-V from passenger to cargo-hauling use easier.
(See the Interior section for more information.)
Four tie-down rings are included at the edges of the cargo area. Also standard, a retractable tonneau (EX and above) allows hiding storage items from view. The floor is carpeted to help protect cargo during transit, and also to help reduce road noise entering the passenger cabin. A removable floor panel hides the temporary spare tire, jack and wrench, and two cargo-area lights provides illumination when the tailgate is open.
Two-level floor
Convenience of use of the storage area is also improved. For 2017, the cargo area has a new “2-level” floor mode. With this feature, the cargo-area floor can be installed in either an upper or lower position. In the upper position, when the second-row seats are folded the CR-V has a completely flat cargo-area floor from the tailgate opening all the way forward to the front seats. This makes loading and securing large objects easier – or when camping, it enables a completely flat sleeping area. Moving the floor panel to the lower position maximizes storage room when the second-row seats are up. The rigid and lightweight composite floor panel weighs just 5.5 lb. – over a pound lighter than the 2016 CR-V’s rear floor panel. (See the Interior section for more information.)
Body Exterior Features
1 New for Honda
2 New for CR-V
(See the Specifications and Features section for all data.)
Colors
The 2017 CR-V is available in ten exterior colors including five metallic colors and five pearl colors. Matching the new CR-V’s upscale and sporty style, the color range is both intriguing and exciting, with four new colors – Molten Lava Pearl, Dark Olive Metallic, Sandstorm Metallic and Gunmetal Metallic – embracing a technological theme that matches the CR-V’s advanced design and engineering.
The ten exterior colors are individually keyed to the 2017 CR-V’s three available interior colors: Black, Gray with Black trim, or Ivory with Black trim.
