2015 Honda CR-V review
Honda CR-V highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Fuel economy is near the top among rivals
- Cabin scores high on both passenger and cargo space
Cons
- Only one engine choice
- Driver aids only available on top-end model
Mileage (EPA estimate)
26 city, 33 highway, 28 combined
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On this page
Current year
Refreshed exterior styling and new direct-injected four-cylinder engine
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Refreshed 2015 Honda CR-V is even better
After three years of the CR-V holding steady, Honda made a number of changes to its big-selling compact crossover SUV for 2015. Key among these is a new continuously variable transmission. It not only helps the 185-hp 2.4-liter engine produce more spirited acceleration when needed, but it also improves the EPA-estimated fuel economy—and efficiency was already a strong point with the CR-V. The drive is as smooth and agile as ever. The CR-V comes with front-wheel drive, but there's the option of all-wheel drive if you need greater traction. Choices are limited elsewhere: The 2.4-liter is the only engine choice, for example, and options are minimal.
The lineup starts with a well-equipped LX entry-level model, which features full power accessories, a rearview camera, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Indeed, the LX only lacks alloy wheels. Jump to the EX for those, and you'll also gain LED running lights, a sunroof, rear privacy glass, heated front seats, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The EX-L adds a touch of luxury with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and satellite radio. The Touring is the new top-of-the-line trim level and features a navigation system with HD radio, as well as a suite of driver aids including forward collision mitigation and a lane departure warning system. Overall, the 2015 refresh adds to the well-rounded appeal of the capable, spacious CR-V.
2015 Honda CR-V review
1. Touch-of-a-button conveniences
When you have your hands full with work and school bags, the small but significant conveniences the CR-V has are going to be an everyday help. On the EX trim and above, the 2015 CR-V can identify when the key is inside the vehicle. So rather than trying to find it in the bottom of a purse, all you need to do is press a button to start the engine.
On the Touring trim, you'll find the tailgate button on your key, at the driver's seat, and on the tailgate itself. Super helpful if you're doing multiple after-school activity drop-offs and errands.
2. Clever cargo space
That easy-access liftgate is just one of the great features of the CR-V's cargo capability. The 2015 CR-V has 35.2 cu-ft of fixed cargo storage with a low loading floor that helps when you're loading large items or taking your dogs to and from their favorite park. Lowering the spring-mounted rear seats extends cargo space to 70.9 cu-ft; generous enough for holiday shopping or camping-trip essentials.
3. Range-topping Touring trim
New for the 2015 model year, the Touring trim is a welcome addition to the CR-V line-up, adding a roster of clever upgrades. Helping you find your route is a satellite-linked navigation system. Hit the highway, and you'll appreciate the Touring trim's driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning system, and more. Leather upholstery (from EX-L) and 18-inch alloy wheels (Touring exclusive) complete the high-end look and feel.
4. An indulgent second row
While the CR-V may come off initially as straightforward and practical, its second row shows how much more it has to offer. Spacious rear seating makes it comfortable for adult passengers; there are 38.3-inches of rear legroom and 56.4-inches of shoulder room. Those rear seats are split folding, too, for maximum configurability. They also recline (a comfort boost on long journeys) and all three seats are equipped with LATCH anchors for securing child seats.
5. Smart standard tech
While rival models might hold back the best tech for higher trims, the 2015 CR-V is well equipped at its base trim LX level. An infotainment display screen, Bluetooth® functionality, and a text-message reader with digital voice are all features that play a huge role in staying connected while focusing on the road. For a base trim model to have these as standard is a real plus for the CR-V.
Similar vehicles
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Totally redesigned for 2018, the Chevrolet Equinox gained power through a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including a 1.6L diesel. The nine-speed automatic transmission is fast and smooth, sending power to the front with standard FWD, or all four wheels with optional AWD. You can get the 2016-present Equinox in the base L trim or step up to the high-end Premier trim. The huge choice of options includes bold colors, internet connectivity, driver-assistance technology, and a slick e-AWD system that disconnects the rear wheels for improved efficiency.
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier delivers these standard features:
Heated front seats
Lane-departure and forward-collision warning
Leather upholstery
Mazda CX-5
Redesigned in 2017, the Mazda CX-5 is a popular choice in the compact SUV segment. Its 185-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder engine is the only engine option for 2017 and 2018, while 2019 introduced an optional 2.5L turbocharged version with an output of 250 horsepower. Trim levels for 2017 and 2018 include the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring models. CX-5 shoppers are attracted to its upscale approach; 2019 introduced two new luxurious trim levels, the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, which both come standard with the turbocharged engine. The base 2019 Mazda CX-5 Sport comes standard with the following options:
17-inch aluminum wheels
Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Tilt/telescoping steering column
Featuring a classically Volkswagen exterior style and some impressive driver-focused features, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a crossover SUV that's refined and confident as a daily driver. The 2016–2017 models are part of the Tiguan's first-generation and feature a single engine option. The peppy, turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine delivers 200-hp via a six-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is available).
The 2018 and 2019 Tiguans are second-generation models that can boast of 10-inches of extra overall length and, should you need it, an optional third row of seating. All 2018–2019 Tiguans are motivated by a turbocharged 2.0L engine that pumps out 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.
Standard features of the 2016–2019 Volkswagen Tiguan model include:
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
USB port
Roof rails
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (from 2017)
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.4 out of 5
65 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 42 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 15 |
| 3 Stars | 3 |
| 2 Stars | 3 |
| 1 Star | 2 |
RepairPal gave the Honda CR-V an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Honda CR-V 6th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Honda CR-VHonda CR-V features and specs
Curious how Honda CR-V trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
EX 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Parking Sensors
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
185
Torque (ft-lbs)
181
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
15.3
Wheelbase
103.1"
Overall length
179.4"
Width
71.6"
Height
64.7"
Leg room
F 41.3"/R 38.3"
Head room
F 38"/R 38.6"
Front tires
P225/65TR17
Rear tires
P225/65TR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2015 Honda CR-V FAQ
Many factors can affect the reliability of a Honda CR-V, including its driving history, maintenance records, and mileage. However, according to RepairPal® reliability data, which are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles, the CR-V receives a 4.5/5 (Excellent) rating. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
Yes. Helpfully, the 2015 Honda CR-V has an onboard Maintenance Minder system that monitors use and calculates regular maintenance items, based on mileage, and operating conditions.
More about the 2015 Honda CR-V
Exterior colors
Alabaster Silver Metallic
Basque Red Pearl II
Copper Sunset Pearl
Crystal Black Pearl
Kona Coffee Metallic
Modern Steel Metallic
Mountain Air Metallic
Urban Titanium Metallic
White Diamond Pearl
Interior colors
Beige
Black
Gray
Interior details
The 2015 Honda CR-V seats five passengers, with a choice of three classic interior colors (beige, black, or gray) and either cloth or leather upholstery. Comfort touches include four cup holders (two and two), door cubbyholes, and a central console for storing essential items. Want to enjoy those bright winter mornings? Heated front seats and a light-giving sunroof are cabin highlights from the EX trim and above.
Child seat details
The 2015 Honda CR-V has two full sets of LATCH restraints (upper tether and lower anchors) in the second-row outboard seats. The upper tether hooks for these are found in the middle of the seatback. The middle seat has an upper tether restraint (found in the ceiling) and one lower anchor. All lower anchors are easy to find. The 2015 CR-V can accommodate booster, infant, and convertible (front/rear) seats.
With rear-facing child seats, your front-seat passenger may need to click their seat forward a touch. The wide rear-door opening on the 2015 CR-V makes fixing seats and settling children much easier on parents and guardians.
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2015 Honda CR-V received an overall 4/5 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Test: A head-on collision between two similar vehicles traveling at 35 mph.
Overall: 4/5
Side Barrier Crash Rating Test: A vehicle standing in an intersection sustains driver-side impact from a vehicle moving at 38.5 mph.
Overall: 5/5
Side Pole Crash Rating Test: A vehicle slides sideways at 20 mph and impacts a tree or telephone pole.
Overall: 5/5
Performance
All 2015 CR-V models are powered by a 2.4L direct fuel injection four-cylinder engine, paired to continuously variable transmission with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive across the trim range. This impressive setup delivers 185 horsepower, while torque tops out at 181 lb-ft.
When new, the 2015 range-topping CR-V Touring, achieves a zero-to-60-mph time of 8.7 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Fuel economy figures are worth noting too; the CR-V equipped with FWD and the 2.4L engine gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the 2015 Honda CR-V with FWD and 2.4L engine, has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 306 grams per mile.4 The 2015 CR-V with the same 2.4L engine, and AWD, has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 317 grams per mile.
All Honda CR-V years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Honda CR-V generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2015 Honda CR-V?
- The CR-V is available in a new trim called the Touring.
- CR-V trims have been upgraded with Smart Key, Vinyl Seats, Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Memory Seat(s), and Power Hatch/Deck Lid as standard equipment this year.
- The EX trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters and Power Seat(s) as standard equipment.
2015 Honda CR-V trims
Curious how Honda CR-V trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesLX
Includes hill start assist, six airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA®), multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines, five-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering column, illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls, fold-down 60/40 split rear seat, four-speakers audio system, USB audio port, and more.
EX
Adds seven-inch touchscreen, 10-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, six-speaker audio system, Honda LaneWatch™, push-button start, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch aluminum wheels, sunroof, privacy glass, cover, additional USB port, seatback pockets, illuminated vanity mirrors, and more.
EX-L
Adds auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather seating surfaces, leather steering wheel cover, dual-zone air conditioning, seven-speaker audio system, navigation system, roof rails, heated side mirrors, and more.
Touring
Adds forward collision warning, power tailgate, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, 18-inch wheels, driver's memory seat, projector headlights, and more.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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