2022 Honda CR-V
2022 Honda CR-V
Posted on October 13, 2023
Honda CR-V Expert Review
With an upcoming redesign expected for 2023, the segment-leading Honda CR-V sees no additional changes for the 2022 model year beyond adding standard AWD to the CR-V Limited. That means the same class-leading all-around excellence and too-small infotainment screen remain for this year. The CR-V competes against other compact SUVs including the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, and Nissan Rogue.
What We Think
From the very start of this generation, the Honda CR-V impressed us. After becoming the 2018 MotorTrend SUV of the Year, the CR-V won comparison test after comparison test. Why? Credit a combination of innovative, practical details along with good driving dynamics. The CR-V handles well and is relatively quick for a family-oriented compact SUV. It's also in the top half of the class for efficiency and wins our hearts with simple touches like levers to fold down the rear seats from the cargo area as well as rear doors that open to nearly 90 degrees. You won't find both of these details on the Toyota RAV4.
But that Toyota blows the Honda away when it comes to a cabin that feels modern. That's largely because of the CR-V's 7.0-inch touchscreen that's not mounted as high on the dash as the screens in other, fresher Hondas. Even so, if you're in the market for a sub-$40,000 compact SUV, the 2022 CR-V and CR-V Hybrid are great places to start your search. Just know that a completely redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V may be coming soon.
Performance and Efficiency
With the exception of the hybrid model, every CR-V works with the same powertrain. A 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 supplies 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, all of which is sent to the front wheels as standard, although AWD is available on all trims. Regardless of the drivetrain, the 1.5-liter turbo-four is always paired with a CVT automatic. When we tested an AWD CR-V Touring, it reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Efficiency numbers read 27-28/32-34 mpg city/highway, with FWD examples holding a slight advantage over their AWD counterparts.
Safety Ratings and Features
Although the IIHS hasn't evaluated the CR-V as a 2022 model, because it's effectively unchanged for the new model year, last year's safety ratings still apply. The CR-V earned a 2021 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, but that rating only applies to the CR-V Touring with its Good-rated LED headlights. Other variants still get the highest possible crashworthiness scores, but a Marginal headlight rating keeps those trims from TSP status. The 2022 CR-V earns a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA which includes a four-star rollover rating with a 16.4-percent rollover risk.
Every CR-V is fitted with the Honda Sensing collection of driver-assist active safety features. Automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control are included as standard on all trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all but the base CR-V LX.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Honda's packaging expertise means there is loads of space inside a CR-V. Compared to its closest competitor, the Toyota RAV4, the CR-V has more cargo volume both behind the rear seat and with the seat folded down, plus passengers will benefit from more legroom front and rear.
Cargo Space (behind second/first rows)
2022 Honda CR-V: 39.2/75.8 cubic feet
2022 Toyota RAV4: 37.6/69.8 cubic feet
Legroom (first/second row)
2022 Honda CR-V: 41.3/40.4 inches
2022 Toyota RAV4: 41.0/37.8
Technology
The entry-level CR-V LX makes do with a bare bones infotainment setup: a tiny 5.0-inch display and four-speaker audio. Upgrading to the EX, EX-L, or Touring yields a 7.0-inch touchscreen complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Those trims also include an additional USB charge port up front and two charging ports in the second row. The EX gets a six-speaker audio system while the EX-L benefits from eight-speaker audio. Shelling out for the CR-V Touring means integrated navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a nine-speaker audio system with a subwoofer.
CR-V vs. CR-V Hybrid
If you can swing the $1,200 price difference, the partially electrified CR-V is the one to get. Not only is the hybrid more efficient than an AWD standard CR-V (40/35 mpg city/highway compared to 27/32 mpg), it's also quicker, reaching 60 mph in 7.5 seconds compared to the all-gas CR-V's 7.8 seconds. The hybrid also comes standard with the better headlights, meaning all variants earn a 2021 Top Safety Pick. A conventionally-powered CR-V could be a better pick if you only want the base LX or if you really want FWD (neither of which are offered on the hybrid), but otherwise, there's little reason not to go for the CR-V Hybrid.
Recommended Trim
For our money, we'd go for the CR-V EX. Skipping the base model means you'll get the bigger infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the additional safety features. The EX also adds niceties like a power moonroof, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. For buyers with a little extra cash, the EX-L offers all the fitments of the EX plus leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a power liftgate.