2015 Honda CR-V’s durable engine delivers competitive performance and an impressive 33 mpg highway
The single-engine option for the 2015 Honda CR-V offers 185 horsepower and acceptable acceleration
The 2015 Honda CR-V launched with a single engine and transmission available for both FWD and AWD models. The four-cylinder direct injection engine has a displacement of 2,356 cc. The 11.1:1 compression ratio allows it to produce 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft. of torque even with such a small engine. It has an in-line design and a bore and stroke of 87 x 99.1 mm.
Honda modified the 2.4L engine for 2015 using its Earth Dream Technology. The newly designed powertrain improved fuel economy by nearly 10% over 2014, but not overall power. It features a dual overhead camshaft design with Honda Intelligent Variable Timing and Electronic Lift Control, meaning the onboard computer continually adjusts timing to minimize wear and improve combustion.
Mated to a continuously variable transmission, it gains up to an EPA-estimated 33 mg highway and 27 in the city. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, it tops out at an estimated 32 mpg highway, which is a great trade-off for the extra control on slippery roads. The SUV tows up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Don’t expect to win races with the 2015 Honda CR-V, but its powertrain gives you all the power you need for everyday driving. It has a top speed of around 110 mph and reaches 60 mph from a complete stop in eight to nine seconds. A FWD EX managed to snatch a 0-60 time of just 7.5 seconds, but it’s a unique achievement for the reliable SUV.
Top auto reviewers were impressed with the 2015 CR-V’s 7.5-second 0-60 acceleration and responsiveness
While the midsize SUV is designed for a busy family, its small, efficient powertrain still manages to impress professionals with its agility and responsiveness, with a few minor caveats.
car and driver found in its review that the 2015 Honda CR-V EX’s new engine “makes it livelier and more responsive” than the previous year’s model. What they didn’t like was the feel at cruising speed, noting that the car “gets worse as the normally smooth-sounding engine revs to a cruising speed of 1200 rpm to save fuel, with a slight acceleration. At this engine speed, the steering, the wheel, the floor, and the seat vibrate slightly, as if the bass of a subwoofer were being turned on.
Motor Trend had the vehicle for a long-term test and decided that the 2015 Honda CR-V is “slightly quicker than average, the steering has some feel and weight, and the Honda has a well-tuned CVT.” However, they also mentioned the omnipresent vibration.
MOUNTAIN It also took the time to explore the Sport vs. Econ driving mode, which helps to further improve efficiency. When Sport is selected, it only reduces your 0-60 time by 0.2 seconds, which isn’t a huge improvement. Econ mode added 0.8 seconds to the run, but also saved 7% on a full tank, making it an attractive feature for a passenger car.
Overall, the powertrain will not disappoint drivers in terms of efficiency, acceleration, and durability compared to other SUVs in the segment.
2015 Honda CR-V’s nearly bulletproof engine adds value to a reliable SUV
Ultimately, if you’re wondering if the 2015 Honda CR-V’s engine will reach the 200,000-mile mark, the answer is probably yes. Even better, it offers a more spirited performance than you’d expect in a compact to midsize SUV.
The 2015 Honda CR-V reportedly suffers from annoying vibrations and even stalls, but the engine is not at the center of the problems. When you follow the recommended schedule of oil, spark plug, belt, and filter changes, this is an engine built to last.
Photos: Honda
