Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a classic comparison: the 2016 Honda CR-V versus the 2017 Honda CR-V. These compact SUVs are perennial favorites, known for their reliability, practicality, and overall value. But what are the real differences between these two model years, and which one should you choose? Let's break it down!

Overview of the 2016 Honda CR-V

The 2016 Honda CR-V represents the tail end of the fourth generation. It's a solid, dependable SUV that offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and plenty of cargo space. If you're in the market for a used SUV that won't break the bank and will likely last for years to come, the 2016 CR-V is definitely worth considering. It's a known quantity, with a proven track record. The 2016 model carries forward many of the features and characteristics that made the CR-V a popular choice in previous years, focusing on practicality and reliability. It's a no-nonsense vehicle designed to meet the needs of families and individuals alike, offering a blend of comfort, utility, and efficiency. One of the key strengths of the 2016 CR-V is its spacious interior. Both the passenger and cargo areas are generously sized, making it ideal for road trips, hauling groceries, or transporting sports equipment. The rear seats can be easily folded down to create even more cargo space, providing flexibility for different needs. The driving experience is also noteworthy, with the 2016 CR-V offering a smooth and comfortable ride. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, while the steering is responsive and precise. This makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic and enjoyable to drive on long highway journeys. From a technology standpoint, the 2016 CR-V offers a decent array of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels may also include features like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and convenience. Under the hood, the 2016 CR-V is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers adequate power and good fuel economy. It's not the sportiest engine in its class, but it provides enough grunt for everyday driving situations. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2016 Honda CR-V is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's a reliable, practical, and comfortable vehicle that's perfect for families, commuters, and anyone looking for a versatile SUV. While it may not have all the latest bells and whistles, it excels in the areas that matter most to many buyers: reliability, fuel economy, and practicality.

Overview of the 2017 Honda CR-V

The 2017 Honda CR-V marks the beginning of the fifth generation, and it's a significant step up from the previous model. It boasts a more modern design, updated technology, and an available turbocharged engine. If you're looking for a CR-V with a fresher feel and more advanced features, the 2017 is the way to go. The 2017 model represents a significant redesign, bringing with it a host of improvements and enhancements over its predecessor. It's a more modern, refined, and technologically advanced SUV that caters to the evolving needs of car buyers. One of the most noticeable changes in the 2017 CR-V is its exterior styling. The design is more sleek and contemporary, with a bolder front fascia, sculpted lines, and a more aerodynamic profile. The overall look is more upscale and sophisticated, giving the CR-V a more premium appearance. Inside, the 2017 CR-V features a redesigned interior with improved materials and a more ergonomic layout. The dashboard is more modern and user-friendly, with a larger touchscreen display and intuitive controls. The seats are more comfortable and supportive, and the overall fit and finish are noticeably better. In terms of technology, the 2017 CR-V offers a wider range of features than the 2016 model. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. It also offers advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and convenience. Under the hood, the 2017 CR-V offers a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged engine is the more popular choice, as it delivers more power and better fuel economy than the base engine. It's also more responsive and fun to drive, making the CR-V feel more agile and energetic. The 2017 CR-V also offers improved handling and ride quality. The suspension has been retuned to provide a more comfortable and controlled ride, while the steering is more precise and responsive. This makes the CR-V feel more confident and composed on the road, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. Overall, the 2017 Honda CR-V is a significant upgrade over the 2016 model. It offers a more modern design, updated technology, and improved performance. It's a more refined, comfortable, and enjoyable SUV to drive, making it a top choice in its class. If you're looking for a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, performance, and technology, the 2017 CR-V is definitely worth considering.

Key Differences: 2016 vs. 2017

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a breakdown of the major differences between the 2016 and 2017 Honda CR-V: The 2017 Honda CR-V brought about a generational shift, introducing a range of enhancements and new features that distinguished it from the 2016 Honda CR-V. These key distinctions spanned across design, technology, and performance, offering consumers a more modern and refined driving experience. From a design perspective, the 2017 CR-V showcased a more contemporary and sleek exterior, characterized by bolder lines and a more aggressive front fascia. This contrasted with the more traditional design of the 2016 model, giving the newer version a more premium and stylish appeal. Inside, the 2017 CR-V featured a redesigned interior with upgraded materials and a more intuitive layout, enhancing both comfort and functionality for both the driver and passengers. In terms of technology, the 2017 CR-V offered a significant leap forward, incorporating features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which were absent in the 2016 model. These additions allowed for seamless smartphone connectivity, providing access to navigation, music, and communication apps directly through the car's infotainment system. Furthermore, the 2017 CR-V boasted advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing driver awareness and overall safety on the road. Under the hood, the 2017 CR-V introduced a new engine option: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine provided a more efficient and responsive driving experience compared to the 2016 model's 2.4-liter engine. The turbocharged engine delivered improved fuel economy and enhanced performance, making the 2017 CR-V more enjoyable to drive in various conditions. Another notable difference was the handling and ride quality. The 2017 CR-V featured a retuned suspension that provided a smoother and more controlled ride. This, combined with improved steering precision, made the 2017 model more comfortable and confident on the road. In summary, the 2017 Honda CR-V represented a comprehensive upgrade over the 2016 model, offering a more modern design, advanced technology, and enhanced performance. These key differences made the 2017 CR-V a more compelling option for consumers seeking a contemporary and well-equipped compact SUV.

• Design: The 2017 model has a more modern and aggressive exterior design. The interior is also more refined. The 2016 CR-V has a more traditional, slightly dated look. 2017 has bolder lines, and a more aggressive front. 2016 has a more traditional design. The 2017 features a redesigned interior with better materials. The 2016 interior is functional but less stylish. This translates to a more premium look and feel for the 2017 model. Overall, the interior of the 2017 CR-V feels more modern, comfortable, and well-equipped than the 2016 model. It reflects Honda's commitment to improving the overall driving experience by enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of the vehicle's interior.
• Technology: The 2017 CR-V offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which is missing in the 2016 version. The 2017 model also has more advanced safety features available. The 2017 has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and advanced safety features. The 2016 lacks smartphone integration, and fewer advanced safety options. The 2017 has a more user-friendly infotainment system. The 2016 system is less intuitive and responsive. This makes the 2017 CR-V a more connected and safer vehicle overall. Overall, the technology upgrades in the 2017 CR-V provide a more seamless and connected driving experience, as well as enhanced safety and convenience for both the driver and passengers. These advancements reflect Honda's commitment to incorporating the latest technology into their vehicles to meet the evolving needs and expectations of modern drivers.
• Engine: The 2017 CR-V has an available 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which offers better fuel economy and more power than the 2016's 2.4-liter engine. The 2017 offers a 1.5L turbo engine, with better MPG and more power. The 2016 has a 2.4L engine, which is less efficient. The 2017 engine provides quicker acceleration. The 2016 engine offers adequate but not exciting performance. This results in a more engaging and efficient driving experience in the 2017 model. The turbocharged engine not only enhances fuel efficiency but also delivers improved responsiveness and acceleration, making the 2017 CR-V more enjoyable to drive in various conditions. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the 2017 CR-V offers a more refined and dynamic driving experience compared to the 2016 model, thanks to its advanced engine technology.
• Ride and Handling: Many reviewers note that the 2017 CR-V has a smoother, more refined ride compared to the 2016 model. The 2017 has smoother ride, and improved handling. The 2016 ride is adequate, but less refined. The 2017 feels more composed on the road. The 2016 can feel a bit bumpy on rough surfaces. The steering is more precise in the 2017 model. Overall, the improvements in ride and handling make the 2017 CR-V a more comfortable and enjoyable vehicle to drive, especially on long journeys or over rough terrain. The retuned suspension and enhanced steering contribute to a more confident and composed driving experience, allowing drivers to feel more in control and connected to the road. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the 2017 CR-V offers a more refined and comfortable ride compared to the 2016 model.

Which One Should You Choose?

So, which CR-V should you pick? Here's a simple guide: The decision between choosing the 2016 Honda CR-V and the 2017 Honda CR-V depends largely on your individual preferences, priorities, and budget constraints. Both models offer their own unique set of advantages, catering to different needs and expectations. If you're primarily concerned with affordability and reliability, the 2016 Honda CR-V may be the more suitable option. As an older model, it typically comes with a lower price tag, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. Despite its age, the 2016 CR-V still offers a dependable and practical driving experience, with a comfortable interior, ample cargo space, and a proven track record for reliability. It's a solid choice for those seeking a no-frills SUV that can handle daily commuting and family errands without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you prioritize modern features, advanced technology, and a more refined driving experience, the 2017 Honda CR-V is the clear winner. With its updated design, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and available turbocharged engine, the 2017 CR-V offers a more contemporary and engaging driving experience. It also boasts enhanced safety features and a smoother ride, making it a more comfortable and confident choice for long journeys and daily commutes alike. While the 2017 CR-V may come with a higher price tag compared to the 2016 model, the added features and improvements may be well worth the investment for those seeking a more modern and well-equipped SUV. Ultimately, the decision between the 2016 and 2017 Honda CR-V boils down to your individual needs and priorities. Consider what aspects of a vehicle are most important to you, such as budget, features, performance, and reliability, and then weigh the pros and cons of each model accordingly. By carefully evaluating your options and considering your unique circumstances, you can make an informed decision and choose the CR-V that best suits your needs and preferences.

• Choose the 2016 if: You're on a tighter budget and prioritize reliability over the latest features. It is a great reliable and affordable choice. This is perfect if you are looking for a used car.
• Choose the 2017 if: You want a more modern design, updated technology, and are willing to spend a bit more. The newer technology and design make it a more enjoyable car. It provides an efficient driving experience.

Ultimately, both the 2016 and 2017 Honda CR-V are excellent SUVs. It really comes down to your personal preferences and budget. Happy car hunting!