All-new 2022 Honda CR-V debuts with sharper looks, improved hybrid powertrain



The all-new 2022 Honda CR-V has just been unveiled in the United States, with the C-segment SUV scheduled to go on sale in the coming months to rival the Toyota RAV4.

Styling wise, the all-new Honda CR-V has been completely redesigned from the ground up, ditching the previous bulbous appearance for a sharper and – according to the carmaker – more rugged look.

Honda says the all-new 2022 CR-V’s design takes inspiration from the Honda Ridgeline and Passport Trailsport, and even though it’s heavily related to the US-market HR-V, it actually shares more visual similarities with the global HR-V model, with highlights being the tall and flat front fascia, as well as the wide hexagonal front grille flanked by slim LED headlight fixtures.

The all-new Honda CR-V has grown in size, particularly in length (+69 mm) and width (+10 mm) for a more “premium” proportion and broader stance on the road. The increase in size is most noticeable when viewed from the sides, where you’ll notice the longer bonnet thanks to the repositioned A-pillars, as well as the prominent beltline that accentuates its length.

The wheelbase has also been stretched by over 40 mm to now measuring 2,700 mm, with the extra room between the wheels contributing to the extra space inside the cabin.

Inside is where its relationship with the Civic is most apparent, with the entire dashboard essentially taken wholesale from the sedan, including the three-spoke steering wheel, full-width honeycomb mesh air vents, as well as the freestanding touchscreen infotainment display measuring seven- or nine-inches depending on variant.

The all-new Honda CR-V does however get a unique and larger centre console, afforded by its larger overall size. It’s not as vertical as the outgoing model, but the wider footprint allows for the drive-mode selector and electronic parking brake to be moved up alongside the gear lever, clearing up more space for the storage cubbies and cup holders.

Standard kit on the all-new 2022 Honda CR-V include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity (wireless on range-topping variants), a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, 10 airbags, as well as an improved Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance suite with new functions such as Traffic Jam Assist and Low-Speed Braking Control.

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In the US, the all-new CR-V makes its debut with a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged inline-four engine that makes 193 hp and 243 Nm of torque. While output figures are unchanged from before, Honda says that the engine is upgraded to now offer better refinement and improved emissions. As before, it’s paired to a CVT gearbox, which also gets tweaks to reduce noise and vibration.

The e:HEV hybrid powertrain will join the line-up at a later date, consisting of a 2.0 litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and e-CVT gearbox offers up to 207 hp and 335 Nm. Horsepower figures have indeed dropped when compared to its outgoing model (215 hp), but the torquier electric motor (+20 Nm) now gives the CR-V a tow rating of up to 454 kg.

The Real Time AWD system can be optioned on all variants, with the system now able to send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels for better traction in slippery conditions. For better driveability, Honda also says that the CR-V’s chassis has been stiffened by up to 15%, while the steering rack has also been tweaked to offer improved feel and accuracy.