With a choice of a powerful 2.4-liter in-line 4 or an all-new 1.5-liter turbocharged in-line 4 (a CR-V first), the 2017 CR-V offers exceptional fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive performance. Both engines are paired with Continuously Variable Transmissions and are offered in front-wheel drive or with reengineered Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ for all-weather performance and control.
The CR-V LX is powered by a 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC® + VTC direct-injected (DI) inline-4. Designed to operate on Regular Unleaded fuel, the normally aspirated powerplant is rated at 184 peak horsepower at 6,400 rpm. Peak torque output is 180 lb.-ft. at 3,900 rpm. The engine is Tier 3 Bin 70 emissions compliant and is rated by the EPA at 26/32/28 mpg1 (city/highway/combined) when equipped with front wheel drive and 25/31/27 mpg1 (city/highway/combined) when equipped with Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™.
The CR-V EX, EX-L and Touring trim are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged DOHC direct-injected inline-4 engine with dual variable timing control that is the most powerful engine ever offered in the CR-V, and Honda's most powerful production turbocharged engine ever offered in America. Designed to operate on Regular Unleaded fuel, the engine is rated at 190 peak horsepower at 5,600 rpm. Peak torque output is 179 lb.-ft. from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm. The engine is Tier 3 Bin 70 emissions compliant and is rated by the EPA at 28/34/30 mpg1 (city/highway/combined) when equipped with front wheel drive and 27/33/29 mpg1 (city/highway/combined) when equipped with Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™.
Key Powertrain Specifications & Features
2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC® + VTC direct-injected (DI) inline-4 (LX)
- Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) + Variable Timing Control (VTC)
- Computer-controlled Direct Injection (DI) with multi-hole fuel injectors*
- 11.1:1 compression ratio
- Lightweight, high rigidity steel crankshaft
- Drive-by-Wire throttle system
- Maintenance Minder™ system optimizes service intervals
- 100,000 +/- miles tune-up interval
- 184 horsepower at 6,400 rpm (SAE net)
- 181 lb.-ft. torque at 3,900 rpm (SAE net)
- Regular Unleaded
- Tier 3 Bin 70 emissions compliant
- U.S. EPA fuel-economy ratings (city/highway/combined) (anticipated)
- 26/32/28 mpg1 (2.4-liter with FWD; LX)
- 25/31/27 mpg1 (2.4-liter with AWD; LX)
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- 5.05:1 final drive ratio
Turbocharged 1.5-liter, DOHC direct-injected inline-4 engine (EX, EX-L and Touring) 1
- Dual Variable Timing Control (VTC)
- Low inertia mono scroll turbo with electronic waste gate*
- Computer-controlled Direct Injection (DI) with multi-hole fuel injectors*
- 10.3:1 compression ratio
- Lightweight, high rigidity steel crankshaft
- Drive-by-Wire throttle system
- Maintenance Minder™ system optimizes service intervals
- 100,000 +/- miles tune-up interval
- 190 horsepower at 5,600 rpm (SAE net)
- 179 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000-5,000 rpm (SAE net)
- Regular Unleaded
- Tier 3 Bin 70 emissions compliant
- U.S. EPA fuel-economy ratings (city/highway/combined) (anticipated)
- 28/34/30 mpg1 (1.5-liter turbo with FWD; EX, EX-L, Touring)
- 27/33/29 mpg1 (1.5-liter turbo with AWD; EX, EX-L, Touring)
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- 5.64:1 final drive ratio
Drive Systems
- Front-wheel drive
- Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™
* New for CR-V
Output/EPA Estimates by Model and Drivetrain
| Feature | CR-V LX | CR-V EX, EX-L, Touring |
| Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) | 184 @ 6,400 | 190 @ 5,600 |
|
Torque |
180 @ 3,900 | 179 @ 2,000-5,000 |
| EPA Fuel Economy Ratings1 (city / highway/ combined) (anticipated) |
26/32/28 (FWD) |
28/34/30 (FWD) |
| Recommended fuel | Regular unleaded (87 octane) | Regular unleaded (87 octane) |
Engine Architecture and Features
2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC Direct-Injected Inline-4 Engine
The 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC® + VTC direct-injected (DI) inline-4 in the CR-V LX is carried over from the 2016 model. This engine is designed to operate on Regular Unleaded fuel and is rated at 184 horsepower at 6,400 rpm. Peak torque output is 180 lb.-ft. at 3,900 rpm.
2.4-liter engine
Cylinder Block and Crankshaft
The CR-V LX's 2.4-liter engine has a lightweight die-cast aluminum cylinder block with a main-bearing single cradle design that creates a rigid assembly to help minimize noise and vibration. Cast-in iron cylinder liners provide long-lasting durability. Each journal on the forged-steel crankshaft is micro-polished to reduce internal friction. To improve smoothness throughout the rpm range and help lower noise levels, the engine is fitted with an internal balancer unit. Consisting of a pair of chain-driven counter-rotating shafts located in the oil pan, the balancing system helps quell the inherent second-order harmonic vibrations that normally impact inline 4-cylinder engines.
To reduce piston-sliding friction, the cylinder bores are offset by 8.0 mm from the crankshaft. This gives the connecting rods a more favorable angle during each power stroke, which reduces side loading on the pistons and in turn, improves efficiency. The engine also features a forged crankshaft for high rigidity and low friction. With 4 smaller-diameter counterweights and 4 larger-diameter counterweights, the crankshaft offers optimized flywheel effect while minimizing total weight.
Pistons and Connecting Rods
Lightweight pistons have a carefully optimized skirt design to minimize reciprocating mass, and reduced weight minimizes vibration and increases operating efficiency. The piston crowns are dished to help maintain stable combustion and to optimize distribution of the stratified fuel charge from the direct injector in each cylinder. This close control over the combustion process boosts overall operating efficiency. Lightweight, high-strength steel connecting rods are heat-forged in one piece and then "crack separated" to create a lighter and stronger rod with an optimally fitted bearing cap.
Cylinder Head and Valvetrain
A lightweight cylinder head made of pressure-cast aluminum alloy uses front-located exhaust ports that provide greater freedom in the layout of the close-coupled catalytic converter which mounts directly to the cylinder head. With exhaust passages cast directly into the cylinder head, the need for a traditional separate exhaust manifold is eliminated.
A silent-chain drives dual overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, and features a double-arm tensioner design that reduces operating friction. The cam drive is designed to be maintenance free throughout the life of the engine. To further reduce friction, the finish of the camshaft journals has been improved.
The combustion chamber shape and valve angles have been optimized to boost fuel efficiency and power. The engine features an included valve angle of 35 degrees, a narrow valve angle that decreases the surface-to-volume ratio and helps create a flatter, more compact combustion chamber that reduces unburned hydrocarbon emissions.
The cylinder head features a high-tumble intake-port design. In combination with the combustion chamber and piston crown shape, the design's high level of airflow tumble helps create a homogenous fuel mixture for low fuel consumption and high airflow for high power output.
Turbocharged 1.5-liter DOHC Direct-Injected Inline-4 Engine
For the first time ever, the CR-V is offered with a turbocharged 1.5-liter DOHC Direct-Injected inline-4 engine. Closely related to the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine offered in the 10th-generation Honda Civic, the CR-V's 1.5-liter engine is standard on EX, EX-L and Touring trims. The CR-V's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine has key enhancements that help it develop more horsepower and torque than in the 2016 Civic. With peak output of 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque, this CR-V is the most powerful production example of this engine family to date. By comparison, the Civic Sedan's 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is rated at 174 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque.
Several features combine to create the CR-V 1.5-liter turbo's increased performance compared to Civic models that are powered by this same engine family. A reduction in compression ratio combines with a higher maximum turbo boost pressure – made possible by a new turbocharger impeller design and more free-flowing intake and exhaust systems – to net a substantial gain in horsepower and torque.
1.5-liter turbocharged engine
Cylinder Block and Crankshaft
The 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4 has a lightweight die-cast aluminum block with individual reinforced main bearing caps to minimize weight. Cast-in iron cylinder liners provide long-lasting durability. Each journal on the lightweight forged-steel crankshaft is micropolished to reduce internal friction.
Pistons and Connecting Rods
Like the Civic models that are powered by this same engine family, the CR-V's 1.5-liter engine's pistons have "cavity-shaped" crowns that help maintain stable combustion and contribute to improved efficiency. With its high power output, the reshaped piston crowns in the CR-V lower the compression ratio from 10.6:1 to 10.3:1, to allow the engine to operate efficiently at a higher maximum boost pressure. The lightweight pistons have a carefully optimized skirt design to minimize reciprocating weight, which minimizes vibration and increases operating efficiency. The pistons are cooled by twin oil jets directed at the underside of each piston crown. Special cooling channels in the CR-V's pistons also help keep operating temperatures in check. Ion-plated piston rings help reduce friction for greater operating efficiency. Lightweight, high-strength steel connecting rods are heat-forged in one piece and then "crack separated" to create a lighter and stronger rod with an optimally fitted bearing cap.
Cylinder Head and Valvetrain
The direct-injected 4-cylinder turbocharged engine has a lightweight pressure-cast aluminum alloy DOHC cylinder head. With exhaust ports cast directly into the cylinder head, the need for a traditional separate exhaust manifold is eliminated.
A low-friction, silent-chain drives dual overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder. The cam drive is maintenance free throughout the life of the engine. To help further reduce weight, new thin-wall hollow camshafts are used.
To benefit fuel efficiency, emissions and power, the turbo engine utilizes sodium-filled exhaust valves. A hollow chamber within the valve contains sodium that is cooled by the exhaust port cooling jacket. As the chamber reaches close to the valve head, the sodium helps to cool the entire valve. Since the valve is internally cooled it doesn't need the enriched fuel mixture that is generally used in turbo engines to help cool the exhaust valve. The resultant leaner mixture reduces emissions, increases fuel efficiency and helps increase power.
The cylinder head includes small M12 sparkplugs, down from the more common M14, to save space and weight. The head also includes direct-injection multi-hole fuel injectors with a small-diameter bore. Higher-pressure direct injection optimizes fuel atomization, allowing for more efficient combustion. To provide a high-tumble intake charge that further enhances combustion efficiency, both the intake port and piston crown have special designs.
The CR-V turbo engine features dual Variable Timing Control (VTC) that can vary the timing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts independently. With the turbo engine's variable cam timing, the cam timing can be optimized to suit the driving conditions. Under light loads, valve overlap can be increased to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel efficiency. When engine speed is low and engine load is large, such as during initial acceleration, the amount of overlap is increased to boost the scavenging effect, which improves torque and responsiveness. When engine speed is high and engine load is also high, such as during full-throttle acceleration, the amount of valve overlap is reduced to increase engine output.
Low Inertia Mono Scroll Turbo System with Electric Wastegate
The turbocharged CR-V engine employs a small-diameter, low-mass turbine for maximum responsiveness. The mono scroll housing design helps the turbo build boost even at relatively small throttle openings and low rpm. The electrically actuated wastegate allows boost pressure to be precisely controlled. Unique to the CR-V, a new, reshaped 9-blade turbine impeller takes the place of the 11-blade impeller used in Civic models that are powered by this same engine family.
Designed to operate on Regular Unleaded fuel, the engine's maximum boost pressure is set at 18.5 psi., up from a maximum of 16.5 psi in Civic turbocharged models.
A large low-restriction intercooler is positioned low in the front of the vehicle where it receives unobstructed airflow when the vehicle is in motion. Intake air travels from the air filter, to the turbo compressor, on to the intercooler, then to the engine's intake ports. The intercooler helps reduce the temperature of air entering the engine, making it denser for greater performance. To reduce weight, the turbo system is plumbed with rigid, lightweight resin composite inlet pipes to carry intake air to and from the intercooler. Compared to the similar induction system used in the Civic, the CR-V induction system has a 4-percent improvement in flow, contributing to greater power output in the CR-V.
Common Engine Features
Direct Injection System
The engine's direct-injection system enables increased torque across the engine's full operating range along with higher fuel efficiency and low emissions. A multi-hole injector delivers fuel directly into each cylinder (not to the intake port, as in conventional port fuel injection designs), allowing for more efficient combustion. The system features a compact, high-pressure, direct-injection pump that allows both high fuel flow and pulsation suppression, while variable pressure control optimizes injector operation.
ECON Mode
Every 2017 CR-V is equipped with a green ECON button located on the center console near the shift lever. Activating ECON mode helps improve fuel efficiency by modifying throttle mapping and HVAC operation. The Drive-by-Wire throttle system provides more gradual response, and to save additional energy, the climate control's fan speeds are lowered incrementally and other climate control system characteristics are altered based on the conditions.
Friction Reducing Technology
All CR-V engines make use of friction-reducing technologies designed to improve engine efficiency:
- The outer skirts of the lightweight aluminum pistons feature a low-friction molybdenum coating applied in a dot pattern
- Plateau honing of the cylinder walls removes microscopic high points to further reduce friction while improving the long-term wear characteristics of the engine.
- Low viscosity oil (0W-20)
- Other contributors to overall operating efficiency are a special 2-stage oil pump relief valve, low-friction oil seals, special low-drag piston ring design, low-friction cam chain and a lightweight crankshaft.
Drive-by-Wire Throttle System
The CR-V 's Drive-by-Wire throttle system replaces a conventional throttle cable with smart electronics that "connect" the accelerator pedal to a throttle valve inside the throttle body. The result is less under-hood clutter and lower weight, as well as quicker and more accurate throttle actuation. Plus, a specially programmed "gain" rate between the throttle pedal and engine offers improved drivability and optimized engine response to suit specific driving conditions.
Exhaust System
All CR-V trims use a single-pipe exhaust system for light weight and simplicity. CR-V models that are powered with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine have a special hi-flow exhaust system with dual exhaust outlets.
100,000+/- Mile Tune-up Intervals
Both CR-V powerplants require no scheduled maintenance for 100,000+/- miles or more, other than periodic inspections and normal fluid and filter replacements. The first tune-up includes water pump inspection, valve adjustment, and the installation of new spark plugs.
Maintenance Minder™ System
To eliminate unnecessary service stops while ensuring that the vehicle is properly maintained, the CR-V has a Maintenance Minder™ system that continually monitors the vehicle's operating condition. When maintenance is required, the driver is alerted via a message on the Multi-Information Display (MID) on the LX trim or Driver Information Interface (DII) on all other trims. (See the Interior section for more information.)
The Maintenance Minder™ system monitors operating conditions such as oil and coolant temperature along with engine speed to determine the proper service intervals. Depending on operating conditions, oil change intervals can be extended to a maximum of 10,000 miles, potentially sparing the owner considerable expense and inconvenience over the life of the vehicle. The owner-resettable system monitors all normal service parts and systems, including oil and filter, tire rotation, air-cleaner, transmission fluid, spark plugs, coolant, brake pads and more. To reduce the potential for driver distraction, maintenance alerts are presented only when the ignition is first turned on, not while driving.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
The CR-V 's standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) offers smooth and predictable gear ratio transitions and excellent acceleration matched with efficient low-rpm cruising. The CVT is comprised of an engine-driven torque converter that in turn drives 2 variable-width pulleys connected by a steel belt. With its angled inner faces, the belt can circle the angled pulley faces at varying diameter depending on the pulley width, which alters the effective ratio between the pulleys. Since there are no steps in the pulley faces, the range of possible gear ratios is essentially infinite. This ultrafine control of the gear ratio is the key to the CVT's greater efficiency over a conventional automatic transmission with a limited number of discrete gear ratios. Instead of approximating the correct ratio for the conditions like a conventional automatic does, the CVT can precisely select the optimum ratio from moment to moment without steps or slippage. Computer control of the transmission allows the ratio between the pulleys to be altered almost instantly to best suit the driving conditions and accelerator pedal setting.
Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
The CR-V's CVT transmission is an evolution of the CVT that is offered in Accord 4-cylinder models, the 2016 CR-V and turbocharged variants of the 2016 Civic. There are select differences in the CVT, depending on which CR-V engine it is paired with. As in the Civic, a turbine twin-damper design for the torque converter provides tight control and helps mitigate turbo lag in models with the 1.5-liter engine. The transmission also incorporates refinements to the lockup clutch damper and torque converter when paired with turbocharged CR-V models to help smooth initial acceleration. Final drive ratios are also different between the 2.4-liter and 1.5-liter CR-V powertrains.
G-Design Shift Feature
The CR-V 's CVT is designed to provide the optimum gear ratio for the driving conditions, and to offer a more natural driving feel than some previous CVT transmissions that may have something of a disconnected "rubber-band" feel compared to a conventional automatic transmission.
During full throttle acceleration, the new generation of G-Design shift logic employs stepped ratios as the vehicle speed increases. This helps give the transmission a more "connected" feel as the engine rpm and vehicle speed increase together. This stepped operation also improves acceleration performance incrementally.
CVT Automatic Modes
The transmission can be operated in 3 different fully automatic forward modes with the console-mounted straight-gate shifter. The D mode is ideal for most driving situations, and combines fuel efficiency with smooth operation and responsive power when needed. The S mode is for more performance-oriented driving, and features more aggressive transmission mapping to keep engine rpm higher for greater acceleration and response. The L mode is ideal for situations when additional engine braking is desired, such as in mountainous driving.
S-Range Control
To allow the driver to alter the operation of the CVT, the console-mounted gear selector includes an "S" or Sport mode that provides a sport-shift schedule that delays upshifting for more available power, and provides greater engine braking.
Continuously Variable Transmission Gear Ratios
| Gear Ratio | 2017 CR-V with CVT |
| Forward | 2.645~0.405 |
| Reverse | 1.859~1.265 |
| Final Drive Ratio | 5.05 (2.4L); 5.64 (1.5L) |
Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System
The 2017 CR-V is offered with the updated Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™. Software and hardware upgrades result in an increase in engine torque (up to a total of 40-percent) that can be sent to the rear wheels, based on the driving conditions. The result is improved performance in low traction conditions when AWD comes into play.
The compact and efficient Real Time AWD provides a high degree of 4-wheel-drive sophistication in rain, snow, dirt roads and dry pavement. Real Time AWD offers the optimal balance of confident capability and user friendliness in a lightweight and fuel-efficient design. The driver can simply step on the accelerator and let the system maximize use of available grip and climbing capability. System operation is completely automatic and virtually transparent in smoothness.
The capabilities of the system are prioritized to further support high fuel efficiency and all-around drivability on-road as well as off-road. Assisting the front wheels when it is beneficial, Real Time AWD instantly powers the rear wheels when starting from a stop, even on dry pavement, working in cooperation with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA) and the Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). The Real Time AWD system can operate at all speeds when needed. When torque transfer to the rear wheels is not required, such as when cruising, drive force to the rear wheels is decoupled for reduced drag.
The CR-V's all-wheel drive system consists of the conventional front-wheel-drive system, a compact transfer case that distributes torque through the propeller shaft running the length of the vehicle, the rear differential, an electronically-controlled hydraulic pump, a multi-plate clutch, and left and right rear-wheel driveshafts. The multi-plate clutch connects the propeller shaft to the rear differential and is operated by an electric motor driving a hydraulic pump. For 2017, the maximum hydraulic pressure has been increased, resulting in a 57 percent increase in the available torque transfer to the rear axle. The electric motor is controlled by the Intelligent Control System, which means that the system can actively apportion power based on the conditions. The system doesn't merely react to front wheel spin; it minimizes wheel spin before it happens by sending power to the rear wheels accordingly. For efficiency, the electric motor activating the hydraulic pump is idled when not required, further reducing drag within the system and helping to reduce energy consumption.
When starting on snow for example, the system sends power to the rear wheels right from the start, minimizing the potential for front wheel spin. The system can also detect when the CR-V is climbing a hill and sends a greater amount of power to the rear wheels in cooperation with the Brake Hold feature. Brake Hold maintains brake pressure after the brake pedal is released, giving the driver time to accelerate and smoothly resume motion. The Intelligent Control System instantly assesses the road's slope angle using a G-sensor and the level of grip as detected by VSA allowing added initial apportioning of torque to the rear wheels for smooth starts.
Powertrain Specifications & Features
| Feature |
2017 CR-V |
2017 CR-V |
| Engine Type | L-4 | L-4 Turbocharged |
| Displacement (cc) | 2356cc | 1498cc |
|
Horsepower @ rpm |
184 @ 6400 | 190 @ 5,600 |
|
Torque |
180 @ 3900 | 179 @ 2000-5000 |
| Bore and Stroke (mm) | 87 x 99.1 | 73 x 89.4 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Injection | Direct | Direct |
| Valvetrain | 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC® | 16-Valve DOHC w/VTC |
| Drive-by-Wire Throttle System | • | • |
| Low-Inertia MONO Turbocharger | • | |
| Intake/Exhaust Variable Cam Timing | • | |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Front Wheel Drive | • | • |
| Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System | Available | Available |
| Brake Hold | • | • |
| 100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups | • | • |
Fuel Economy and Emissions Ratings
|
Ratings |
2017 CR-V |
2017 CR-V |
|
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings1 (city / highway/ combined) (anticipated) |
26/32/28 (FWD) |
28/34/30 (FWD) |
|
Recommended fuel |
Regular unleaded (87 octane) |
Regular unleaded (87 octane) |
|
CARB emissions rating |
Tier 3 Bin 70 |
Tier 3 Bin 70 |
(See the Specifications and Features section for all data.)
1 Based on 2017 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.