I bought a brand new in 2019 EXL. Simply love. Its quite,spacious,comfortable and very economical. I'm averaging 31 MPG locally. Amazing. We love it. Its the best in its class.
I own crv 2015 and that’s the best engine and auto gearbox the new model it’s horrible CVT and small engine that’s why I’m upgrading for Mazda CX-5 at least it doesn’t have the horrible CVT 👎🏼
@@carlosgj1308 I am not sure that is an upgrade. That is, the MPG is bad on a CX-5 with less HP (and worse 0-60). It just depends what you need. The future is around the corner with higher gas prices, more an more hybrids and EV's, so resale on a low MPG will lag.
I own an HR-V with an identical system. What you do is turn the traction control "off" and put your foot down a little harder on the gas. By being less aggressive it seems to do a better job putting power to the wheels that need it.
I love the off road test you do. Some may say they will never get into that situation, but when they do, they will know the frustration. Subaru AWD is still the better performer.
@@themagician7734 Rav4 Adventure awd system is superior. Just look at the TRD version article that kept up with a Wrangler in nearly everything. Couldn't kill it. If you think off roading in a CVT is fun god bless. I'll take the geared automatic
@@swanblake Perhaps you meant to respond to the OP and not me? My comment was only that the CRV does not have Honda's torque vectoring system, so to not assume that Subaru AWD is the better performer purely based on the CRV. Driving Sports TV's Honda Passport video shows some of the strengths of Honda's AWD system.
I just concluded my shop for a small cross over with AWD. I drove them all and the top three (for me) were the Forester, CR-V, Rav4 (in that order). All were solid but the Forester was the best overall package of AWD ability, Safety tech, Space and infotainment so that is what I purchased(limited). The CR-V (EX-L) drove great but the infotainment was terrible and safety tech was only ok. Felt like an older car than the other two (which it is) Rav 4's interior was nice (Adventure) and felt like it would be capable on a trail... but damn did it feel cramped. Not really sure if its the interior layout or a low roofline, but it felt like the smaller vehicle by far. It also felt/sounded buzzy when accelerating. In the end all three were solid depending on your need.
@@layne4376 I was also concerned about that prior to driving one as I had read that online. Not an issue. Can accelerate from a stop faster than I need to and can get on the highway and pass with ease. Not gonna win any drag races maybe but for normal driving it feels great. The CR-V felt a tad faster, the Rav4 pretty much the same.
Although I would choose a basic RAV4 LE Hybrid over anything else in this segment, I am hoping the cramped Toyota New Jockey Architecture only lasts one generation.
I did my research and for me the rav4 adventure is what sold me over the outback onyx for me it was the price tag rav4 adventure had similar features as the onyx and does the job so next year i will be getting the rav4 adventure
i have a 2022 exl awd. I've had it on some rocky/steep terrain and it did fine. I'm talking lose gravel and 32% grade. I do have wildpeaks on it. My fiance also owns a crv, 2020 awd, and it did fine in 6" snow on my private gravel/steep road in mountains. never slipped. Same as mine. Can a crv do the rubicon? No. But it can go places where you cannot take a fwd vehicle or a rwd pickup. I've done so, with zero issues or damage. The awd crv has 8.2 inches ground clearance. The fwd, has the 7.8 inches. The reviewer was incorrect there. All in all the crv is a great vehicle and can get to your camping spot pretty easily as long as you don't have huge rutts etc......
I drive my dad's 2021 Honda CRV and id say it feels and drives nice, the interior really feels spacious compared to our older honda crv, i was surprised by how big it felt inside when my dad bought it
Forester, Crosstrek and Outback all did much better on the same test. I was curious to see how this vehicle did and wasn't surprised by the result. For normal driving or in some light snow I am sure it will do just fine.
That’s why I bought a outback so I can go places like this it’s a 2011 with the 3.6 so plenty of power only time I ran into trouble was on a Jeep trail where I had to use momentum because it was all loose dirt and tbh I didn’t have the tires for it, if I had all terrains I’d of been fine, in my opinion nothing beats Subaru’s AWD.
@@julianmukerji9371 Yes, other than the gas mileage, the 3.6ltr is a good engine granted you maintain it properly. I think you have one of the earlier CVT models so take care of it as they can be a bit finicky. All terrain tires on that car would be pretty awesome for light to medium offroading. Obviously I am a subaru guy and agree Subaru AWD is great, but I feel the older models with the 4EAT transmission were far better as I had a few subarus with that tranny. Compared to the CVT on the models I owned with the CVT, the 4EAT was more capabable in snow, bad weather and dirt trails and roads. The CVT still gets the job done but does suffer in some hard situations. In my opinion in general, the older subarus were just better, maybe not as comfortable, maybe not spacious but definitely more capable off the smooth pavement. Newer subarus are more geared towards efficiency which hurts the offroad capabilities.
@@jonathans4503 That is good, take care of the 4eat and it will last the life of the car. Don't skimp on the tranny fluid changes and it will reward you with long life. Most of my prior subies had 4eat's and never had an issue once.
I have the same car. Yes it struggles when a wheel is off the ground. You have to give it more gas and wait for the system to send power to the required wheel. İf you dont give it enough gas it can never send enough power to the wheel with the traction.
That's my understanding, too. Snowy roads for an average "family car". I think some of the tests they put these AWDs through even some standard 4x4's might fail!
I own a 2019 Honda CR-V Touring. Your correct about the NW off road capability. It’s not a 4X4 vehicle. I noticed that the tires are street tires. I find Hancock stock tires to get much worse grip in bad weather. This is after one year of use. That said, you can do things to adapt & help improve off road worthiness, such as Wild Peak Tires. Skid plates are limited to front & back lower bumper caps. I would have liked for Honda to raise the ground clearance height (2”). I believe that AWD will evolve into a much better off road system. I however am not quite sure of the CVT off road capabilities. Towing is a whole separate issue. It is a necessary one that is related to off roading. I propose that you make a follow up video after you changed the tires to the Wild Peak. They are affordable & highly praised for an ALL-SEASON tire with a triple winter rated stamp.
I agree with MANY of your points about this current generation CR-V. However, i don't see Honda raising the ground clearance 2 full inches. As it sits now at 7.8in and a Ford Explorer which is MUCH bigger for example sits at 8.2. The reality of a 9.8in ground clearance CR-V is far fetched. But i do see a CR-V at Subaru standards of somewhere around 8.5in down the line. You want anything taller than that you'll have to personally lift it yourself. I also don't see the CVT going away but i think the HP and Torque numbers need to be bumped up quite a bit. For example, I have a 2015 Lincoln MKC 2.0 AWD with 240hp and 270lbs torque. I'd like to see those same numbers in the CR-V and i think it's VERY achievable even with a CVT transmission. For now though, your point on changing out the HORRIBLE OEM tires to a better A/T tire is spot on. The Falken Wildpeaks are excellent for this vehicle or even the Yokohama Geolander G015. They both would improve grip on these light off road excursions incredibly. Let's hope as i've been hearing through the grapevine so to speak. That future iterations of the CR-V get the same treatment it's larger brother the Passport is getting with the new Trailsport model. If Honda goes down that road which i'm really hoping they do. With the CR-V in a truly "off road worthy" small SUV package. I think it will a HUGE success and very popular with a lot of folks.
Surely Honda could fix the AWD with available tech, but they don't want their pretty Crv get all muddy and scratched up. They have off-road motorcycles and ATV's for that :) Love these tests! (Subarctic Forester)
Being that the CR-V AWD is not designed for off-roading, I guess this was a valid test. As it is, I won't even drive on any flat unpaved roads......Anywhere. I have a thing about my cars being clean and waxed at all times. Dirt on the edges of my Armor All'd tires, dust on the rims? I wouldn't rest until I scrubbed them clean. Though I must say, I love my CR-V!
Great SUV! Would be nice if you could get ventilated seats, the 2.0T engine as an option, and the 10-speed auto. I am impressed by how refined the ride is.
While I like the functionality of the inside, that AWD system needs some real improvment it looks like. I'm not sure it would be much better than front wheel drive in bad weather.
9:20 is the reason so many buyers in snowy and rugged areas do not buy these cars it got stuck on a simple diagonal...They are so disappointing in terms of AWD that is why we in Europe stick to Germans and Subaru. Honda has improved the new CRV's awd a lot when compared to the abysmal 2012 but sadly it is no where close to Subaru/VW/Jeep in this segment.
I agree with MANY people points about this current generation CR-V. However, i don't see Honda raising the ground clearance 2 full inches. As it sits now at 7.8in and a Ford Explorer which is MUCH bigger for example sits at 8.2. The reality of a 9.8in ground clearance CR-V is far fetched. But i do see a CR-V at Subaru standards of somewhere around 8.5in down the line. You want anything taller than that you'll have to personally lift it yourself. I also don't see the CVT going away but i think the HP and Torque numbers need to be bumped up quite a bit. For example, I have a 2015 Lincoln MKC 2.0 AWD with 240hp and 270lbs torque. I'd like to see those same numbers in the CR-V and i think it's VERY achievable even with a CVT transmission. For now though, your point on changing out the HORRIBLE OEM tires to a better A/T tire is spot on. The Falken Wildpeaks are excellent for this vehicle or even the Yokohama Geolander G015. They both would improve grip on these light off road excursions incredibly. Let's hope as i've been hearing through the grapevine so to speak. That future iterations of the CR-V get the same treatment it's larger brother the Passport is getting with the new Trailsport model. If Honda goes down that road which i'm really hoping they do. With the CR-V in a truly "off road worthy" small SUV package. I think it will a HUGE success and very popular with a lot of folks.
A sad result indeed. But my 2012 Ridgeline would have tackled that no problem. Its drive system was capable of shifting power nicely and when that didn't work to get me out of a jam I just had to press a button to lock in 4 wheel drive. I traded it in on a 2017 4Runner, and though the 4Runner is great, I realize that I prefer the Ridgeline.
Great video, although CRV AWD is just not built to handle rocky off-road terrains. I did the same with CRV 2018 - FRONT wheels drive, the back mountain roads with melted snow, red mud, and sharp rocks in San Miguel, near Telluride, and I had to back out very carefully. CRV, even with AWD is just not for these roads, but it is super economical. It was a pleasure driving it across the country. PS.. In a snow condition, staying on the regular road, multiple tests showed the tires that matter most and not as much AWD.
Great review. You've tested both off road, does the Rav Adventure outclass the CRV as if appears in your reviews? I like the subaru options but just feel I need the reliability history of Toyota or Honda . I need daily dirt road ability , so 4runners are too much, with mileage and need a car that is mostly worry free past 100k. I love the more refined interior and space of the crv , but need a soft-roader. Thanks
I own one of these. 2020 AWD but it doesnt have the touring crud on it. mine I think was 29.9 but I owed on a trade in. anyways, Wouldnt you shift into Low and try this? was he in low going up the rocks? I had the impression he went from testing sports mode to pulling a hill in D mode. it's been a durable car so far for me. but shut in , I only have like 10k miles since I bought it Jan 2020
I was a fan of this little vehicle before you pointed out the flawed AWD system that it has. Was considering getting one for my S/O. But slippery on rocks equates to slippery on snow/mud/sand, and isn't that what you want this vehicle for in an urban environment? "AWD" ...well sort of. Disappointment panda. Thanks!
Quick question, this doesn't happen to have the same quirk as Mazdas where you have to turn off the traction control to get it to perform side to side power transfer in a kind of hidden off road mode?
Driving Sports TV , Honda CR-V hybrid 2019 Owner’s Manual, page 528: “In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier to free it with the VSA temporarily switched off. When the button is pressed, the traction control function becomes less effective. This allows for the wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA off if you are not able to free it when the VSA is on.” I guess it should be the same info in 2020 CR-V manual as well, cause they both have the similar AWD systems.
Non hybrid CR-V EX or EX-L give you more bang for your buck, the hybrid CR-V doesn't give good real world mpg, if you want to have 40 mpg, go for RAV4 hybrid
I've watched several videos of Honda Real Time AWD CR-Vs and how "awful" they are in off road situations and diagonal ramp and roller tests. My question is, is that really what they're designed for? I thought they were made mostly for driving snowy roads with an average driver! I've owned several 4x4 pickups over the years, and what I've seen is that most standard 4 wheel drives (w/o any kind of locking differentials) pretty much only guarantee power to one front wheel and one back wheel, and the power usually goes to the one that spins the easiest. So, if your back wheel is spinning in a mud hole and you engage your 4x4, if you are unlucky enough to have one of the front wheels in the air - that's the one that will spin while its mate just sits there. You're STILL stuck. Even 4x4 isn't always "infallible" unless you get locking differentials. So, maybe I'm wrong, but trying to compare a family AWD vehicle's "offroad prowess" to a 4 wheel drive that is BUILT for that probably isn't real fair, I would think.
I think, if u going that kind of road you must think first is your tire if feet for kind of off road? because what I see of your tire is for city road not for that kind of off road/rough road,
My 2020 Touring only ever gets 27 mpg, regardless of city or highway. That's with the ECON mode on. They tell me it needs to "break in" according to my driving habits. I have not had it very long. We'll see.
I would like to see the rav4 le. I think you tested the adventure or the trd but the le has a different AWD system. But being the more popular of the ravs in sales it would be nice to see.
Driving Sports have tested just about every crossover in every class. Except for the Escape. I'm very curious as to why? The new escapes are pretty much on par with the ground clearance of most of the crossovers in it's segment (excluding subarus), but it has an 8 speed auto, a very aggressive AWD system and the 2.0 turbo which far outperforms a lot of motors in it's class. I would be very glad to see a test of the 2020 escape
@@drivingsports Ahh. Thats understandable then. Wish they'd get on it lol. Keep up the good work guys! One of my favorite car review channels to watch now!
Time for my wife's new ride, I'm avoiding the CRV, although she's been driving a 2007 since new. Two things stop me from buying another, being a retired auto mechanic, I don't like and have never cared for CVT transmissions even though Honda makes their own, which seems to be ok, the second is the interior noise. At highway speeds you have to scream at each other to be heard, it's like driving with all the windows down. So, my final purchase decision will be made on which SUV has the quietist interior.
wait what? the new CRVs are hella quiet, you can literally doze off on the highway since the only thing you'd be hearing is your heart beat. It's even quieter rides better than my family's Audi Q7 tbh, you just gotta bring your family and test drive one.
New CRVs are not SUVs anymore. They are next gen crossovers geared towards people who don't want to drive a minivan (caravan). I'm so sad to see Honda let the CRV name go to such shame.
No offense but you are always complaining that you do not want to damage review vehicle by tall rocks or other obstacles in such videos. It's a valid concern, but why don't you want to simply test such review cars using rollers to simulate loss of traction? This eliminates possibility of damaging the review car and you can still simulate the car climbing a hill if you find an incline and just use the rollers on such incline to simulate loss of traction on the hilly terrain.
How does one drive this and not feel like they completely gave up on life? How depressing. Thats not even getting into the oil dilution issue that still remains in colder climates.
The biggest selling point for Hyundai and Kia is the 5 year 60k warranty with the 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. And they are hot sellers right now.
I like how the ones in America have the blind spot monitors on the sides mirrors. (In Au / NZ don’t) are your blinkers sequential like the Thailand variant..? Why can’t they all be the same internationally with all the bells and whistles.
Sadly the CRV had a very subpar AWD system since its first generation and I am sad to see it is still lagging all the competition. I never understand the appeal of a FWD CUV/SUV but the CRV AWD premium is just not worth it. It is a FWD station wagon but sh... don't tell the customers :)
No one would drive a CRV up that trail. My 2014 CRV and 2018 RDX handled the snow on streets and mountain roads just fine in Wa. and OR state. My 2014 was the most uncomfortable car that I ever owned. I would buy a 4-Runner for off road.
Did the AWD system change in the Honda CRV? In previous videos you say it only sends power to the back if slip is detected but here you say it does that automatically on inclines
I just got the 2020 Honda CR-V hybrid. I know it's not an offroad car, but I do plan to hopefully hit the trails in the winter and next summer. Will you be doing a video on the Hybrid version? or should I expect pretty much the same thing as this one?
The test was done poorly. I'm a fan of this channel, but even when I'm a Subaru fun, I can tell you my experience in worst situation to that one, and this new CR-V is more capable. I don't know why, but my experience the car did a great job sending power side to side. It took some time to figure out where to send power, but it did much in a nicer way than on this test.
The cvt transmission severely limits the amount of initial torque to protect the internal belt. Unfortunately, same with Subaru. They need to switch to a traditional automatic.
@@leonelsantamaria9653 wheelbase is the same. Everything is almost identical except a bit shorter ground clearance and 6 inches longer. Same IVTM 4 system
BMW's XDrive system turned out to be suprprisingly good even on small X1 model. Go check "Diyas Valikhan" on TH-cam (or English version of his channel called "SUV Test"), he tested AWD systems of lots of crossovers and SUVs on hills and snow of Kazakhstan.
Honda CRV is the #1 vehicle stuck on the beach every day. Terrible AWD system. They always look at me in anger when I drive by in my outback. I hear the pilot has a redesigned awd system that is supposed to be better.
It's worth noting the RAV4 also has a TRD Off-Road option, from the reviews I've read it's definitely better than most crossovers like the CRV in this video, but still inferior to other crossovers with off-road packages such as Jeep's Trailhawk SUVs or the Ford Bronco Sport. The TRD Off-Road RAV4 still doesn't have enough ground clearance for even moderate off-roading, and its long front overhang reduces its approach angle. Its factory equiped Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain tires were apparently designed just for it though, and a lot of what off-road capability it possess comes from them.
You may have needed to turn off VSA, or... try longer. See here, where Car Question managed to figure it out... by pressing the petal harder? : th-cam.com/video/7B0VpJGdz40/w-d-xo.html
I bought a brand new in 2019 EXL. Simply love. Its quite,spacious,comfortable and very economical. I'm averaging 31 MPG locally. Amazing. We love it. Its the best in its class.
I own crv 2015 and that’s the best engine and auto gearbox the new model it’s horrible CVT and small engine that’s why I’m upgrading for Mazda CX-5 at least it doesn’t have the horrible CVT 👎🏼
@@carlosgj1308 I am not sure that is an upgrade. That is, the MPG is bad on a CX-5 with less HP (and worse 0-60). It just depends what you need. The future is around the corner with higher gas prices, more an more hybrids and EV's, so resale on a low MPG will lag.
@@carlosgj1308 smart upgrade. I’ve been told of other issues with the crvs but some seem to enjoy it
@@carlosgj1308honda makes 1 of the best cvts in the market and honda is known for one of best small engines
Why did they build that shopping mall at the top of that hill anyway?
I own an HR-V with an identical system. What you do is turn the traction control "off" and put your foot down a little harder on the gas. By being less aggressive it seems to do a better job putting power to the wheels that need it.
Good way to burn up that shitty cvt transmission. I’d change the fluid if you haven’t already.
@@haroldbeauchamp3770honda makes one of the best cvts
I love the off road test you do. Some may say they will never get into that situation, but when they do, they will know the frustration.
Subaru AWD is still the better performer.
Subaru AWD has torque vectoring, you only get that with a Honda if it has the i-VTM4 system, such as on the Passport and Ridgeline.
The Magician and the Pilot
@@layne4376 thre current one with brake assist traction control.
@@themagician7734 Rav4 Adventure awd system is superior. Just look at the TRD version article that kept up with a Wrangler in nearly everything. Couldn't kill it. If you think off roading in a CVT is fun god bless. I'll take the geared automatic
@@swanblake Perhaps you meant to respond to the OP and not me? My comment was only that the CRV does not have Honda's torque vectoring system, so to not assume that Subaru AWD is the better performer purely based on the CRV. Driving Sports TV's Honda Passport video shows some of the strengths of Honda's AWD system.
I just concluded my shop for a small cross over with AWD. I drove them all and the top three (for me) were the Forester, CR-V, Rav4 (in that order). All were solid but the Forester was the best overall package of AWD ability, Safety tech, Space and infotainment so that is what I purchased(limited). The CR-V (EX-L) drove great but the infotainment was terrible and safety tech was only ok. Felt like an older car than the other two (which it is) Rav 4's interior was nice (Adventure) and felt like it would be capable on a trail... but damn did it feel cramped. Not really sure if its the interior layout or a low roofline, but it felt like the smaller vehicle by far. It also felt/sounded buzzy when accelerating. In the end all three were solid depending on your need.
Was in the same shoe and also bought a Forester Limited
@@layne4376 I was also concerned about that prior to driving one as I had read that online. Not an issue. Can accelerate from a stop faster than I need to and can get on the highway and pass with ease. Not gonna win any drag races maybe but for normal driving it feels great. The CR-V felt a tad faster, the Rav4 pretty much the same.
Although I would choose a basic RAV4 LE Hybrid over anything else in this segment, I am hoping the cramped Toyota New Jockey Architecture only lasts one generation.
I did my research and for me the rav4 adventure is what sold me over the outback onyx for me it was the price tag rav4 adventure had similar features as the onyx and does the job so next year i will be getting the rav4 adventure
Whattt? I feel the rav4 is so much more spacious than the forrester
I think you failed to turn off VSA.
You state ground clearance is 7.8 inches, but Honda lists the FWD as 7.8 and AWD as 8.2
i have a 2022 exl awd. I've had it on some rocky/steep terrain and it did fine. I'm talking lose gravel and 32% grade. I do have wildpeaks on it. My fiance also owns a crv, 2020 awd, and it did fine in 6" snow on my private gravel/steep road in mountains. never slipped. Same as mine. Can a crv do the rubicon? No. But it can go places where you cannot take a fwd vehicle or a rwd pickup. I've done so, with zero issues or damage. The awd crv has 8.2 inches ground clearance. The fwd, has the 7.8 inches. The reviewer was incorrect there. All in all the crv is a great vehicle and can get to your camping spot pretty easily as long as you don't have huge rutts etc......
I drive my dad's 2021 Honda CRV and id say it feels and drives nice, the interior really feels spacious compared to our older honda crv, i was surprised by how big it felt inside when my dad bought it
Forester, Crosstrek and Outback all did much better on the same test. I was curious to see how this vehicle did and wasn't surprised by the result. For normal driving or in some light snow I am sure it will do just fine.
That’s why I bought a outback so I can go places like this it’s a 2011 with the 3.6 so plenty of power only time I ran into trouble was on a Jeep trail where I had to use momentum because it was all loose dirt and tbh I didn’t have the tires for it, if I had all terrains I’d of been fine, in my opinion nothing beats Subaru’s AWD.
@@julianmukerji9371 Yes, other than the gas mileage, the 3.6ltr is a good engine granted you maintain it properly. I think you have one of the earlier CVT models so take care of it as they can be a bit finicky. All terrain tires on that car would be pretty awesome for light to medium offroading. Obviously I am a subaru guy and agree Subaru AWD is great, but I feel the older models with the 4EAT transmission were far better as I had a few subarus with that tranny. Compared to the CVT on the models I owned with the CVT, the 4EAT was more capabable in snow, bad weather and dirt trails and roads. The CVT still gets the job done but does suffer in some hard situations. In my opinion in general, the older subarus were just better, maybe not as comfortable, maybe not spacious but definitely more capable off the smooth pavement. Newer subarus are more geared towards efficiency which hurts the offroad capabilities.
@@flat4forlife588 no cvt for 2011 outback. It's a full automatic
Mazda did better too
@@jonathans4503 That is good, take care of the 4eat and it will last the life of the car. Don't skimp on the tranny fluid changes and it will reward you with long life. Most of my prior subies had 4eat's and never had an issue once.
I have the same car. Yes it struggles when a wheel is off the ground. You have to give it more gas and wait for the system to send power to the required wheel. İf you dont give it enough gas it can never send enough power to the wheel with the traction.
If you want to go offroad, buy a Jeep. The CR V does fine on snowy, muddy, or wet roads. What it's designed for.
That's my understanding, too. Snowy roads for an average "family car". I think some of the tests they put these AWDs through even some standard 4x4's might fail!
Mazda hit the head on the nail with their traction assist mode button that you can turn on :) works very well in situations such as this.
I own a 2019 Honda CR-V Touring. Your correct about the NW off road capability. It’s not a 4X4 vehicle. I noticed that the tires are street tires. I find Hancock stock tires to get much worse grip in bad weather. This is after one year of use. That said, you can do things to adapt & help improve off road worthiness, such as Wild Peak Tires. Skid plates are limited to front & back lower bumper caps. I would have liked for Honda to raise the ground clearance height (2”). I believe that AWD will evolve into a much better off road system. I however am not quite sure of the CVT off road capabilities. Towing is a whole separate issue. It is a necessary one that is related to off roading. I propose that you make a follow up video after you changed the tires to the Wild Peak. They are affordable & highly praised for an ALL-SEASON tire with a triple winter rated stamp.
I agree with MANY of your points about this current generation CR-V. However, i don't see Honda raising the ground clearance 2 full inches. As it sits now at 7.8in and a Ford Explorer which is MUCH bigger for example sits at 8.2. The reality of a 9.8in ground clearance CR-V is far fetched. But i do see a CR-V at Subaru standards of somewhere around 8.5in down the line. You want anything taller than that you'll have to personally lift it yourself. I also don't see the CVT going away but i think the HP and Torque numbers need to be bumped up quite a bit. For example, I have a 2015 Lincoln MKC 2.0 AWD with 240hp and 270lbs torque. I'd like to see those same numbers in the CR-V and i think it's VERY achievable even with a CVT transmission. For now though, your point on changing out the HORRIBLE OEM tires to a better A/T tire is spot on. The Falken Wildpeaks are excellent for this vehicle or even the Yokohama Geolander G015. They both would improve grip on these light off road excursions incredibly. Let's hope as i've been hearing through the grapevine so to speak. That future iterations of the CR-V get the same treatment it's larger brother the Passport is getting with the new Trailsport model. If Honda goes down that road which i'm really hoping they do. With the CR-V in a truly "off road worthy" small SUV package. I think it will a HUGE success and very popular with a lot of folks.
VSA should be OFF for such tests, as Honda recommends in Owner’s Manual.
yup, the traction control light was flashing there. I have a CR-V, turning off VSC/Traction helps a lot.
VSA must be off.
I also think he didn’t shift to low gear to push uphill
Nice video,you can test Mitsubishi Outlander v6 with offroad test
I wonder if there’s even one of those in the press pool?
I like how you demonstrated the off-road capability of the CRV. I have a similar model, albeit the diesel variant.
Ryan, did you try with ESP OFF? Sometimes it makes a major difference.
Eclipse Cross performed much better with ESP on.
I'd think the same way... ESP off should allow the system to brake harder.
@@sirgalahad777 That's why I wrote "sometimes". In some cars it helps, in other cars it makes things worse.
@@4x4.tests.on.rollers Would love to see roller tests of this car on your channel.
@@sirgalahad777 It's there!
What color is that Honda? Gloss primer?
Sonic Grey
@@truthistruth615 Sonic was blue though ;)
It's officially called Sonic Gray.
Lmao. Sure does look like it.
Surely Honda could fix the AWD with available tech, but they don't want their pretty Crv get all muddy and scratched up. They have off-road motorcycles and ATV's for that :) Love these tests! (Subarctic Forester)
Very true!!
Being that the CR-V AWD is not designed for off-roading, I guess this was a valid test. As it is, I won't even drive on any flat unpaved roads......Anywhere. I have a thing about my cars being clean and waxed at all times. Dirt on the edges of my Armor All'd tires, dust on the rims? I wouldn't rest until I scrubbed them clean. Though I must say, I love my CR-V!
Great SUV! Would be nice if you could get ventilated seats, the 2.0T engine as an option, and the 10-speed auto. I am impressed by how refined the ride is.
While I like the functionality of the inside, that AWD system needs some real improvment it looks like. I'm not sure it would be much better than front wheel drive in bad weather.
Love this video. Loved how u didn’t edit some major parts out.
9:20 is the reason so many buyers in snowy and rugged areas do not buy these cars it got stuck on a simple diagonal...They are so disappointing in terms of AWD that is why we in Europe stick to Germans and Subaru. Honda has improved the new CRV's awd a lot when compared to the abysmal 2012 but sadly it is no where close to Subaru/VW/Jeep in this segment.
Honda Passport made all of the ascents.
@@hadd5106 That is in a different class and it uses more tech in its AWD.
These are awesome going to work, shopping anything paved. That’s what they are built for. Toyota, Mazda and Subaru owners know this to be true.
I agree with MANY people points about this current generation CR-V. However, i don't see Honda raising the ground clearance 2 full inches. As it sits now at 7.8in and a Ford Explorer which is MUCH bigger for example sits at 8.2. The reality of a 9.8in ground clearance CR-V is far fetched. But i do see a CR-V at Subaru standards of somewhere around 8.5in down the line. You want anything taller than that you'll have to personally lift it yourself. I also don't see the CVT going away but i think the HP and Torque numbers need to be bumped up quite a bit. For example, I have a 2015 Lincoln MKC 2.0 AWD with 240hp and 270lbs torque. I'd like to see those same numbers in the CR-V and i think it's VERY achievable even with a CVT transmission. For now though, your point on changing out the HORRIBLE OEM tires to a better A/T tire is spot on. The Falken Wildpeaks are excellent for this vehicle or even the Yokohama Geolander G015. They both would improve grip on these light off road excursions incredibly. Let's hope as i've been hearing through the grapevine so to speak. That future iterations of the CR-V get the same treatment it's larger brother the Passport is getting with the new Trailsport model. If Honda goes down that road which i'm really hoping they do. With the CR-V in a truly "off road worthy" small SUV package. I think it will a HUGE success and very popular with a lot of folks.
You should’ve use the L mode the transmission
I agree
What next? The new Trailblazer, Honda Ridgeline, VW Atlas Cross Sport, and GMC's AT4 suite of SUVs.
A sad result indeed. But my 2012 Ridgeline would have tackled that no problem. Its drive system was capable of shifting power nicely and when that didn't work to get me out of a jam I just had to press a button to lock in 4 wheel drive. I traded it in on a 2017 4Runner, and though the 4Runner is great, I realize that I prefer the Ridgeline.
It actually does have a skidplate
Plastic doesn’t count.
@@drivingsports it’s metal lmao
@@drivingsports I work on them
Great video, although CRV AWD is just not built to handle rocky off-road terrains. I did the same with CRV 2018 - FRONT wheels drive, the back mountain roads with melted snow, red mud, and sharp rocks in San Miguel, near Telluride, and I had to back out very carefully. CRV, even with AWD is just not for these roads, but it is super economical. It was a pleasure driving it across the country. PS.. In a snow condition, staying on the regular road, multiple tests showed the tires that matter most and not as much AWD.
Great review. You've tested both off road, does the Rav Adventure outclass the CRV as if appears in your reviews? I like the subaru options but just feel I need the reliability history of Toyota or Honda . I need daily dirt road ability , so 4runners are too much, with mileage and need a car that is mostly worry free past 100k. I love the more refined interior and space of the crv , but need a soft-roader. Thanks
Poor choice of tires. Big difference.
Say you hate Honda without saying you hate Honda. Think the issue was the dramatic driver.
Absolutely!
True authentic test of a vehicle's mettle, take it up a mountain and beat the crap out of it!
I thought CRVs have 8.2in of ground clearance for the awd and 7.9 for 2wd.
And how did you get the HRV up there with less struggle?
It does.
I own one of these. 2020 AWD but it doesnt have the touring crud on it. mine I think was 29.9 but I owed on a trade in. anyways, Wouldnt you shift into Low and try this? was he in low going up the rocks? I had the impression he went from testing sports mode to pulling a hill in D mode. it's been a durable car so far for me. but shut in , I only have like 10k miles since I bought it Jan 2020
Why aren't you guys over 1 M subscribers yet?
I wonder if better A/T tires would have made a difference. Falken Wildpeaks or Yokohama Geolander G015.
Dropping it into low range does a pretty good job of decent control, keeping off the brakes. For me at least. Thanks for the video.
Great review. Thanks
I was a fan of this little vehicle before you pointed out the flawed AWD system that it has. Was considering getting one for my S/O. But slippery on rocks equates to slippery on snow/mud/sand, and isn't that what you want this vehicle for in an urban environment? "AWD" ...well sort of. Disappointment panda. Thanks!
Viewing camera very professional,, enjoy so much.. thankss
What good is 'AWD' with open diffs and no vectoring? Front slips, rear push? And vice versa...is that's it? Where is the handling benefit?
Quick question, this doesn't happen to have the same quirk as Mazdas where you have to turn off the traction control to get it to perform side to side power transfer in a kind of hidden off road mode?
The tech docs for the Honda system make no mention of any brake vectoring capabilities being present, VSA disabled or otherwise.
Driving Sports TV , Honda CR-V hybrid 2019 Owner’s Manual, page 528: “In certain unusual conditions when your vehicle gets stuck in shallow mud or fresh snow, it may be easier to free it with the VSA temporarily switched off.
When the button is pressed, the traction control function becomes less effective. This allows for the wheels to spin more freely at low speed. You should only attempt to free your vehicle with the VSA off if you are not able to free it when the VSA is on.” I guess it should be the same info in 2020 CR-V manual as well, cause they both have the similar AWD systems.
Good test, but I'll stick with my Subaru Crosstrek.
I’d do the same. This crv struggled to much, no thanks
Great video, but disappointed in the CR-V. Would you recommend the CR-V HYBRID? hybrid version seem to do better in the off-road test?
Non hybrid CR-V EX or EX-L give you more bang for your buck, the hybrid CR-V doesn't give good real world mpg, if you want to have 40 mpg, go for RAV4 hybrid
What do you think about driving it on unpaved roads? Not on rocks but on dirt and roads in bad shape. Would it be good enough?
Sad Result, as the price reaches 40k for this "Real-Time" All Wheel Drive. Real-Time fail is what I say.
honda AWD is crappy..
My 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum 4wd 3.5L twin turbo would do this incline on the rocks like BUTTA...!!!
I've watched several videos of Honda Real Time AWD CR-Vs and how "awful" they are in off road situations and diagonal ramp and roller tests. My question is, is that really what they're designed for? I thought they were made mostly for driving snowy roads with an average driver! I've owned several 4x4 pickups over the years, and what I've seen is that most standard 4 wheel drives (w/o any kind of locking differentials) pretty much only guarantee power to one front wheel and one back wheel, and the power usually goes to the one that spins the easiest. So, if your back wheel is spinning in a mud hole and you engage your 4x4, if you are unlucky enough to have one of the front wheels in the air - that's the one that will spin while its mate just sits there. You're STILL stuck. Even 4x4 isn't always "infallible" unless you get locking differentials. So, maybe I'm wrong, but trying to compare a family AWD vehicle's "offroad prowess" to a 4 wheel drive that is BUILT for that probably isn't real fair, I would think.
The engine from honda crv are same like indonesian version, 1.5 turbo, but indonesian version is front wheel drive (FWD) And have a panoramic sunroof
Very informative video
I think,
if u going that kind of road you must think first is your tire if feet for kind of off road?
because what I see of your tire is for city road not for that kind of off road/rough road,
could this be remedied by a software upgrade or + tire upgrade (both) ? please honda.
Is there planned to be a 2023 CR-V off road test?
No one:
This channel: Oh, hi ... Just thinking of taking an MVP off road......
My 2020 Touring only ever gets 27 mpg, regardless of city or highway. That's with the ECON mode on. They tell me it needs to "break in" according to my driving habits. I have not had it very long. We'll see.
Time to 0-60 the long term Onyx XT again
I would like to see the rav4 le. I think you tested the adventure or the trd but the le has a different AWD system. But being the more popular of the ravs in sales it would be nice to see.
Driving Sports have tested just about every crossover in every class. Except for the Escape. I'm very curious as to why? The new escapes are pretty much on par with the ground clearance of most of the crossovers in it's segment (excluding subarus), but it has an 8 speed auto, a very aggressive AWD system and the 2.0 turbo which far outperforms a lot of motors in it's class. I would be very glad to see a test of the 2020 escape
Simple: Ford never sent one to the press fleet northwest. We’ve asked - they haven’t delivered. Instead, we got the Expedition MAX 🤷🏻♂️
@@drivingsports Ahh. Thats understandable then. Wish they'd get on it lol. Keep up the good work guys! One of my favorite car review channels to watch now!
Knivesinedc Thanks for watching! Since there were so many requests for it, we just scheduled to film one in Los Angeles in October.
When will you do a peak snow test on the CR V pls?
Time for my wife's new ride, I'm avoiding the CRV, although she's been driving a 2007 since new. Two things stop me from buying another, being a retired auto mechanic, I don't like and have never cared for CVT transmissions even though Honda makes their own, which seems to be ok, the second is the interior noise. At highway speeds you have to scream at each other to be heard, it's like driving with all the windows down. So, my final purchase decision will be made on which SUV has the quietist interior.
wait what? the new CRVs are hella quiet, you can literally doze off on the highway since the only thing you'd be hearing is your heart beat. It's even quieter rides better than my family's Audi Q7 tbh, you just gotta bring your family and test drive one.
New CRVs are not SUVs anymore. They are next gen crossovers geared towards people who don't want to drive a minivan (caravan). I'm so sad to see Honda let the CRV name go to such shame.
Please test the new Mazda cx9 with the new off road button. And take it as far as you can to see how capable it is. Please
I dont understand. My lifted FWD 05 crv would make a piece of cake out of this with its AT tires.
Is this the diesel version?
Nice looks, great color; other than those two items....not one in my future.
No offense but you are always complaining that you do not want to damage review vehicle by tall rocks or other obstacles in such videos. It's a valid concern, but why don't you want to simply test such review cars using rollers to simulate loss of traction? This eliminates possibility of damaging the review car and you can still simulate the car climbing a hill if you find an incline and just use the rollers on such incline to simulate loss of traction on the hilly terrain.
Rollers are boring.
Off Road? Mazda CX5- AWD: Hold my beer.
Waiting for you to test the all wheel drive on Volvo XC40 on this trailhead.. would really like to see how it fares when compared to the crosstrek
How does one drive this and not feel like they completely gave up on life? How depressing. Thats not even getting into the oil dilution issue that still remains in colder climates.
...because most don't know they've entered that phase in life. They are going on reputation of the brand.
I tested one, drove pretty nicely. Its no rocket but not everyone buys cars as status symbols.
Thought it had like 8.3” of ground clearance. No wonder Subaru is the popular brand in places like Colorado
Here are your top 25-best-selling SUVs from the month of June 2021, with all automakers reporting:
1. Honda CR-V 36,564 38%
2. Toyota RAV4 36,027 1%
3. Nissan Rogue 32,270 63%
4. Toyota Highlander 24,036 84%
5. Jeep Wrangler 23,505 2%
6. Chevrolet Equinox 18,723 12%
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee 17,804 8%
8. Subaru Outback 16,394 60%
9. Mazda CX-5 16,393 31%
10. Chevrolet Traverse 15,328 64%
11. Honda Pilot 14,714 31%
12. Hyundai Tucson 14,621 43%
13. Honda HR-V 14,019 87%
14. VW Tiguan 12,793 20%
15. Kia Sportage 11,828 48%
16. Hyundai Santa Fe 11,202 34%
17. Jeep Cherokee 9,872 1%
18. Lexus RX 9,604 43%
19. Ford Explorer 9,445 50%
20. Chevrolet Tahoe 9,423 40%
21. Toyota 4Runner 9,327 24%
22. Ford Escape 8,871 42%
23. GMC Acadia 8,869 39%
24. Buick Encore GX 8,862 128%
25. Subaru Forester 8,813 55%
I guess CRV is off my list! Can you please try Tuscan of Santa Fe?
The biggest selling point for Hyundai and Kia is the 5 year 60k warranty with the 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. And they are hot sellers right now.
I like how the ones in America have the blind spot monitors on the sides mirrors. (In Au / NZ don’t) are your blinkers sequential like the Thailand variant..? Why can’t they all be the same internationally with all the bells and whistles.
Good choice for sure. Solid. And nice.
Do the outlander next
Sadly the CRV had a very subpar AWD system since its first generation and I am sad to see it is still lagging all the competition. I never understand the appeal of a FWD CUV/SUV but the CRV AWD premium is just not worth it. It is a FWD station wagon but sh... don't tell the customers :)
Hey it didn’t overheat that’s something!
No one would drive a CRV up that trail. My 2014 CRV and 2018 RDX handled the snow on streets and mountain roads just fine in Wa. and OR state. My 2014 was the most uncomfortable car that I ever owned. I would buy a 4-Runner for off road.
Time to hire Subaru forester AWD model. With this kind of test its where the power of Subaru is needed
Weird performance. I tested a 2019 model and it distribute side to side power in a very good way.
Did the AWD system change in the Honda CRV? In previous videos you say it only sends power to the back if slip is detected but here you say it does that automatically on inclines
It's not the old slow hydraulic system. This C-RV starts in awd and becomes fwd when conditions allow. (Steady speed on grippy surface)
My 24 AWD Sport-l is ALWAYS in AWD. Yes, it's mostly FWD just like the RAV-4, but it is never just FWD. It adapts to the demand. @@kyrorocks
@@jacobpetersen5662 yes, but the reviewed car is a 20
I just got the 2020 Honda CR-V hybrid. I know it's not an offroad car, but I do plan to hopefully hit the trails in the winter and next summer.
Will you be doing a video on the Hybrid version? or should I expect pretty much the same thing as this one?
If they’d ditch their notoriously weak “real-time” AWD system and add an IVTM-4 system in there... It would really kick some butt in this segment.
The test was done poorly. I'm a fan of this channel, but even when I'm a Subaru fun, I can tell you my experience in worst situation to that one, and this new CR-V is more capable. I don't know why, but my experience the car did a great job sending power side to side. It took some time to figure out where to send power, but it did much in a nicer way than on this test.
The cvt transmission severely limits the amount of initial torque to protect the internal belt. Unfortunately, same with Subaru. They need to switch to a traditional automatic.
I wanna see the Honda Pilot
It's the same as the passport
noobwow2009 i understand that but larger,heavier and longer wheelbase,all the make a difference..
@@leonelsantamaria9653 wheelbase is the same. Everything is almost identical except a bit shorter ground clearance and 6 inches longer. Same IVTM 4 system
You should do a bmw or a mercdes! I dont see much of those
BMW's XDrive system turned out to be suprprisingly good even on small X1 model. Go check "Diyas Valikhan" on TH-cam (or English version of his channel called "SUV Test"), he tested AWD systems of lots of crossovers and SUVs on hills and snow of Kazakhstan.
Where in Washington is this mountain road located? What’s it called?
We have a awd touring. It good but I don’t recommend for off road. It not meant for off road
How did it do on snow?
Honda CRV is the #1 vehicle stuck on the beach every day. Terrible AWD system. They always look at me in anger when I drive by in my outback. I hear the pilot has a redesigned awd system that is supposed to be better.
The pilot has a system based on Acura‘s SH-AWD. It’s quite excellent.
Are you going to test the new Discovery Sport?
Yes, we have a request in for it. No ETA yet.
Volvo V90 Cross Country?
For roads the CRV is ok, but for off road the Subaru Forester owns the Honda by far....I would pick the Forester hands down.
Wanted to decide on Rav4 Adventure and Honda.... MEH... seems I gotta go with Rav.
It's worth noting the RAV4 also has a TRD Off-Road option, from the reviews I've read it's definitely better than most crossovers like the CRV in this video, but still inferior to other crossovers with off-road packages such as Jeep's Trailhawk SUVs or the Ford Bronco Sport. The TRD Off-Road RAV4 still doesn't have enough ground clearance for even moderate off-roading, and its long front overhang reduces its approach angle. Its factory equiped Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain tires were apparently designed just for it though, and a lot of what off-road capability it possess comes from them.
They need to dich the 1.5T flawed engine and replace it with the 2.0T or an up dated V6 with timing chain and NO VCM
please test an awd escape hybrid.
Can you test Nissan Rogue Sport on trail?
Would have liked to see you holding a cup of joe & see if any spills🤣🤣🤣🤣
Good but its engine oil keeps dilute when in use. I love to have one if the Honda engineers eliminate this machine problem.
You may have needed to turn off VSA, or... try longer. See here, where Car Question managed to figure it out... by pressing the petal harder? : th-cam.com/video/7B0VpJGdz40/w-d-xo.html