2012 Honda CR-V Becomes Sleeker, More Efficient and Technologically Savvy

2012 Honda CR-V front
2012 Honda CR-V back
2012 Honda CR-V side
2012 Honda CR-V engine
2012 Honda CR-V interior
2012 Honda CR-V interior front
2012 Honda CR-V interior back

Smarter, more capable Real Time AWD system debuts
The fourth-generation Honda CR-V embraces a sophisticated and bold styling direction, offers multiple technology firsts for Honda and increases fuel economy on all models. Long established as the benchmark vehicle in its class in terms of quality, refinement and popularity, the 2012 CR-V is designed to continue to exceed customer expectations for entry-level SUVs. Major enhancements include improved car-like interior comfort, a smoother and quieter ride, and more innovative features.

New for 2012
  • More efficient engine design with improved horsepower and torque
  • Available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™
  • New-for-2012 standard features include an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat, Eco Assist™, Expanded-View Driver's Mirror and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS)
  • New-for-2012 features include intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text messaging function, and available DVD Rear Entertainment System and FM Traffic
CR-V Summary
  • Versatile 5-passenger entry-level SUV with sleek style, high-tech features and an emphasis on safety
  • 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb-ft. of torque, standard 5-speed automatic transmission and EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23/31 mpg1 city/highway (FWD) and 22/30 mpg1 city/highway (AWD)
  • Passenger volume, 104.1 cu-ft. (LX), 101.5 cu-ft. (EX/EX-L)
  • Cargo volume, rear seat up/down, 37.2/70.9 cu-ft.
  • Body Length x Width x Height (EX), 178.5 x 71.6 x 65.1 in., Wheelbase, 103.1 in.
  • The 2012 CR-V body features a more dynamic and sophisticated appearance, while contributing to higher fuel efficiency and amazing interior versatility. Compared to the previous generation, the new model takes on a more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia, highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights.
The CR-V's spacious interior layout becomes more accommodating with an improved center console (now standard) and an overall lower cargo floor height. The most significant new interior feature is the Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat that makes accessing the full capability of the cargo area much more convenient than traditional manual folding seats. Each side of the rear seat can automatically fold nearly flat into the front of the cargo area using one of the small levers located near the tailgate or a pull-strap positioned on the seat side.

Beyond its new versatile packaging, the CR-V demonstrates new attention to the in-vehicle experience, with sophisticated instrumentation and a standard full-color, 5-inch "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel. Although the floor pan is the same height as in the previous model, the new CR-V has a slightly lower and more car-like seating position, while still retaining an elevated driver vantage point that customers value in this class. A lower cargo floor improves ease of cargo loading.

The CR-V's audio systems offer a new level of connectivity, including a standard Pandora® internet radio interface that's compatible with the iPhone. There's also a convenient SMS text messaging feature that, when paired with a compatible phone, can read incoming texts aloud through the audio system and allow the CR-V's driver to respond with any of six factory preset text messages. The Bluetooth®2 HandsFreeLink® phone interface is standard on all models, and offers intuitive hands-free calling convenience. And for the first time, the CR-V now offers an available DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES).

Improvements to the 2012 CR-V's 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter, i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine contribute to more power (+5 horsepower) and torque than the previous generation CR-V. The EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating increases in front-wheel-drive models to 23/31 mpg1 (+2/+3 mpg) and models equipped with the available Real Time AWD system increase to 22/30 mpg1 (+1/+3 mpg), an improvement of 10-percent in highway driving. Models equipped with the available Real Time AWD system achieve the best highway fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive vehicle in its class. Plus, a new ECON operating mode increases the potential for drivers to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency when the system is activated. The CR-V comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The 103.1-inch wheelbase, wide front and rear track dimensions, advanced suspension design, and features such as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and new Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) all contribute to the CR-V's objective to provide a premium driving experience with ride comfort similar to a sedan. The CR-V's suspension system uses a front MacPherson strut design and a precise rear multi-link suspension. The rear multi-link suspension helps maximize rear seating and cargo space, while also providing outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality. Higher-capacity shock absorbers compared to the previous model contribute to a sophisticated driving feel.

The 2012 CR-V exemplifies Honda's approach to safety. Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment VSA, an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Similar to the previous-generation CR-V, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash.

Body
Compared to the 2011 model, the 2012 body design is more aerodynamically efficient with a 1.0-inch lower roofline and numerous refinements. Even with its sleeker appearance the CR-V still offers a generous 39.3 inches of headroom (LX model), an increased passenger volume of 104.1 cu-ft., up 0.3 cu-ft. (LX model), and the same ground clearance of 6.7 inches (AWD models) as the 2011 CR-V. The 2012 CR-V front-wheel-drive model has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches. The overall packaging approach creates the largest, most functional interior possible for a vehicle of this exterior size and proportion. A revised doorsill design with an improved step-over angle allows for easier ingress and egress.

Large 5-spoke wheels (17-inch alloy for the CR-V EX and EX-L, and 16-inch steel for the CR-V LX), and bold fender flares emphasize the vehicle's dynamic presence and capability. The CR-V's signature vertical brake lights, which have been a design fixture since 1997 on the first-generation CR-V in the U.S. (1995 elsewhere in the world), continue with a new theme for 2012 with a more three-dimensional style that further compliments the design and aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Significant reductions to the impact of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) throughout the body and chassis improve interior quietness and ride quality compared to the previous model. To achieve this improvement, the 2012 CR-V has greater body rigidity, better suspension isolation properties, additional noise insulation and more aerodynamic features including large underbody covers and a rear spoiler.

New on the 2012 CR-V is a driver's-side Expanded-View Driver's Mirror. This mirror uses a flat reflective plane on the inner portion of the mirror closest to the door, as required by law, while the outer portion of the mirror uses a convex element to provide a broader field of view. This adds an additional 5.5 degrees of visibility at the outer edge of the mirror's field of view, which can assist the driver in detecting other vehicles or road conditions that they might not otherwise see in their side mirror.

Interior
The interior of the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V aims to redefine what's possible in the entry-level SUV class with a sedan-like driving position, reduced noise levels, new comfort features, convenient integration with personal technology, versatile cargo storage and high-quality materials. New technologies include a Pandora internet radio interface, an SMS text reading and response function (with compatible cell phones) through the new intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), FM Traffic on models equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™3 and an available DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES). All 2012 CR-V models include a new One-Motion 60/40 Split Rear Seat, large-volume center console storage, an Eco Assist™ system and a quieter and more refined cabin.

Sophisticated instrumentation includes an average fuel-economy indicator, instant fuel economy, miles-to-empty indicators, an engine oil life indicator and an exterior temperature indicator. Additionally, a standard full-color "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel.

The CR-V EX comes standard with a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, and six speakers on the CR-V EX and EX-L. The audio system offers a new level of connectivity, led by a Pandora internet radio interface (with compatible iPhones) and a convenient SMS text messaging feature (with compatible smart phones) that can read incoming texts aloud through the audio system. The standard Bluetooth2 HandsFreeLink phone interface offers convenient hands-free calling. And for the first time, a DVD RES with a 7-inch screen and a remote control is available on the CR-V EX-L.

Like previous generations, the new CR-V offers a class-leading low cargo floor and lift-over height for ease of loading, along with a slight increase in passenger and cargo volume. New for 2012 is an innovative Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback that can automatically and quickly drop flat into the rear foot well using release levers located near the tailgate opening (or via pull-straps accessible from each rear door).

Extensive safety equipment includes dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) in the rear outboard seats. A new front seat design also helps reduce the severity of neck injury in a rear collision.

A multi-angle rearview camera, included on all models, provides a choice of three different views on the i-MID or navigation screen, providing more visual information for the driver when backing up.

Powertrain
The all-new 2012 CR-V features a sophisticated powertrain that offers versatile performance for city and highway driving, improved fuel economy, and available all-wheel drive for confidence-inspiring capability in low-traction conditions. Improvements to the CR-V's 2.4-liter, i-VTEC DOHC 4-cylinder engine for 2012 yield more power - now 185 horsepower, 5 horsepower more than the previous generation CR-V - along with enhanced torque delivery. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard. The CR-V's EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating is now 23/311 mpg for front-wheel-drive models (up 2 mpg city and 3 mpg highway) and models equipped with the available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ increase to 22/30 mpg1 (up 1 mpg City and 3 mpg Highway). Fuel economy is up by 10-percent in highway driving. Taking a cue from the 2012 Civic, a new ECON operating mode and Eco Assist feature increases the potential for drivers to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency when the systems are activated and utilized.

For drivers who desire the all-season confidence of all-wheel drive, the new Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System introduces a high degree of all-wheel-drive sophistication in rain, snow, dirt roads and dry pavement. The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system replaces the previous-generation CR-V's Real Time 4WD™, a mechanically-activated "dual-pump" system that required a small degree of wheel slip to activate. Real Time AWD offers confident capability and user friendliness in a lightweight, fuel-efficient and technologically-sophisticated design.

New for 2012, Hill Start Assist helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a hill. Hill Start Assist automatically activates when the vehicle senses a certain incline and is fully stopped in any forward or reverse gear.

Chassis
The 2012 CR-V chassis is designed to maximize driving enjoyment, passenger comfort and safety with its fully independent front MacPherson strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension. Following the 2012 Civic, the new CR-V is the second Honda in the North American market to use Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). Standard on all 2012 CR-V models, this sophisticated new system works with the standard VSA and Electric Power Steering to detect instability in slippery road conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction. This advanced new technology supports the driver's action in operating the vehicle more safely and comfortably.

CR-V EX and EX-L models are equipped with 225/65R17 all-season tires with 17x6.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The CR-V LX is equipped with 215/70R16 all-season tires with 16x6.5-inch stamped steel wheels.

Safety
The 2012 CR-V exemplifies the Honda approach to safety. Every CR-V incorporates as standard equipment: VSA electronic stability control system; ABS with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Similar to the previous-generation CR-V, an ACE body structure in the front of the vehicle helps make the vehicle highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal crash. A pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle is also included, as are daytime running lights (DRL).

Driver- and front-passenger seatbelt reminders are standard, as is LATCH, a child-seat mounting system for the outboard locations of the rear seats.

The 2012 CR-V had not been crash tested by the federal or independent agencies as of December 2011, but it is expected to receive an Overall Vehicle Score of 5 Stars in the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) tests, and to be designated a Top Safety Pick by achieving Good ratings in all tests by the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Honda Press

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