Nearly every automaker offers a compact SUV today. It’s simply a design that buyers want, enough that even Range Rover offers one. But few do compact SUVs better than Honda, and few are better overall than the 2022 Honda CR-V. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the CR-V maintains the qualities that have made this nameplate a favorite since its debut nearly 30 years ago: airy cabin, ample cargo space, gentle ride, responsive handling, and excellent fuel economy. Evolving driver-assist features have also helped the CR-V earn top safety ratings.
Sure, the CR-V’s rivals do some things better. The Toyota RAV4 gets slightly better fuel economy. The Subaru Forester can take you deeper off-road. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento offer high-tech infotainment and tons of value. The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (priced well north of the CR-V and not exactly a rival) looks better at the valet.
Honda will no doubt address some of these issues when an all-new, redesigned CR-V debuts next year, hopefully with more user-friendly infotainment. It could also gain an optional third row. Regardless of its new configuration, we expect few will continue to blend it better than the CR-V. There are no changes for 2022.
The 2022 Honda CR-V comes in five gas-powered models: LX, SE, EX, EX-L, and Touring. Three gas-electric hybrid models are also available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. All-wheel drive is standard on the Touring trim and the Hybrid models. It’s a $1,500 option on all other models. The Touring is the most popular trim, but the EX is our pick for best value. We’ll explain why.
LX
The base LX trim is priced at $26,975 (with a $1,225 destination fee). Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, keyless entry, steering wheel controls, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.
SE
Stepping up to the Special Edition ($28,175) adds remote start, heated side mirrors, push-button start, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a more powerful six-speaker audio system, and an upgraded technology interface with a 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
EX
Priced at $29,485, the EX trim is our pick for the best value since it’s equipped with everything most buyers want. In addition to the features on the Special Edition, the EX includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a moonroof, cargo cover, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring, rear USB ports, and XM satellite radio.
EX-L
Just above the EX sits the $32,075 EX-L, which is furnished with leather seating, leather trim for the steering wheel and shift lever, a power-adjustable passenger seat, an eight-speaker audio system, and a power liftgate.
Hybrid EX
Most of the equipment on the Hybrid EX ($32,185) is similar to the gas-only EX, except for the addition of LED headlights, a two-position seat memory for the driver, and an eight-speaker audio system with XM satellite radio.
Hybrid EX-L
The hybrid version of the EX-L trim ($34,775) has everything featured in the standard EX-L as well as LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, a programmable garage door opener, and ambient interior lighting.
Touring
The loaded Touring trim ($36,775) comes with 19-inch wheels, a premium nine-speaker audio system, onboard navigation, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free power liftgate, roof rails, chrome exhaust tips, and a wireless phone charging pad.
Hybrid Touring
In addition to all the equipment on the standard Touring trim, the Hybrid Touring ($37,975) adds front and rear parking sensors.
