A triad of outstanding Hondas came my way in recent weeks. All three are familiar models — CR-V, Accord Hybrid, Ridgeline — but each one is all-new for 2017, with substantial changes in appearance, upgraded features and powertrains.
The new exterior styling is an improvement over the outgoing model in all three cases, and I found each one nearly impeccable overall. If it weren’t for my less than loving reaction to the audio and navigation touchscreen interface, I’d call all these cars perfect.
2017 Honda CR-V
I scored big by having the new CR-V during the week of a significant snowstorm in Western Washington. On top of its many other attributes, this compact SUV is blessed with remarkable snow-worthiness.
On a deserted road covered with snow and ice, I tested the mettle of the CR-V Touring AWD by stomping the brake pedal while on the fly. Test grade: A-plus. With a great fondness for driving in snow, and confidence in the CR-V’s ability, I took an out-of-town guest to Index, Snohomish County’s scenic crown jewel, and to Deming in Whatcom County and Marblemount in Skagit County for bald eagle viewing.
Highlights of the CR-V in any weather include precise, sturdy handling on winding roads; a handsome new interior with lots of room all around and enough left over for a very generous rear cargo area; and stowage cubbies, bins, pockets and compartments created by clairvoyant designers who obviously knew exactly what everyone would want and where.
The 2017 CR-V is offered in five different trim levels, all available with two-wheel or all-wheel drive: LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L with Navigation, and Touring. Pricing starts at $24,985 including a $940 destination charge.
The LX engine is a 2.4-liter, 184-horsepower four-cylinder. All other models are powered by the CR-V’s first turbocharged engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder generating 190 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard on all models.
The new turbo engine is a big asset, boosting performance to a more satisfying level while at the same time providing better fuel economy. EPA ratings range from 25/31/27 mpg (city/highway/combined) for the AWD LX to 28/34/30 mpg for the 2WD Touring.
2017 HONDA CR-V TOURING AWD
Base price, including destination charge: $36,790
Price as driven: $36,790
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
The hybrid version of Honda’s supernaturally selling midsize sedan gets a more powerful yet more fuel efficient two-motor powertrain delivering 212 horsepower and a fuel economy rating of 47/49/48 mpg (city/highway/combined). There are three trim levels — Hybrid, Hybrid EX-L and Hybrid Touring — with prices starting at $30,440 including an $835 destination charge.
All models include as standard equipment the Honda Sensing package of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies. The forward collision and lane keeping assist systems are a bit too overprotective, issuing warning alarms and corrections too soon, if you ask me. But, to be honest, most drivers would probably disagree with me.
EX-L and Touring models also feature the company’s newest touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Features on the standard equipment list for my tester, the Hybrid Touring trim level, can be summed up as “everything.” Safety features generally get taken for granted unless there’s an emergency, so it’s the comfort and convenience stuff we notice and appreciate most of the time. During my test week, which included long-distance driving in freezing weather, I reveled in the new Accord Hybrid’s exceptionally comfortable and heated driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment; seven-speaker premium audio system with satellite and HD radio; whisper-quiet interior; front and rear parking sensors; and LED headlights, taillights and fog lights. The car’s superior power, handling and performance did not go unnoticed. Neither did the Seahawks colors of the gauge lighting.
The Touring trim includes heated rear seats. Another nod to comfort for second-row passengers on all models is abundant leg room and head room. Those with cargo-carrying concerns should note that the rear seats do not fold down.
2017 HONDA ACCORD HYBRID TOURING
Base price, including destination charge: $36,790
Price as driven: $36,790
2017 Honda Ridgeline
Unibody construction, four-wheel independent suspension, an innovative cargo bed and a refined, upscale passenger cabin put the Honda Ridgeline in a unique class: a combination midsize SUV/pickup. It has the ride comfort and handling characteristics of a car, along with the sturdiness and utility of a truck. Not the same level of utility as a pure pickup, of course, but highly qualified for transporting items and materials you can’t fit or don’t want inside a car or SUV.
For 2017, Ridgeline is available with two-wheel or all-wheel drive. Standard and optional premium features are more plentiful, including the aforementioned 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, an advanced navigation system, three-zone climate control and a power sliding rear window.
A more powerful and efficient V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission delivers 280 horsepower and 19/26/22 mpg (city/highway/combined) with 2WD, and 18/25/21 mpg with AWD. Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds.
With a trim level lineup of seven models, pricing starts at $30,315 and ends at $43,910. These figures include a $940 destination charge.
My tester was the Black Edition model with all-wheel drive. It’s the most expensive model and unquestionably the coolest looking with its Crystal Black paint, black 18-inch alloy wheels, and black interior with bits of red here and there. Every premium feature Honda has for the Ridgeline is standard on the Black Edition.
Ridgeline’s steel reinforced composite bed (it doesn’t require a liner) has a two-way tailgate and an in-bed trunk. A trunk audio system and power outlet are standard on the Black Edition, and standard or optional on other models.
More cargo space is available in the cabin, where the 60/40-split rear seat bottoms can be folded up, making enough room for a mountain bike with wheels attached. An under-seat storage area can carry long items such as golf clubs, with the rear seats folded down.
2017 HONDA RIDGELINE BLACK EDITION AWD
Base price, including destination charge: $43,910
Price as driven: $43,910
Mary Lowry is an independent automotive writer who lives in Snohomish County. She is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a board member of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturers as a one-week loan for review purposes only. In no way do the manufacturers control the content of the reviews.
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