Top Features of the 2022 Honda CR-V That Still Lead the Class
Even with a fully redesigned model now on the market, the 2022 Honda CR-V remains a benchmark in the compact SUV class—and several of its features continue to outshine the competition.
The 2022 CR-V represents the last year of the fifth generation before Honda completely overhauled it for 2023. That means you get a mature, well-sorted SUV with years of refinement behind it. Many of its key strengths—particularly its clever packaging, efficient powertrains, and smart safety features—are still class-leading or extremely competitive today. Here’s a look at what makes the 2022 CR-V so special.
Spacious and Clever Interior
If there’s one area where the 2022 CR-V still leads, it’s interior space and practicality. Honda’s packaging expertise means there is loads of room inside . Compared to its closest rival, the Toyota RAV4, the CR-V offers more cargo volume both behind the rear seat and with the seat folded down .
Cargo Space:
- Behind rear seat: 39.2 cubic feet
- With rear seat folded: 75.8 cubic feet
By comparison, the RAV4 offers 37.6 and 69.8 cubic feet respectively . Owners consistently praise this, with one reviewer noting the CR-V has a “large cargo area” and “more console storage than class norm” .
The roomy backseat is another standout. With 40.4 inches of legroom, it offers more space than the RAV4’s 37.8 inches . It’s a comfortable place for adults and makes installing child seats much easier. The rear doors also open to nearly 90 degrees, making it incredibly easy to load children or bulky items .
The Hybrid Powertrain: More Power, More Efficiency
The 2022 CR-V Hybrid is a compelling choice for anyone wanting a great balance of fuel economy and performance. It pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a combined 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque . All-wheel drive comes standard .
Fuel economy numbers are impressive—an EPA-estimated 40 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 38 mpg combined . Owner reviews back this up, with many reporting real-world averages between 38 and 42 mpg . One owner shared, “The CR-V averages about 41mpg in town and has gotten as high as 48mpg” .
The hybrid is also quicker than the gas-only version. It reaches 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, compared to 7.8 seconds for the standard CR-V . It offers immediate, smooth acceleration thanks to the electric motors.
Standard and Available Safety Technology
The CR-V earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS for the Touring trim with its Good-rated LED headlights, and all trims earned the highest possible crashworthiness scores . The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating .
Every 2022 CR-V comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features . This includes:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Road departure mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all but the base LX trim .
One owner’s experience speaks volumes: “This car saved my husband’s life…he completely totaled the car and he just got out and walked away” .
Refined Driving Experience
The 2022 CR-V delivers a smooth and comfortable ride that’s well-suited for daily commuting and family road trips. It’s not the sportiest SUV in its class, but it excels at being a composed, quiet, and easy-to-drive companion .
The 190-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has “eager acceleration” for around-town driving and merging onto highways . The CVT is noted as being one of the best in its class—smooth and free from the whine often associated with such transmissions . The steering is well-weighted, and the ride is comfortable and refined .
The Drawbacks: What to Watch For
No car is perfect, and the 2022 CR-V has a few areas where it falls short of newer rivals.
A Dated Infotainment System
The entry-level LX trim has a tiny 5.0-inch display and no smartphone integration . Even on higher trims, the 7.0-inch touchscreen is mounted lower on the dash and has been described as feeling dated, with cluttered menus . Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not standard on the base LX, which is a significant omission in 2022 .
Lack of 360-Degree Camera
A 360-degree camera system is not available on any trim, a feature that’s becoming increasingly common on competitors .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2022 Honda CR-V a reliable car?
A: Yes. The CR-V has a strong reputation for reliability, and owner reviews reflect this with high scores for dependability .
Q: Should I buy the hybrid or gas version?
A: The hybrid is the better choice if you can afford the price premium. It’s more powerful, more efficient, and comes with standard AWD .
Q: Does the 2022 CR-V have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?
A: Yes, but only on EX trims and above. The base LX comes with a basic 5-inch screen without smartphone connectivity .
Q: What is the cargo space of the 2022 CR-V?
A: It has 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with them folded down .
Final Thoughts
The 2022 Honda CR-V remains one of the smartest choices for a family-friendly compact SUV. Its spacious and clever interior, refined ride, excellent hybrid powertrain, and standard safety features make it a formidable used car buy even today. The main drawbacks are a dated infotainment system and the lack of some modern tech, but for many buyers, these are minor trade-offs for an otherwise outstanding vehicle. It’s a compelling package and a testament to the strength of Honda’s engineering.
Have you owned a 2022 CR-V? Share your experience in the comments below to help other buyers!
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