2015 Honda CR-V’s Four-cylinder direct-injection engine pumps out 185 horsepower, which is all the power needed for daily driving. Plus, the reliable midsize SUV earns its spot as a favorite among drivers due to its durability.
Key Points
- The 2015 Honda CR-V was built with the 2.4L Earth Dreams engine and a continuously variable transmission. It earns up to 33 mpg highway and 27 mpg city.
- With 185 horsepower, it reaches 60 mph from a standstill in less than nine seconds, which is above average for the segment.
- Maintenance demands are average with oil changes recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. The 100,000-mile mark heralds the need to change the timing belt and inspect the pumps.
- Expert reviewers enjoy the responsiveness of the engine and CVT when compared to prior years, but do mention a vibration at cruising speeds.
- The durability of the engine on the 2015 Honda CR-V is impressive and owners should expect it to last up to 200,000 miles or more when properly maintained.
Single Engine Option for 2015 Honda CR-V Delivers 185 Horsepower and Acceptable Acceleration
The 2015 Honda CR-V rolled out with a single engine and transmission available for both the FWD and AWD models. The direct-injection four-cylinder engine comes with a displacement of 2,356 cc. The compression ratio of 11.1:1 enables it to produce 185 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque even with such a small engine. It has an inline design and has a bore and stroke of 87 x 99.1 mm.
Honda tweaked the 2.4L engine for 2015 using their Earth Dreams Technology. The newly engineered powerplant improved the fuel economy by nearly 10% over 2014, but not its overall power. It features a dual overhead cam design with Honda intelligent variable timing and lift electronic control, which means the onboard computer constantly adjusts timing to minimize wear and tear while improving combustion.
Matched to a continuously variable transmission, it earns up to an EPA-estimated 33 mg highway and 27 city. Should you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, it tops out at an estimated 32 mpg highway, which is an excellent trade for the added control on slick roads. The SUV tows up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
You shouldn’t expect to win any races with the 2015 Honda CR-V, but its powertrain gives you all the muscle needed for daily driving. It features a top speed of about 110 mph and reaches 60 mph from a complete stop between eight and nine seconds. A FWD EX did manage to rip off a 0 to 60 time in just 7.5 seconds, but that is a unique achievement for the dependable SUV.
Top Auto Critics Impressed with 7.5-second 0-to-60 Acceleration, Responsiveness of 2015 CR-V Engine
While the mid-size SUV is built with a busy family in mind, its small and efficient powertrain still manages to impress the professionals with its agility and responsiveness, with some minor caveats.
Car and Driver found in their review that the new engine in the 2015 Honda CR-V EX, “makes it feel livelier and more responsive,” than its model-year predecessor. What they didn’t like was the sensation at cruising speed, noting the car “takes a turn for the worse when the normally sweet-sounding engine rumbles along at a fuel-saving 1,200 rpm cruising with light throttle. At that engine speed, the steering wheel, floor, and seat thrum slightly, as if the bass on a subwoofer got dialed up.”
Motor Trend had the vehicle for a long-term test and decided the 2015 Honda CR-V is “slightly quicker than average, the steering has some feel and weight to it, and the Honda boasts a well-tuned CVT.” Although, they also mentioned the pervasive vibration.
MT also took some time to explore the Sport vs. Econ driving mode, which helps to further improve efficiency. When Sport is selected, it shaves just .2 seconds off its 0-to-60 time, which is not much of an improvement. The Econ mode added .8 seconds to the run, but also saved 7% on an entire tank, making it an attractive feature for a commuter car.
Overall, the powertrain will not disappoint drivers in efficiency, acceleration, and durability when compared to other SUVs in the segment.
Nearly Bulletproof Engine on the 2015 Honda CR-V Adds Value to the Dependable SUV
Ultimately, if you are wondering if the engine on the 2015 Honda CR-V will make it to the 200,000-mile marker, the answer is likely yes. Better yet, it delivers a more spirited performance than you might expect in a compact to mid-size SUV.
The 2015 Honda CR-V reportedly suffers from distracting vibrations and even stalling, but the engine is not at the heart of the problems. When you follow the recommended schedule for oil changes, spark plugs, belts, and filters, this is one engine built to last.
Photos: Honda
