Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a Honda CR-V? Awesome choice! These SUVs are known for their reliability, practicality, and overall goodness. But you might be scratching your head trying to decide between the 2016 and 2017 models. Don't sweat it, we're here to break it all down for you so you can make the best decision for your needs and budget. We will dive deep into what makes each model tick, highlighting the key differences, improvements, and potential drawbacks. By the end, you'll be armed with all the knowledge you need to confidently choose the CR-V that's right for you.

What to Consider When Choosing a Used SUV

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the 2016 and 2017 Honda CR-Vs, let's chat about what to keep in mind when buying any used SUV. After all, you want to make sure you're getting a solid ride that will last you for years to come. There are several key things to think about when choosing a used SUV. These factors can influence your decision and help you find the best vehicle for your needs. First and foremost, reliability is king. Check out the reliability ratings for both years. Honda generally has a great reputation, but it's always wise to do your homework. Look for common issues or complaints reported by other owners. Safety is non-negotiable, right? Check the crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Make sure the SUV has the safety features you want, like anti-lock brakes, stability control, and airbags. Consider how much space you need for passengers and cargo. If you've got a growing family or haul a lot of gear, you'll want an SUV with plenty of room. Think about your typical driving conditions. Do you live in an area with snow or rough roads? If so, you might want an SUV with all-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency is another important factor, especially with today's gas prices. Compare the EPA fuel economy ratings for both years and see how they fit your budget. Finally, don't forget about your budget! Determine how much you can afford to spend, including the purchase price, insurance, and maintenance costs. Now that we've covered the basics, let's move on to comparing the 2016 and 2017 Honda CR-Vs.

2016 Honda CR-V: A Reliable Choice

The 2016 Honda CR-V is part of the fourth generation of this popular SUV. It's known for its reliability, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. This model year is a solid choice if you're looking for a dependable and practical SUV at a reasonable price. The 2016 CR-V is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower. This engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, whether you're cruising around town or hitting the highway. It's paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to improve fuel efficiency. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the 2016 CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive models get slightly lower ratings. Inside, the 2016 CR-V offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo space, making it easy to haul larger items. Standard features on the base LX trim include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. Higher trims offer features like a sunroof, leather seats, and a navigation system. In terms of safety, the 2016 CR-V earned good ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. It comes standard with features like anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full suite of airbags. One potential downside of the 2016 CR-V is that its infotainment system can feel a bit dated compared to newer models. It's not as intuitive or responsive as some of the systems found in competing vehicles. However, if you're not too concerned about having the latest and greatest technology, this shouldn't be a deal-breaker. Overall, the 2016 Honda CR-V is a reliable and practical SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's a great choice if you're looking for a dependable vehicle that can handle your daily driving needs.

2017 Honda CR-V: A Fresh Update

The 2017 Honda CR-V marks the beginning of the fifth generation, bringing with it some significant updates and improvements. This model boasts a more modern design, upgraded features, and a new engine option. If you're looking for a CR-V with a more refined driving experience and the latest technology, the 2017 model is definitely worth considering. One of the biggest changes for 2017 is the introduction of a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 190 horsepower, which is slightly more than the 2.4-liter engine in the 2016 model. It also offers better fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated ratings of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive models also see a slight improvement in fuel economy. The 2017 CR-V also gets a more modern and stylish exterior design. The front end features a bolder grille and sleeker headlights, while the rear gets a more sculpted look. Inside, the cabin has been redesigned with higher-quality materials and a more user-friendly layout. The infotainment system has also been updated with a more responsive touchscreen and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features on the base LX trim include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. Higher trims offer features like a sunroof, leather seats, a navigation system, and a power liftgate. In terms of safety, the 2017 CR-V earned top marks from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. It comes standard with features like anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full suite of airbags. Available advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. One potential downside of the 2017 CR-V is that its continuously variable transmission (CVT) can sometimes feel a bit sluggish, especially when accelerating from a stop. However, this is a common characteristic of CVTs and may not bother all drivers. Overall, the 2017 Honda CR-V is a significant improvement over the 2016 model. It offers a more modern design, upgraded features, and a new engine option that provides better performance and fuel efficiency. If you're willing to spend a bit more, the 2017 CR-V is definitely the better choice.

Key Differences: 2016 vs. 2017 CR-V

Okay, let's break down the major differences between these two model years so you can really see what sets them apart:

• Engine: The 2016 CR-V has a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine, while the 2017 CR-V offers a new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine option. The turbo engine provides slightly more horsepower and better fuel economy. This is a big deal if you're looking for a more efficient and responsive driving experience.
• Exterior Design: The 2017 CR-V boasts a more modern and aggressive exterior design compared to the 2016 model. Think sleeker headlights, a bolder grille, and a more sculpted rear end. If you care about looks, the 2017 definitely has the edge.
• Interior Design and Features: The 2017 CR-V gets an updated interior with higher-quality materials and a more user-friendly layout. It also features a more advanced infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. This means easier smartphone integration and a more seamless tech experience.
• Safety Technology: While both models offer good safety ratings, the 2017 CR-V offers more advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. These features can provide an extra layer of protection and help prevent accidents.

Which CR-V Should You Choose?

Alright, the million-dollar question: which CR-V should you actually buy? Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

• Choose the 2016 Honda CR-V if:
  • You're on a tighter budget and want a reliable and practical SUV at a lower price point.
  • You don't need the latest and greatest technology or features.
  • You prioritize a comfortable ride and a spacious interior.
• Choose the 2017 Honda CR-V if:
  • You're willing to spend a bit more for a more modern design and upgraded features.
  • You want better fuel economy and a more responsive engine.
  • You value advanced safety technology and smartphone integration.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to test drive both models and see which one you prefer. Pay attention to how they handle, how comfortable the seats are, and how easy it is to use the infotainment system. And don't forget to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic to make sure you're not buying a lemon!

Final Thoughts

Both the 2016 and 2017 Honda CR-Vs are excellent choices for a used SUV. The 2016 model offers a reliable and practical option at a lower price, while the 2017 model boasts a more modern design, upgraded features, and a new engine option. Consider your needs, budget, and priorities when making your decision, and you're sure to find the perfect CR-V for you. Happy car hunting!