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2017 Honda CR-V Review: Real Owner Feedback

Why the Honda CR-V is a Top Choice for Families | MotorVero

Why the Honda CR-V Remains a Top Choice for Growing Families

Honda CR-V review

When life circumstances change – particularly when children enter the picture – many families find themselves reevaluating their vehicle needs. What once was a premium sedan that satisfied all desires often must give way to practical considerations. This transition leads many parents to the Honda CR-V, a compact SUV that has consistently ranked among the best family vehicles for its thoughtful design and reliable performance.

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The Family SUV Transition: From Luxury to Practicality

The shift from premium vehicles to family-friendly SUVs represents a common journey for many parents. Where sporty handling and luxury finishes once took priority, considerations like child seat accessibility, cabin space, and safety features move to the forefront. The Honda CR-V has positioned itself as an ideal solution in this transition, offering:

  • Exceptionally wide rear door openings (90-degree angle)
  • Thoughtful LATCH system placement for car seats
  • Generous rear legroom for growing children
  • High safety ratings across all models
  • Competitive fuel efficiency for the class
  • Ample cargo space for strollers and gear

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Real-World Family Testing: The CR-V's Child Seat Advantage

One of the CR-V's most praised features among parents is its child seat accessibility. The 90-degree rear door opening makes installing and removing child seats significantly easier compared to many competitors. This design consideration reduces back strain during the constant in-and-out that comes with parenting young children.

As one parent reported: "After testing nearly every SUV in the $30,000-$40,000 range, we were impressed by how Honda engineers clearly considered real-world family needs. The wide door openings and well-placed LATCH anchors make car seat installation remarkably straightforward compared to other vehicles we tested."

Comparing the CR-V to Wagon Alternatives

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Many families initially consider wagons as an alternative to SUVs, drawn by their car-like handling and often superior fuel efficiency. However, the CR-V consistently wins out in practical comparisons due to:

  • Easier entry/exit: The higher seating position reduces bending when securing children
  • Superior cargo versatility: The boxier shape accommodates bulkier child gear
  • All-weather capability: Available AWD provides confidence in various conditions
  • Resale value: Honda's reputation maintains strong residual values
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Balancing Expectations: Luxury Sedan Owners Adjust to SUV Life

Former luxury sedan owners transitioning to the CR-V should understand that while it excels in practicality, some compromises exist. The most commonly noted differences include:

  • Road noise: More noticeable during acceleration or hill climbing
  • Ride quality: Slightly firmer than premium sedans but still comfortable
  • Interior materials: Durable rather than luxurious, though well-assembled

However, many owners report these factors become less noticeable over time as the CR-V's family-friendly benefits take priority. The vehicle's excellent reliability and low ownership costs often compensate for any initial adjustment period.

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The CR-V's Lasting Appeal: Why Minimal Changes Are Needed

Honda's thoughtful approach to the CR-V's design has created a vehicle that continues to meet family needs year after year. The current generation's strengths include:

  • Class-leading rear seat space
  • Intuitive infotainment system
  • Excellent visibility for safer driving
  • Honda Sensing safety suite standard on most trims
  • Responsive yet efficient powertrain options

This comprehensive package explains why many owners, like the one quoted earlier, anticipate needing few changes to the CR-V's successful formula in coming model years. The vehicle strikes an exceptional balance between practicality, efficiency, and value that continues to resonate with families.

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Making the Decision: Is the CR-V Right for Your Family?

For families prioritizing ease of use, reliability, and thoughtful design, the Honda CR-V remains a top contender in the compact SUV segment. While it may not replicate every luxury feature of premium sedans, its family-focused engineering makes it an excellent choice for parents navigating the challenges of child seats, strollers, and all the gear that comes with raising children.

Prospective buyers should consider test driving the CR-V with their child seats installed to experience firsthand the accessibility advantages. Comparing cargo space with competitors while loaded with typical family items can also reveal the CR-V's practical strengths that go beyond specifications alone.

Alternative Family Vehicles to Consider

While the CR-V excels for many families, some alternatives worth cross-shopping include:

  • Toyota RAV4: Similar reliability with more rugged styling
  • Subaru Forester: Superior visibility and standard AWD
  • Mazda CX-5: More premium interior feel
  • Hyundai Tucson: Strong warranty coverage

Each of these competitors offers particular strengths, but the CR-V's combination of child-friendly design, proven reliability, and comprehensive safety features keeps it at the top of many family SUV shopping lists.

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Final Verdict: A Thoughtfully Designed Family Partner

The Honda CR-V demonstrates how thoughtful engineering can create a vehicle that genuinely makes family life easier. From its wide-opening doors to its spacious interior and reliable performance, the CR-V addresses real-world parenting challenges in ways that specifications alone can't fully capture. While former luxury car owners may notice some differences in refinement, most find the CR-V's practical advantages quickly outweigh any initial adjustments.

For growing families seeking a dependable, well-designed SUV that simplifies the logistics of parenting, the Honda CR-V remains one of the smartest choices in its class – a vehicle clearly developed with family needs in mind.

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Last Updated On Aug, 03-2025

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