2015 Honda CR-V Touring AWD Update 10: Exploring Euro-Spec Options

Our 2015 Honda CR-V Touring AWD is as loaded as the popular crossover gets in the U.S., but have you ever wondered what cool options are available in other markets? As a CR-V daily driver, I did. Here are a few highlights and whether I'd welcome the options in the U.S.

See All 7 Photos7

Abroad, Honda offers a 1.6-liter, turbodiesel four-cylinder with 158 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It's tempting as an engine upgrade option, but the 10.2-second 0-62-mph time isn't. That's not a terrible manufacturer-estimated time, but our CR-V Touring AWD with its 185-hp gas engine hits 60 in an as-tested 8.9 seconds. Considering the traffic I experience driving home every day from work, I much prefer the quietness of a hybrid over a diesel's impressive torque (and unfortunate clatter). Hybrids can deliver respectable fuel economy with low emissions and, in the case of the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid with AWD, an as-tested 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds.

See All 7 Photos7

Perhaps because Honda doesn't want to step on Acura's toes too much, the U.S.-spec CR-V doesn't offer HID or LED headlights … unlike the Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, the U.K.-spec CR-V, and more. Sure, the CR-V Touring adds projector-beam halogens, and they work fine. Despite the Accord sedan with projector-beams earning an Acceptable rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its first headlight test, I'd still welcome HIDs or LEDs and an active cornering light feature. On a top-trim model such as the Touring, such features would add function and status. Expect an LED option on the next-gen CR-V.

See All 7 Photos7

One of my favorite features on theMotor Trendlong-term 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5SL was a tiny engine-braking button on the side of the gear stalk. At the touch of a conveniently located button, the car provided a little braking power without using the brakes or illuminating the brakes lights. The CR-V has a low gear for that on the gear stalk, but using it isn't nearly as easy as the Altima's button or paddle shifters. At least the U.S. CR-V has a transmission sport mode—something I'm especially glad to have even when I'm not simply out for a drive on a winding road.

See All 7 Photos7

Some European CR-Vs are equipped with a panoramic glass roof, a feature that makes the Honda look especially slick and upscale from the outside. Still, let's not forget this is a Honda CR-V we're talking about, not an Acura RDX. So although I'd love to have a larger glass panel through which to look at buildings, trees, and mountains in my periphery, I'm fine with the existing moonroof that's standard on every 2016 CR-V trim besides the LX and SE. Also, thanks to the fact that we're talking about a crossover and not a coupelike four-door, it doesn't noticeably impede on headroom.

See All 7 Photos7

I've mentioned before how much I like the complex, flashy design of the Touring's 18-inch wheels. They're not for everyone, but I like the polished wheel face contrasted with the black-painted pockets. For those who want the most in curb appeal, a CR-V Sport with 19-inch wheels would be a fun addition to the next-gen CR-V range. If rising interest in crossovers really is permanent, folks deciding between an Accord Sport and a CR-V might benefit from the option of a Sport model with huge wheels and a couple other aesthetic changes. Some vehicles with larger wheels and low-profile tires suffer in ride (though not much on the Accord Sport) and have slightly higher maintenance costs.

What are your thoughts? Should Honda sell a CR-V Sport in the U.S. with 19-inch wheels, or would it not be worth the automaker's time and money?

More on our long-term 2015Honda CR-VTouring AWD here:

• Arrival
• Update 1: How Much MPG Does ECON Mode Really Add?
• Update 2: How the CR-V Has Changed My Driving Habits
• Update 3: CR-V or HR-V?
• Update 4: From Econ to Sport Mode: Does it Make a Difference at the Track?
• Update 5: The CR-V Goes Camping
• Update 6: Not A Constantly Racing Vehicle
• Update 7: Why the CR-V's Lack of a Volume Knob is Mostly Not an Issue
• Update 8: Exploring the CR-V's Flexible Interior and a Helpful Cargo Net
• Update 9: Exploring the Many CR-V Navigation Options

See All 7 Photos7