The Honda CR-V: An Essential Tool for Your Day

August 18th, 2023

A grey 2023 Honda CR-V is shown from the front at an angle after leaving a dealer that has a Honda CR-V for sale near Seattle.

You take steps to prepare for each workday, from packing your lunch to choosing what to wear to reviewing your presentation one last time. Everything you do is to ensure your day runs smoothly from start to finish. However, there are larger decisions you make that affect the bigger picture. Things like schooling, training, and choosing the vehicle that gets you from point A to point B. That’s right. The car you choose can make or break your work day. When selecting a commuter car, you need one with excellent fuel efficiency, the latest safety features, a comfortable interior, and innovative technology. You also need a vehicle backed by years of reliability, which you can find in a Honda CR-V for sale near Seattle.

The Honda CR-V has been a trustworthy pick for the past 25 years, appealing to commuters, families, and individuals who want a dependable vehicle with flexible storage space. At Klein Honda, we have a vast inventory of Honda CR-V models for sale, whether you want to purchase a used example or check out the latest 2024 Honda CR-V. In addition, our knowledgeable sales team can help you navigate through your options to find the best one for you. Continue reading to learn more about this popular compact SUV to determine if it should be a contender for your Seattle commute.

A Brief History of Honda’s Compact SUV

The Honda CR-V, which stands for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” has been a mainstay in Honda’s lineup since it launched in 1997. The history of the CR-V shows how innovative Honda’s design philosophy is and how committed the company is to making functional, reliable, and fuel-efficient cars––all must-haves when choosing a commuter vehicle.

The Honda CR-V was introduced as an answer to the growing demand for a smaller SUV. Honda designed it to be as comfortable as a sedan but with the flexibility and higher driving position of an SUV. The first CR-V was built on the same platform as the Honda Civic and even used many of the same parts.

Some of the standard features of the first CR-V were a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, all-wheel drive, and a roomy cabin with a rear seat that folded down to make more space for cargo. Over the years, the CR-V has been redesigned many times, including most recently for the 2023 model year, which marks the sixth generation of this SUV. Still, there are a few things that have remained true with each version, which make it a viable option whether your commute is just down the road or you’re driving into the heart of Seattle.

The black interior of a 2023 Honda CR-V is shown from the driver's seat.

Breaking Down the Ingredients of a Commuter Vehicle

The car you choose for your commute to and from work can have a significant impact on your day. It’s difficult to relax and prepare for the tasks ahead if you’re uncomfortable in your vehicle. Having to make multiple side trips throughout the week to gas up can be frustrating, and the stress of wondering if your car will make it through the maze of traffic with no issues can put you on edge from the start. Considering these details, if you look at what the CR-V offers, you’ll see why it’s a good choice for a commuter.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2024 Honda CR-V has six trims, including three hybrid options. Starting with the gas-powered version, you can choose from the LX, EX, and EX-L. Each of these is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive model gives you the confidence to go the extra mile with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 28 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined.[a] When choosing the all-wheel drive 2024 CR-V, those numbers decrease slightly.

If you’re interested in the 2024 CR-V Hybrid, you have the same option of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For the front-wheel drive hybrid, you can enjoy an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 43 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway, and 40 MPG combined.[a] Again, the all-wheel drive version slightly reduces how far you can go. Whether you choose the gas-powered version or the hybrid, the CR-V can easily get you where you want to go around Seattle with fewer pit stops, saving you money and time. This is especially helpful on mornings when you’re running late.

Safety Features

Honda’s lineup of vehicles are known for their safety features. The standard collection of driver-assist systems, known as Honda Sensing, offers you and your passengers peace of mind on your way to work or when you’re ready to unwind for the weekend by heading out to Discovery Park. For the 2024 version of the CR-V, you can expect features like a Collision Mitigation Braking System, a Lane Keeping Assist System, and a Road Departure Mitigation System.

Even better? Traffic Jam Assist is standard across all trims, working with the Lane Keeping Assist system to help you maintain a proper road position in traffic more effectively. To understand each safety feature offered in the Honda CR-V, connect with our team for a one-on-one demonstration. While at our dealership, you can also take a test drive to see how easy each feature is to use while on the road.

A blue 2023 Honda CR-V is shown from the front at an angle.

Comfort and Convenience

While comfort might not be the first thing you think of when searching for a commuter vehicle, the first time you’re stuck in traffic for longer than usual might make you wish you’d thought about it a bit harder. The Honda CR-V gets high marks from drivers regarding comfort with seating for five in two rows. There’s an available driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment, including two-way power lumbar support, available heated seats for chilly Washington mornings, and ample headroom and legroom for all. You’ll also enjoy multi-functional center console storage with an armrest to keep things organized during the journey, several cup holders to help you stay hydrated, and an available dual-zone automatic climate control system. Depending on your trim choice, you can also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed seating.

Innovative Technology

Last but certainly not least, Honda’s focus on technology makes driving fun and keeps you connected regardless of the length of your trip. There’s the standard seven-inch or available nine-inch touchscreen, offering you connections to SiriusXM, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. There is also the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic, making trips around Seattle frustration-free.

Other technological features include connecting to HondaLink through your phone to interact with your CR-V. This feature can provide diagnostic information, in-vehicle WiFi, or a seamless connection to Amazon Alexa. Our team can help you understand vehicle and phone compatibility, as well as subscription packages that fit your needs.

Choose the Honda CR-V as Your Next Commuter Vehicle

As you can see, there are many great reasons to choose the Honda CR-V for your commute––and the reasons listed here are only the tip of the iceberg. You’ll find many other features and amenities in the models on our lot, whether you’re looking for a brand-new CR-V or a used one. You can easily access our inventory online or stop by our showroom on Evergreen Way to talk with a member of our team today. Plus, we’re the home of the Never Ending Lifetime Warranty for all new and most used vehicles.

At Klein Honda, we want you to enjoy your vehicle for years to come and to rely on us for dynamic customer service before, during, and after the sale. We take the time to understand what you truly need in a car rather than simply push for a sale. Stop by our dealership today to explore the CR-V and how it can take your commute to the next level!


[a]28 city/34 highway/30 combined mpg rating for 2WD LX, EX, and EX-L. 27 city/32 highway/29 combined mpg rating for AWD LX, EX, and EX-L. 43 city/36 highway/40 combined mpg rating for 2WD Sport and Sport-L. 40 city/34 highway/37 combined mpg rating for AWD Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring. Based on 2024 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-pack age/condition (hybrid trims), and other factors.