2016 Honda CR-V Black Edition: Review, Pros And Cons

The 2016 Honda CR-V Black Edition elevates the popular compact SUV with a striking all-black aesthetic and premium touches, targeting buyers who crave flair without sacrificing practicality. Building on the SE Navi foundation, this special edition adds aggressive body kits, larger wheels, and exclusive interior upgrades, making it a standout in a crowded segment.

Eye-Catching Exterior Design and Unique Features

The Black Edition’s exterior screams sophistication with its gloss black paint, 19-inch alloy wheels, and low-profile tires that enhance its road presence. Sporty elements like redesigned bumpers, a tailgate spoiler, skid plates, running boards, and a gloss black grille with matching badging create a cohesive, modern look. Privacy glass and embossed leather seats inside reinforce the theme, paired with custom floor mats for a personalized cabin feel.

Available in petrol or diesel variants, all models feature all-wheel drive (AWD), ideal for varied conditions. The diesel automatic tested pushes pricing near £34,000, comparable to entry-level luxury rivals, yet delivers robust utility.

Powertrain Options and Performance Insights

Under the hood, the CR-V Black Edition offers a 1.6-liter diesel or 2.0-liter petrol engine, mated to manual or automatic transmissions. The diesel unit shines in efficiency, especially for motorway cruising, with owners noting impressive fuel economy even at high mileage like 117,000 miles. Honda’s Real Time AWD system provides confident traction, complemented by features like eco mode, auto start-stop, and parking sensors.

On the road, the vehicle maintains Honda’s reputation for solid construction and responsive drivetrains. Electric power-assisted steering delivers direct feedback, avoiding the numbness common in some crossovers. Despite a shorter wheelbase, it offers a stable ride that absorbs bumps effectively, with minimal noise and vibration intrusion.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Step inside, and the CR-V impresses with generous space for five passengers, clever storage solutions, and a versatile cargo area. Rear seats fold nearly flat, expanding capacity for family hauls. Front seats provide ample support and adjustability, while rear accommodations suit adults comfortably, aided by A/C vents.

Standard tech includes a multi-function display, Bluetooth, USB, cruise control, and climate controls. Higher trims add navigation, though some critique its interface and radio controls. Leather upholstery feels premium for long drives, and features like rearview cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and folding mirrors enhance usability.

• Spacious cabin with roomy rear seating and flexible cargo space
• Supportive leather seats and quality materials throughout
• Abundant tech: parking aids, cruise control, and infotainment basics
• Quiet ride with low road and wind noise

Handling, Ride, and Driving Dynamics

While secure in corners, the CR-V exhibits noticeable body roll and slower steering response, tempering enthusiasm for spirited drives. The 19-inch wheels transmit sharper impacts over rough surfaces, impacting ride comfort compared to rivals with softer setups. Nonetheless, its smooth suspension handles everyday duties well, and braking from 60 mph in 119 feet outperforms class averages.

Owners praise its maneuverability, easy parking, and non-intimidating feel, making it ideal for urban and suburban use. Responsive handling and generous rear space add to its family-friendly appeal.

Safety Ratings and Advanced Features

Safety is a highlight, with top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earned “Good” ratings in side impact, roof strength, and whiplash tests, plus “Superior” for the optional frontal collision warning system. NHTSA crash tests also reflect excellence, bolstered by standard features like stability control.

Additional aids include automatic emergency braking, which avoided a 12 mph collision and mitigated a 25 mph impact effectively. Rearview cameras and blind-spot aids integrate seamlessly, boosting confidence.

Rivals Comparison: Value and Equipment

Priced at a premium over the base SE Navi by nearly £3,000, the Black Edition faces stiff competition from better-equipped, more dynamic alternatives. Rivals offer superior driving feel and economy, though none match its on-trend black styling.

Despite dated dash plastics and dual screens, the CR-V’s reliability, resale value, and functionality hold strong. It’s a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy winner for small SUVs.

Ownership Experience and Long-Term Reliability

Owners report high satisfaction, with no vibrations, accurate MPG, and durable components even at high mileage. A/C, electronics, and interiors hold up well, though some note age-related chips. Resale remains above average, underscoring Honda’s build quality.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Pros: Bold styling, spacious and practical interior, excellent safety, reliable performance, good efficiency
• Cons: Premium pricing, body roll in corners, firm ride from big wheels, dated infotainment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the 2016 CR-V Black Edition worth the extra cost?

It appeals if style is priority, but rivals may offer better value and drive.

How fuel-efficient is the diesel model?

Excellent for motorways, with real-world figures impressing high-mileage users.

What safety tech does it have?

Top IIHS ratings, collision mitigation, and cameras standard or optional.

How does it handle compared to rivals?

Secure but less engaging, with more roll; smooth on highways.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, with ample space, easy access, and cargo flexibility.