After navigating both summer highways and winter roads for six months, my 2024 Honda CRV EXL has revealed itself in more ways than I initially anticipated. Moving from a 2013 model, the advancements are noticeable, yet some aspects leave me scratching my head. Here’s a balanced look at what I appreciate and what could be improved in the 2024 Crv Exl.
What I Love About the 2024 CRV EXL
The strengths of the 2024 CRV EXL are immediately apparent and continue to impress over time.
Serene Quietness and Smooth Ride
The most striking upgrade is the tranquility inside the cabin. The 2024 CRV EXL is remarkably quiet, effectively muting road and wind noise. This serene environment contributes significantly to a relaxed driving experience, whether on short commutes or longer journeys. Coupled with this quietness is an exceptionally smooth ride. Bumps and road imperfections are absorbed with ease, making every drive feel refined and comfortable, a significant leap from previous CRV generations.
Excellent Visibility
Visibility is paramount for driver confidence, and the 2024 CRV EXL excels in this area. The design provides a wide, unobstructed view of the road and surroundings. Maneuvering in traffic and parking becomes less stressful thanks to the clear sightlines, a feature that is particularly appreciated in busy urban environments.
Intuitive Steering Wheel Controls
Honda has integrated user-friendly controls on the steering wheel of the 2024 CRV EXL, and the thumb wheel is a standout. Once accustomed to its function, navigating menus and adjusting settings becomes second nature. It adds a touch of modern convenience and minimizes distraction while driving. While the thumb wheel might be slightly less convenient with thick gloves, for most of the year, it’s a welcome feature.
Perfectly Sized and Positioned 9-inch Screen
The 9-inch infotainment screen in the 2024 CRV EXL hits the sweet spot in terms of size and placement. It’s large enough to display information clearly and make navigation easy, but not so overwhelming that it dominates the dashboard. The screen is well-integrated and positioned to minimize distraction and maximize usability, a thoughtful design choice.
Crystal Clear Backup Camera
The backup camera in the 2024 CRV EXL is a significant improvement. The image quality is crystal clear, providing a sharp and detailed view of what’s behind the vehicle. This clarity enhances safety and makes reversing and parking in tight spots much easier, especially in low-light conditions.
Improved Fuel Economy
One of the most tangible benefits of upgrading to the 2024 CRV EXL is the enhanced fuel efficiency. On my daily commute, I consistently see an 8 to 10 mpg improvement compared to my 2013 CRV. This real-world fuel economy boost translates to significant savings at the pump and reduces the environmental impact, making the 2024 CRV EXL a more economical and responsible choice.
Welcome Volume Knob
In an age of touch-sensitive everything, the inclusion of a physical volume knob in the 2024 CRV EXL is a refreshing and practical decision. Adjusting the volume quickly and accurately without taking your eyes off the road is a simple yet crucial safety and convenience feature that is greatly appreciated.
What Could Be Better in the 2024 CRV EXL
Despite its many positive attributes, there are aspects of the 2024 CRV EXL that leave room for improvement.
Absence of a Temperature Gauge
The omission of a temperature gauge in the 2024 CRV EXL is perplexing. As someone who values monitoring vehicle health, especially as cars age, the lack of this basic instrument panel feature is a significant drawback. While digital readouts may be available through menus, a traditional, always-visible temperature gauge provides immediate peace of mind and allows for proactive monitoring of engine health. This feels like an unnecessary step back in modern vehicle design.
Non-Permanent Idle Stop Override
The idle stop feature, while intended to save fuel, can be intrusive in certain driving situations. The inability to permanently disable this feature in the 2024 CRV EXL is a constant source of annoyance. Having to manually override it every time the car is started detracts from the driving experience and should be addressed with a permanent deactivation option.
Push-Button Vent Setting
The vent setting controls in the 2024 CRV EXL are push-button operated, which is less intuitive than a traditional knob. Requiring a visual check to adjust the vents is less convenient and more distracting than a tactile knob, where adjustments can be made by feel. A knob-based system would offer a more user-friendly and safer way to control airflow while driving.
Overly Polite Horn
The horn on the 2024 CRV EXL could be described as “polite” to a fault. In situations where a more assertive horn is needed to alert other drivers, the current horn feels inadequate. A more robust and commanding horn would enhance safety and driver confidence in communicating with other vehicles.
Subpar AM Radio Reception
For those who still rely on AM radio, the reception quality in the 2024 CRV EXL is disappointing. Compared to my 2013 CRV and other vehicles, the AM radio reception is noticeably weaker. This is a step backward in a basic in-car entertainment function.
Excessive Chrome Accents
While styling preferences are subjective, the abundance of chrome trim on the 2024 CRV EXL feels dated. Current design trends favor blacked-out or body-colored accents for a more modern and sporty look. Reducing the chrome in favor of darker trim options would give the 2024 CRV EXL a more contemporary aesthetic.
Missing Standard Cargo Cover
The fact that a cargo cover is not standard equipment on the 2024 CRV EXL is a surprising omission. For security and to keep items in the cargo area out of sight, a cargo cover is a basic necessity. Having to purchase this as an accessory feels like a cost-cutting measure that detracts from the overall value proposition of the 2024 CRV EXL.
Hump in Cargo Area
The hump in the cargo area of the 2024 CRV EXL is a significant design flaw. The reclining rear seats, while adding passenger comfort, result in an uneven cargo floor with a prominent hump. This severely limits the practicality of the cargo area, especially when loading long items or attempting to use the space for sleeping or camping. A flat cargo floor should be a priority in future CRV designs.
Uncomfortable Elbow Rest
The elbow rest in the 2024 CRV EXL is firmer than ideal, becoming uncomfortable on longer drives. A softer, more cushioned elbow rest would significantly improve driver comfort on extended journeys.
Overly Extensive Owner’s Manual
The sheer size of the 800-page owner’s manual for the 2024 CRV EXL is indicative of unnecessary complexity. While comprehensive documentation is important, an excessively long manual suggests that the vehicle’s systems and features may be more complicated than they need to be. Simplifying the user interface and reducing reliance on such a lengthy manual would enhance the overall user experience.
Less Intuitive Phone Setup
Setting up a phone in the 2024 CRV EXL is surprisingly less intuitive than in my older 2013 CRV. The process feels more convoluted and less user-friendly, which is unexpected given the advancements in technology over the past decade. A more streamlined and intuitive phone pairing process would be a welcome improvement.
Final Thoughts on the 2024 CRV EXL
The 2024 Honda CRV EXL offers a compelling package with significant improvements in quietness, ride comfort, and fuel economy. However, some questionable design choices, such as the missing temperature gauge and the hump in the cargo area, alongside minor usability issues, prevent it from being a perfect vehicle. Despite these drawbacks, the 2024 CRV EXL remains a strong contender in its class, particularly for those prioritizing a refined and economical driving experience.
