2016 Honda CR-V LX 2WD (IRAR)

Not exactly an exotic nameplate, but Hondas have generally been few and far between in rental fleets. Honda is well known for not relying on fleet purchases to boost sales -- and has called out other manufacturers for doing so. That doesn't mean there aren't Hondas to be found. I picked up this 2016 CR-V LX in Alabaster Silver Metallic off the Executive selection at HNL.


The LX is the base model, so you're making do with plain cloth seats and bare steel wheels. Inside, you're surrounded by hard grey plastic. A backup camera is standard, however, along with Bluetooth and Pandora integration. The driver's seat has a manual height adjustment. I had no problem finding a comfortable position and visibility is good.



It's easy to understand why these intermediate-sized crossovers are so popular and are easy substitutes for a regular sedan. You're riding high, but not so high that it's difficult to get in. You have a large cargo area that easily accommodated our 3 suitcases, but the CR-V doesn't feel physically big or clumsy. The 4-cylinder engine and CVT are lively enough to keep the CR-V moving, but also return decent fuel economy.

One thing to note, though, is that the LX lacks rear privacy tint as well as a cargo cover, so anything and everything in the passenger compartment other than the glove compartment is in plain view. While I wouldn't rely on either of those things from preventing a break-in, leaving a laptop bag, backpack, camera case, or purse in plain view in the cargo area is not something you want to do.

While I drove a base LX model, I've seen higher trims in the fleet as well, including the SE (one above LX) in the photo below that I saw in the return queue, waiting to be cleaned. Higher trim EX models are also in the fleet. The EX includes a moonroof, smart-key, and a large infotainment screen.

I'm hoping EAN will continue to purchase Hondas here in HNL -- these appear to be sourced from local dealers -- and I'll be able to try the redesigned 2017 model next year.