I do not want to drive a manual CRV, so what I would like to ask is whether owners of the auto version find it robust enough to tow up to its 1,500 Kgs limit.
Probably 2013, or 2014 model.
Thanks for reading.
I had a 2.2 auto (EX spec) for 6 years (2010 model) and towed for 4 years ( Amara 520/4 MLTPM 1475 kgs), it towed it without any problems, when towing averaged 22-26 mpg depending on route etc and averaged around 40 mpg solo. I had a honda dealer fit the detachable towbar which in fact is/was made by Bosal, this cost £675 in 2012, reason I had it done by the dealer was because the vehicle was still under warranty. When towing tended to hunt between 4th and 5th ( 5 speed auto) when on a motorway and there is no manual overide other than locking it so it will not go above 3rd gear. Had no problems with it over the period of ownership other than a foglight refector rusting due to water getting in, replacement is aroung £200 +fitting, If buying a EX spec check the electricc blinds on the sunrof work OK as the roller mechanism can go a bit "dicky", rectification is £600+, mainly due to labour charge as roof lining has to be removed (there are comments on this on internet forums)
Towing limit is 1500Kgs and the space saver spare should not be used when towing (as in the handbook), an alloy spare will fit in the boot well but raises the floor a bit so that the original boot floor will not lay flat, I cut a piece of 12mm ply using the original as a template and stored the original until I sold the car.
Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 10/7/2017
If its max limit is 1500kg i would wonder if thats on the edge of its reliability when towing 1500kg.
You may want to fit additional cooling to the gearbox to protect it from early failure.
the earlier model 2.2 is up to 2000kgs towing weight seems to mage fine, ive had around 1700kgs on the back a few times with no difficulties.
The CRV models changed in 2012, so depending on the age of the CRV you buy, Amaras report may not be applicable to the car you buy. We have the 2.2 Manual vertion and tow 1335 kg fully laden, and are very pleased with it. You could try matching your outfit on a website such as whattowcar.com or as the advice of the outfit matching services of one of the Caravan clubs, which is free for members.
I doubt that l would be happy to tow right up to the maximum limit with any towcar. We did that with our old Honda Civic 09 plate, and whist ok on a calm day on the flat, it really struggled in a headwind or when tackling motorway gradients to a point that we were often down to 2nd gear and 30mph, or at times, had to pull over into a lay by or stay an extra night on site to wait for the wind to drop. Like Amara says, we too had the problem of the electric roof blind packing up on the Civic, and chose a CRV SE without the glass roof when we bought our 2014 model.
I must admit l am a fan of Honda cars, they have always been very reliable and the CRV is our 9th Honda bought from new since the early 1980s, soon to be followed by an automatic Jazz as my local runabout car in about 8weeks time, when my elderly Dad finally gives up driving for good.
Julia
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Most manufacturers already have a % safety margin factored into their towing limits to protect themselves.
In the USA the auto is limited to 1,500 lbs: not kgs, but, as someone wrote ; that is possibly to cover Honda against litigious claims.
If an oil cooler is needed that could be done afterwards, but what I would like to know is whether the Auto is up to towing 1,500 Kgs. When is a limit too high?
My CRV was an I Dtec (148HP)ie the engine fitted until it was replaced by the 1.6 Ltr in the latest models, I was aware of the changes in 2012 but the engine and auto gearbox were not changed as far as I know
Prior to the I Dtec engine being fitted the i CDTi engine was not available with an auto box
Depending upon the spec of the CRV the towing ratio is aroung the 85-90% when towing 1500kgs.
The auto is very capable of towing 1500kgs and will easily maintain 55-60mph were permissable.
Although I could buy an auto Santa Fe, or the auto Sorento,(both 2,000 Kgs tow limit), the Honda CRV seems to be more economical as an everyday solo vehicle, and I know that our caravan would be below the 85% guide line with the auto version, but I need to be reassured that the auto box is up to the job.
I have requested clarification from Honda UK, and I will post their response.
Quote: Originally posted by jim oldham on 11/7/2017
Although I could buy an auto Santa Fe, or the auto Sorento,(both 2,000 Kgs tow limit), the Honda CRV seems to be more economical as an everyday solo vehicle, and I know that our caravan would be below the 85% guide line with the auto version, but I need to be reassured that the auto box is up to the job.
I have requested clarification from Honda UK, and I will post their response.
Thanks to all for your comments.
If you still have doubts about the CRV's capability to tow 1500 kgs why not consider a Mazda CX5 2.2 d auto, they have 2 specs for the auto, one with 150 hp (2wd) and one with 175 hp (4wd) higher spec and more expensive
Max kerb weight of SEL Nav 2wd and Sport Nav autos with 150 diesel is 1690Kgs and for Sport Nav with 175 diesel and 4wd is 1746kgs according to Mazda website, these are for the new model, I can look in the handbook of my own CX5 which is a 2016 model in case these weights have changed for the new model
The 2 ltr petrol is the lightest at 1574Kgs but this is not available with an auto gearbox
"Dear Mr. Oldham,
Thank you for contacting Honda.
The CR-V from 2014 model is with automated transmission is designed for towing of a maximum of 1500 kg.
In order to ensure safe towing, Honda recommends the towing weight to be less than that.
Thank you for contacting Honda. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us again.
Kind Regards,
Miroslav Todorov
Honda Customer Service
This does beg the question: why state a maximum of 1,500 Kgs, and then recommend "less than that" ? Does seem contradictory.
As I don't want a manual tow car, the CRV is off the list.
Thanks everyone.
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