GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––If you know of a 16 year old that will soon be looking for a new car, make sure to recommend the reliable crossover Honda CR-V! The 2017 Honda CR-V was recently awarded "Best New Car for Teens" by U.S. News & World Report in the SUV and Crossover category, but why? Because of its immense offering of safety features, perfect for someone still trying to master the road. Let's take a look at what a Honda CR-V has to offer for teens:

1. The Honda Sensing Suite

This suite is a package of advanced safety and driver assistive features including: Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, Road Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Warning. These Honda Sensing Suite features would not only help prevent an accident, but help your new driver develop better driving habits.

2. ACE Body Structure

The 2017 Honda CR-V includes something called an ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) Body Structure. This is Honda's exclusive body structure, built specifically to better distribute collision energy and better protect the driver and passengers inside the vehicle. While you never want to even think of your teen in a collision, it's good to have peace of mind that they would be better protected with the ACE Body.

3. Real Time AWD

This feature is perfect for teens in Michigan! With the wet, slushy, often snowy roads we get in West Michigan, it's good to know there's a feature that will kick-in when new drivers are still learning how to navigate certain conditions. Real Time AWD will enable when slippery road conditions are detected, giving your teen better traction when it's needed.

4. Convenience Features

The remote engine start, and USB charging ports may seem like features a teen shouldn't expect in their first cars, but can come in handy in certain situations. The remote engine start might help your teen get through the winter by allowing them a clear windshield by the time they leave, or can help get them moving quicker in a situation they don't feel safe in. USB ports will allow your teens to charge their phones so they can stay in touch with you wherever they go. These are things you'll want to consider when looking for a new car!

5. Reliability 

If you haven't heard by now, Hondas are known for being particularly reliable. They not only last a long time, but they just seem to have little mechanical problems across the life of the vehicle. Teaching your teen routine maintenance habits and how to properly care for the vehicle is an even better way to achieve reliability in any car they own!


If you read this thinking "Wow, isn't a 2017 Honda CR-V too new for a teen driver?". Even though the 2017 Honda CR-V was just awarded the Best New Car for Teens, you might be more interested in taking a look at used CR-Vs or Certified Pre-Owned CR-Vs which can offer the same reliability of a new CR-V! You could also consider purchasing or leasing a 2017 CR-V for yourself and using it as a tool while your teen is learning to drive. We have options for every sort of budget at RiverTown Honda, and would be happy to help you find a great, safe, reliable vehicle for you or your teen within your budget. You'll be glad to know, we're not your typical dealership and break most of the stereotypes in the industry. Take a look at our website to learn more about what makes the RiverTown Honda experience so unique!


Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

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GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––There are so many things to consider when you go to buy a new car. The type of vehicle, exterior styling, interior comfort, tech and connectivity features, fuel economy, towing capability, FWD/AWD/4WD, etc. The list goes on and on, but there's something in particular we recommend taking a special look at when you're shopping for your next new vehicle: the safety features! There are many advanced Honda safety features you won't want to drive without, and a handful of driver assistive features that'll make your driving experience easier, smoother, and more enjoyable overall. Let's take a look!

First off, you should get to know the Honda Sensing Suite. This is a package of safety and driver assistive features available in many new Honda models including the 2018 Honda Odyssey, 2017 Honda CR-V, and 2017 Honda Civic. There are many features in the Honda Sensing package that you can control or utilize from the driver's seat, which we'll address below, but some you probably won't ever see.

Passive Honda Safety Features: 

-Honda's Exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
Each new Honda is designed with this body structure, or a system of front frame structures. This design is built to better absorb a frontal collision and more evenly disperse the forces within the cabin of the Honda and the forces transferred to other vehicles. With this design, it's not just Honda passengers that are safer, but other vehicles as well!

-Advanced Air Bags
There are air bags all around each Honda, including air bags that will inflate and cover the windows. Some new Hondas are equipped with SmartVent front side air bag, side curtain air bags, front knee airbags, and rollover sensors to better protect Honda passengers in the event of a collision.

-Front Seat Belts with Pretensioner and Load Limits
If a strong frontal impact is detected, as in a rear-end collision, the front seat belts will automatically retract to hold the passenger back. If the load pushing back on the seat belt is exceeded, the seat belt will loosen up to reduce the impact on the passenger's chest.

Active Honda Sensing Advanced Safety Features: 

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) 
• Honda LaneWatch
• Forward Collision Warning
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Cross Traffic Monitor
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keeping Assist System 
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Auto High-Beam Headlights