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2016 Honda CR-Z: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Honda CR-Z received a mid-cycle refresh, led by revised exterior styling and a new standard 7-inch touchscreen. It was also the model’s final U.S. year.
About the 2016 Honda CR-Z
1st generation (2011-2016), refreshed final U.S. model year.
Honda positioned the CR-Z as a small two-seat hybrid that tried to make efficiency feel fun instead of purely practical. Its core appeal was the mix of compact size, sporty styling, quick low-speed response from the hybrid system, and unusual driver involvement for a hybrid, especially with the available manual transmission. Against other hybrids, the CR-Z stood out by being more style-focused and more engaging to drive, while still offering useful cargo space behind the seats.
The 2016 lineup uses LX as its core trim, with the refresh’s touchscreen, keyless entry and push-button start. EX adds HID headlights, a right-side camera view, heated mirrors, and premium audio, while the new EX-L Navi tops the range with leather, heated front seats, and built-in navigation.
What changed, by category
Styling
Honda revised the front and rear styling for a sharper look. Fog lights also became standard across the lineup.
Tech
Every CR-Z gained a standard 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone interface, along with Smart Entry, push-button start, an electric parking brake, and a new center console with an armrest.
Safety
LX gained an upgraded multi-angle rearview camera display. EX gained Honda LaneWatch, which shows a camera view along the passenger side.
Chassis
Honda fitted a thicker front stabilizer bar, widened the rear track, and installed larger brake discs.
Trim lineup
LX joined as the entry trim in place of the dropped Base trim. The new EX-L Navi became the top trim, adding leather-trimmed heated seats and built-in navigation.
2016 Honda CR-Z specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid i-VTEC 1.5L | 4-Cyl, Hybrid i-VTEC 1.5L | 4-Cyl, Hybrid i-VTEC 1.5L |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg |
| Torque | 127 lb-ft | 127 lb-ft | 127 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 25.1 cu-ft | 25.1 cu-ft | 25.1 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Honda CR-Z compared with the 2015 model?
The 2016 CR-Z received revised front and rear styling, a standard 7-inch touchscreen, keyless entry and push-button start, an electric parking brake, a redesigned center console, and chassis and brake updates. Honda also revised the trim lineup and added the leather-lined EX-L Navi.
Did every 2016 Honda CR-Z have a touchscreen?
Yes. Every 2016 CR-Z came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a smartphone interface as standard equipment.
How did the 2016 Honda CR-Z trim lineup change?
The 2016 lineup consisted of LX, EX, and the new EX-L Navi. LX took the entry-level spot previously held by the dropped Base trim, while EX-L Navi became the new top version with leather, heated front seats, and navigation.
Was 2016 the final U.S. model year for the Honda CR-Z?
Yes. The refreshed 2016 CR-Z was the model’s final year in the U.S. market.
Did the 2016 Honda CR-Z get a new engine or hybrid system?
No. The 2016 CR-Z retained its 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid system with a lithium-ion battery and three driving modes; the major updates centered on styling, cabin technology, brakes, and chassis tuning.
2016 Honda CR-Z Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Honda CR-Z.
4.3
2016 Honda CR-Z
(48 reviews)
“If you want a fun two-seater that is sporty and affordable that offers good gas mileage and good for the environment, and like to get back to shifting gears, going into sports mode then go for the CRZ!”
“Try the vehicle on.. Don't base decision solely on data and other research.. if you like a unique car that everyone else is not driving, then this may be a car for you.. With the manual transmission this is a fun drivers car.. It's three modes gives the car multiple personalities and various driving experiences..”