Once funky and cute, the Honda CR-V has grown
up to look more like a high-dollar crossover. This latest-generation
CR-V, completely redesigned and re-engineered for the 2007 model
year, is more powerful and more comfortable than the
previous-generation models. Its new suspension geometry delivers an
improved ride and better, more responsive handling. The
four-cylinder engine employs variable intake valve timing to
optimize horsepower and torque for acceleration and cruising speeds
and it's paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Compared with the previous-generation CR-V,
there's slightly more room in the front seat and (in most
dimensions) slightly less room in the rear. Buyers choose from three
models: the basic LX, mid-range EX, or leather-upholstered EX-L,
which can be fitted with an optional navigation system that
incorporates a rearview video camera for safe and easy backing. All
have four doors and seat five.
The EX-L now comes with dual-zone automatic
climate control, an eight-way power driver's seat, and the same
premium audio system that last year came only with the navigation
system.
Test drive and EPA Mileage
The Honda CR-V's four-cylinder engine delivers
competitive power. Four-wheel-drive versions of the CR-V and RAV4 V6
promise exactly the same 26 mpg Highway. The CR-V's five-speed automatic transmission is
a good match for the engine. Honda's Real Time 4WD is actually a
car-style all-wheel-drive system, not a true off-highway-truck
four-wheel drive, as it incorporates no lockable transfer case or
ultra-low, off-road gearing. The Vehicle Stability Assist includes
traction control. Coupled with four-wheel disc brakes (vented in
front and solid in the rear), ABS, brake assist and electronic
brake-force distribution, VSA helps drivers maintain control in
emergency maneuvers or in bad weather.
The CR-V handles well, with relatively little
body lean in cornering. There's also relatively low head toss over
rough and uneven pavement, helping to keep your passengers
comfortable. Real Time all-wheel drive is offered on all
three models. The 2008 fuel economy figures from the U.S.
government's EPA rate the front-wheel-drive CR-V at 20/27 miles per
gallon City/Highway, and the all-wheel-drive version at 20/26 mpg.
2008 CRV Trim Offerings
All Honda CR-V models come with a 166-hp
four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is available for all
models.
The CR-V LX comes with fabric upholstery, air
conditioning, cruise control, powered outside mirrors that fold,
power windows, power central locking, driver's-seat height
adjustment, 60/40-split rear seatbacks that recline and fold,
tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA
stereo, trip computer/information center, a collapsible tray between
the front seats, and 17-inch steel wheels with P225/65R17 tires.
The EX adds a tilt-and-slide power moonroof;
intermittent rear window wiper/washer; steering wheel-mounted audio
controls for a six-speaker stereo with an in-dash, six-CD changer;
dual-deck cargo shelf; lights-and-horn security system; rear privacy
glass; and an outside ambient temperature gauge.
The EX-L features leather-trimmed
seats, armrests, shifter, and steering wheel; heated front seats; XM
satellite radio with a 90-day trial subscription; and a front center
console with storage for 24 CDs (replacing the collapsible tray).
New for 2008 are dual-zone automatic climate control; eight-way
power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support; and the
same 270-watt, seven-speaker (including subwoofer) premium stereo
that used to come only with the navigation system.
Safety features that come standard include the
required three-point seatbelts at all five seating positions; child
safety seat anchors (LATCH); front airbags; front seat-mounted side
airbags (to minimize upper body injuries in side impacts);
roof-mounted, front and rear seat side air curtains (to minimize
head injuries in side impacts and rollovers); and front-seat active
head restraints (to minimize neck injuries in rear impacts).
For crash avoidance there are antilock brakes
(which let the driver steer during panic stops); electronic
brake-force distribution (which optimizes braking power
front-to-rear during emergency stops); brake assist (which senses
impending emergency brake application and boosts pedal pressure);
Vehicle Stability Assist (Honda's electronic stability control
system that attempts to minimize skidding in turns); and tire
pressure monitors (which warn of dangerous drops in tire pressure).
Head on, the Honda CR-V's low, jutting jaw-like
front bumper suggests a rugged skid plate while pulling the
vehicle's visual mass downwards, reducing its perceived height. The
side aspect shows most clearly the latest CR-V's departure from the
boxy, mini-SUV look.
The rear seat is more moderately contoured, the
better to allow it to fold and pivot forward against the backs of
the front seats. In the LX and EX, the space between the front seats
that might otherwise host a console and floor-mounted shift lever is
dedicated to a unique, multi-use tray that when not needed folds
down against the side of the passenger seat, opening a walk-through
access to the rear seat. The EX-L gets a more traditional, fixed
center console, with cup holders and storage space for up to 24
CD's; although some of this storage space is lost on EX-L's with
navigation, where the console must house the CD changer as well.
2008 Conclusions
The Honda CR-V is probably the best vehicle in
this class. "Honda has taken the positive attributes that make the
CR-V its perennial best-seller and added style, better handling, and
a hint of cool." says Motor
Trend. Its' interior is packaged the best, with seats that fold
down to provide a completely flat cargo area.