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2010 Honda CR-V Review

Honda CR-V initial appeared in 1997. The crossover landscape had a far different look than it does today. Then, the market offered very few compact AWD wagon/CUV crosses, and the new Honda was the head of this not large class. Now, small crossovers are all the rage, offering the cargo carrying ability of a mid-size SUV and tall ride height, sufficient ground clearance and the sure-footed traction of AWD. While many of CR-V rivals have grown thirstier and larger, new CR-V remains true to its roots, which may assure why it continues to top the compact CUV sales chart year after year.

You'll Like This SUV If...

Few vehicles do as many things as well as the 2010 Honda CR-V. This benchmark crossover is stylish and easy car choice.

You May Not Like This SUV If...

There is little pizzazz in practical. If you chafe in sensible shoes, a compact Honda Crosstour may not be the right fit for you. If you're looking to venture off-road, the CR-V's part-time 4WD system is no match for the Symmetrical AWD system found in the more capable Subaru Forester.

What's Significant about this Car?

New CR-V receives a freshened front end, hood and rear bumper for 2010. New 10-spoke alloy wheels, engine output is up to a respectable 180 horsepower, USB audio interface in EX-L trims, and the addition of Bluetooth cell phone connectivity to navigation-equipped models.

Driving Impressions

2010 Honda CR-V has a well-integrated feel on the road. The 4-cylinder engine is well fitted for daily driving duties and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The only violation to the quiet inside the cabin is some noise from the engine in high-demand conditions like the transmission kicks down to a lower gear for passing. Except that, there is a little wind noise and not much road noise, even when the moonroof is open. New Honda CR-V 2011 has a comfortable ride that belies its size and handling is predictable and stable. Visibility is good in all directions, even to the rear. The 4WD system is automatic and shifts up to 70 percent of max torque from front to rear wheels if needed for improved traction.

Favorite Features

Sensible Size, Flexible Floor Plan
Right-sized, highly adaptable interior and real-world dimensions are two reasons why the CR-V is Honda's biggest seller worldwide, including american car market.

Refined Ride Quality
A compact car with a big-car ride, the CR-V has a composed feel, easily rolling over rough roads without ruffling the passengers.

Interior

Among the updates for 2010, CRV gets an optional center console with navigation, and the info display is now blue instead of black. All new Honda CRV models also get new seats fabric and trim panels. There's room for up to five people in the new CR-V. Split rear seats fold easily and tumble forward, that increases cargo capacity to a maximum of 72.9 cubic feet. Second-row seats also recline slightly when not in use. Rear-seat travel is adjustable aft and fore, but long-legged passangers may find the front seats don't have enough journey to fully accommodate them. The Honda CR-V's dual-dial dash is an easy read, switch and gearcontrols are all within arm's reach and simple to operate and inside storage areas teem.

Exterior

New CRV accessories and styling changes include a new front bumper, split grille and resculpted hood as well as a new rear bumper shape. The upper grille has a single horizontal bar now, and the lower portion has a faveolate design instead of three cross bars. The first two generations of the CR-V made their marks by combining enviable reliability with exceptional utility. The new Honda CR-V aims to lay claim to that portion of the new buyers flocking to this segment who are style-conscious; to that end, the 2010 Honda CR-V's still-practical package is wrapped in a decidedly fashion-forward design. The side view is impressive different than most boxy SUVs, with an elliptically-shaped greenhouse. Up front are slash-cut headlamps and a laid-back windshield, while around back is a large rear hatch with no hatch-mounted spare tire to complicate entrance.

Notable Standard Equipment

The 2010 Honda CR-V is offered in three trim levels: LX, EX, and EX-L. Standard across the board is a pressure, tire, monitoring system; 17-inch wheels, telescoping steering wheel, an MP3/auxilliary audio input jack, speed-sensitive volume control and a «conversation mirror» on the back of the sun visor. CR-V accessories of LX and EX models have a retractable center tray table between the front seats, while EX-L versions have a floor-mounted fixed console. Two covered storage containers are included – the larger of which is big enough to hold 24 CDs. EX-L and EX models gain a folding, removable, dual-level shelf in the cargo bay for added storage options, while the EX-L has a 10-way power driver's seat including power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system, with 270 watts of power, center console-mounted 6-disc CD changer, seven speakers, USB input and a digital audio-card reader.

Notable Optional Equipment

Honda's Real Time 4WD system is available on all trim levels. A GPS navigation system with a large, 6-inch screen, Bluetooth, rearview camera function and voice recognition is offered on EX-L models.

Under the Hood

The CR-V is available with FWD or optional Real Time AWD, which transfers more torque to the rear wheels when more traction is needed. CR-V has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and delivers its 161 pound-feet of torque across a wider power band than previously. The 4-cylinder engine is linked exclusively to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Honda CR-V mileage is improved by one mpg for both FWD and 4WD models. Hondasuv ratings are now 21/28 mpg city/highway.

2.4-liter in-line 4
180 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
161 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/28 (2WD), 21/27 (4WD)

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for a FWD Honda CR-V LX starts just over $22,000, while the 4WD EX trim starts around $26,000. A fully-loaded EX-L with navigation and leather tops out close to $30,500. Among the models cross-shopped with the CR-V are the Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. All compare favorably with the CR-V on features per dollar, but can't match the track record for reliability that the Honda enjoys. The CR-V retains the best 5-year resale values in the segment.

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