There are plenty of Honda CR-V’s on the road and after driving one around for a few days, it’s very clear why. With an overwhelming list of very capable SUVs and crossovers to choose from, the Honda CR-V is definitely one to keep in mind. The CR-V isn’t just another crossover egg cruising around; it has sharp lines and a readied stance about it. While it’s smooth, sleek lines and exterior good looks make it attractive, there’s a whole lot more the CR-V brings to the table that make it a must consider new car.
The 2011 Honda CR-V comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, folding power side mirrors and nine exterior colors to choose from with Opal Sage Metallic being one of our favorites. Not only does the CR-V look good, but its drive is just as impressive with plenty of power, and versatility in mild to extreme driving conditions.
The Honda CR-V EX-L that was driven was equipped with a DOHC i-VTEC 2.4L engine providing 180 horsepower and an estimated 21/27 miles per gallon; a pretty decent fuel economy these days. The 5-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly and also features the Grade Logic Control system, which adjusts the vehicle’s gears automatically when climbing uphill or driving on a decline. Safety features such as Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) help to provide peace of mind. The CR-V is also built with high-rigidity melt sheets in the floor to help insulate the vehicle, which reduces noise, vibration and harshness of the road. All these features combined, provide a pleasantly smooth, quiet and easy drive no matter what kind of trip you are taking.
As if the good looks, powerful, fuel efficient engine and safety features weren’t enough, Honda topped the CR-V off with a well-balanced interior, perfectly blending comfort, design, technology and practical crossover needs. The captain style, plush leather heated seats are very welcoming and extremely comfortable; I have to admit I took the longer route home on occasion to enjoy the comfort a little longer. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is very comfortable and the wheel-mounted controls for cruise control, Bluetooth, radio and display modes allow the driver to safely control features without losing focus on the road. The convenient MP3/auxiliary input jack let’s you expand your playlists from your phone or MP3 player. The Bluetooth works through voice-recognition and conveniently stores up to 50 contacts per phone or depending on the phone, the entire phone book can be exported to the vehicles memory drive. Honda also brings the Maintenance Minder System to the cluster display in the CR-V which keeps tracks services such as oil changes, tire rotation, spark plugs, coolant and air filter based on mileage; you no longer have to search for your last receipt of service to figure out if it’s time for maintenance. Included in the well-positioned cluster display is easy to read accounts for temperature, fuel levels, compass (if the vehicle does not have navigation), and a miles-to-empty indicator.
The Honda CR-V was a very pleasant surprise. The features, exterior and interior design, quiet, smooth drive, great fuel economy and exceptional cargo space make the CR-V a top-notch crossover vehicle. The Honda CR-V starts at a base MSRP price of $21,695 for the 2WD 5dr LX trim and goes up to $29,895 for the 4WD 5dr EX-L with Navigation. For more information on this vehicle please visit NADAguides.com.