It’s been a while since I have had the Honda CR-V. In fact, the last one I drove had the spare tire on the tailgate as I recall and had no horsepower. The way their sales have been in the last few years, I had a feeling this vehicle was much improved, and I was correct.
The 2010 Honda CR-V did get an infusion of power and it is noticeable. I have never quite understood why Honda did not drop a six-cylinder in the CR-V, but so far no dice. The extra power of the 4 is nice and is ample. The fuel economy continues to be very good, which is one of the appeals of this SUV.
The CR-V is unique in many ways, with a tremendous amount of cargo room in the back. The second row seats slides and reclines, something I’ve never seen before in a small SUV. I found that interesting and refreshing. CR-V got a slight facelift this year, but has not changed a lot in quite a number of years.
The test vehicle has leather interior, which is nice, and the seats are comfortable. The interior overall however, looks a little cheap compared to the competition, but certainly it would be acceptable to most. This one also has a great navigation system, something I don’t recall in a CR-V in the past. It is good to see optional equipment available, even though most people buy the middle-of-the-road version, not a super loaded one like this.
This vehicle has some really nice features, like automatic headlights, automatic temperature control air conditioning, heated seats, steering wheel controls, etc.
The 2.4 liter 4-cylinder comes in at 180 horses with a 5 speed automatic transmission. In case you wondered, it is front-wheel drive. The vehicle is typical Honda, and has all the latest safety features you have come to know from them.
This is a very friendly vehicle. I mentioned the large cargo area in the back, and it’s noticeable that the rear-passenger doors are longer than most small SUVs. This makes it really easy to get into and out of the back seat and I can see it being easy to get a child seat in and out.
Ride and drive is nice, handling normal for a compact SUV and overall, it is a solid vehicle that anyone would like a lot. In a segment where there are a lot of great choices, the CR-V has to be in the top three choices.
What I liked most: The overall quality of the vehicle
What I’d change if I could: Give me a six-cylinder as an option.
Price as tested: $29,300 MSRP.
Fuel economy: 21 City/28 Highway, it will do slightly better.
In a few words: Very solid small SUV. It’s a Honda, no need to say more.
