Honda made some significant enhancements to its SUV crossover, the CR-V, for 2010. For 2011, the company announces that it's gilding the lily with a large serving of versatile upgrades.
Honda is also introducing a new trim, the CR-V SE. It has features that go above and beyond the CR-V LX with alloy wheels, a 160-watt AM/FM/6-disc changer plus six speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and rear privacy glass. Other trims include the CR-V EX and the top of the line CR-V EX-L.
A forward cabin, two-tiered grille and distinctive side profile set the CR-V apart with these upscale styling features. In the performance department, the CR-V is pure Honda with the all-aluminum 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC engine with an intelligent version of Variable Valve Timing, Lift Electronic Control and Variable Timing Control designed to enhance fuel economy and power output. The 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine rates 180 horsepower and 161 lb-ft. of torque. That's good for an average EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg for the 2-wheel drive model and 23 mpg on models equipped with Real Time 4-wheel drive.
The compact crossover SUV's basic platform provides 103.8 cu-ft. of interior passenger volume and 35.7 cu-ft. of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. In terms of versatile storage, Honda's SUV follows that neatness adage about a place for everything. Storage areas between the front seats accommodate handbags or brief cases. The 60/40 split second-row seat can be reconfigured to accommodate long objects or folded and tumbled forward to create a large, flat cargo area that measures 72.9 cu-ft. Dual deck cargo shelves behind the rear seat easily handle a folded baby stroller on the bottom and grocery bags on top.
The unibody construction incorporates high-strength steel to save on weight but still create a high-rigidity body structure. The front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension provides stability, comfort and an exciting driving experience. The result: The Honda CR-V is a sporty, functional crossover that's a blast to drive.
