Driving Impressions

The Honda CR-V has enough power to merge into fast-moving traffic without worries. Its four-cylinder engine generates 156 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. (Those figures are lower than last year's ratings due to changes in the testing procedure used by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Although the engine generates the same power as last year, the new testing procedure results in a lower number.) Power isn't a problem here. Put your foot to the floor and acceleration comes on quickly, important when passing on two-lane roads. Torque, that force that propels you away from intersections and up hills, peaks at just 3600 rpm and remains strong over a broad swath of the engine's range. In other words, the CR-V is responsive at all speeds. The four-cylinder engine isn't as smooth as a V6, however, and because it revs higher it sometimes seems like it's working harder. It isn't really, and you can be sure Honda's big four-cylinder is sturdy. So don't be afraid to rev it. Honda is a leader in engine technology, and the CR-V's 2.4-liter, 16-valve, double overhead-cam engine benefits from intelligent variable valve timing, which Honda calls i-VTEC. This system allows the engine to generate lots of usable power while keeping fuel economy at an impressive EPA-estimated 22/27 City/Highway miles per gallon. Like all Hondas, the CR-V is a clean-running vehicle. It meets the LEV-II low-emissions standards, meaning 10 CR-Vs generate fewer pollutants than a similar single car did just 10 years ago. As four-cylinder/automatic combinations go, the CR-V's is first rate. The five-speed automatic is fairly responsive and helps keep the four-cylinder engine in the right rev range for power or fuel economy. Downshifts come quickly, and full-throttle upshifts come smoothly just before redline. Nonetheless, if obtaining the best performance and economy is your priority and rush-hour commutes aren't part of the daily ritual, we recommend the five-speed manual available on the EX. The CR-V rides well whether the roads are smooth or rough. It rides more smoothly than most sport utilities, which makes for pleasant motoring beat-up city streets. It feels sure-footed on twisting roads. Even when driven hard, the CR-V handles reasonably well. It doesn't push excessively at its front end or slide at the rear, and the tires offer good grip. In short, the CR-V drives more like a car than a truck. It's maneuverable in tight parking lots, thanks to its tight turning radius (33.8 feet). Vehicle Stability Assist, standard on all models, uses sensors at each wheel and the anti-lock brake system to modulate the electronic throttle and apply brake force to individual wheels as needed to maintain traction and avoid skids on slippery pavement and in tight turns. The all-wheel-drive system that comes on the 4WD models operates full time, with the bulk of the power directed to the front wheels. It's a great aid when winter snowstorms hit, adding vastly improved stability and traction in slippery conditions. Called Real Time AWD, Honda's system is not designed for serious off-road duty, but it is suited for snow.

Final Word

The Honda CR-V is a versatile family vehicle that's reasonably priced. Its interior is roomy and stuffed with convenience features. On the road, the CR-V offers a nice, smooth ride and decent handling, and Honda's four-cylinder engine delivers good power and excellent fuel economy with low emissions. The 4WD models are capable vehicles in wintry conditions. New Car Test Drive correspondent Tom Lankard reports from Northern California.