2005 Honda CR-V: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

CR-V gains more standard safety features for 2005, including curtain side airbags. Other additions include a leather-upholstered model and a new automatic transmission. Detail styling changes round out the revisions. This compact 5-passenger SUV offers LX, EX, and new SE models. LXs come with front- or all-wheel drive. The others have AWD. CR-V's AWD lacks low-range gearing. All models have a 4-cyl engine and manual or automatic transmission. The automatic for '05 is a 5-speed unit vs. a 4-speed. Four-wheel disc brakes continue as standard and are joined for '05 by ABS, which had been standard only on the LX. All models also gain an antiskid system, which was previously unavailable. Front side airbags were an extra-cost feature but are standard for '05 and joined by head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows. Sixteen-inch wheels replace 15s for '05. The SE has standard leather upholstery and heated front seats. Both are new CR-V features, as are steering-wheel radio controls and an outside-temperature indicator for EX and SE models. All CR-Vs have a 60/40 split folding rear seat and a lift-out rear cargo floor that doubles as a picnic table.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.