2006 Honda CR-V: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Honda's compact five-passenger SUV offers LX, EX, and SE models. LXs come with front- or all-wheel drive. The others have AWD. CR-V's AWD lacks low-range gearing. All CR-Vs have a 156-hp 4-cyl engine. An automatic transmission is available for all models, a 5-speed manual is available for EX versions only. Traction/antiskid control and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows and include rollover deployment. The SE has standard leather upholstery and heated front seats. 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 Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.

Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.