Acceleration

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.6

Adequate around town. Highway passing takes planning, and engine strains going up hills. Test 2WD did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph. No noticeable difference between 2WD and AWD versions. Transmission shifts are smooth, alert.

Fuel Economy

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5

Test 2WD versions averaged 21.0-24.0 mpg in mostly highway driving, 19.0 with more city work that included gas-eating acceleration runs. Test AWD averaged 23.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. CR-V uses regular fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5

Generally carlike on most road surfaces. Suspension absorbs most imperfections with minimal float, wallow, though some bumps register sharply.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.8

Compact car maneuverable. Body lean in fast turns well-checked, but CR-V susceptible wander in bumpy turns and gusty crosswinds. Brakes provide good stopping control, adequate pedal feel. Test 2WD model coped poorly with 3 inches of fresh snow.

Quietness

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.5

Engine noise intrudes during acceleration. Tire noise noticeable on most road surfaces but doesn't annoy. High-speed wind noise marked even in calm conditions.

Controls

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	5	5.6

Large, clear instrumentation. Controls easy to reach. However, some testers say small buttons make radio operation difficult with or without navigation system. Navigation absorbs too many audio functions, takes time to master, but its touch screen and programming via predetermined voice commands helps. Hard plastics abound in cabin, but none look cheap and interior is assembled with care. One test model suffered from a squeak near the driver seat.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.1

Plenty of head and leg room. Comfortable take-charge driving stance, aided by standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, generous fore/aft, up/down seat travel. Seats well-bolstered, though some occupants will wish for a longer bottom cushion. Note that a power driver seat is unavailable, even on top-line EX-L model.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.8

Supportive seat has reclining backrest and slides fore/aft to increase leg room. Space for legs and knees is plentiful as long as rear seats are in the furthest aft position. Ample head room, though cabin too narrow for large adults to be comfortable. Rear seats can accommodate two child safety seats, a bonus for parents. Entry/exit tricky despite wide-opening doors.

Cargo Room

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.2

Generous cargo space even with rear seat up. It flips/folds flat with the cargo floor in a 40/20/40 configuration for flexible hauling. Liftgate more convenient, easier to open than previous models' side-hinged cargo door. Good interior storage includes dual gloveboxes. EX-L models offer center console storage. Other versions have a flip-up tray between the front seats.

Value within Class

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	9	7	5.5

It's still not the most powerful compact SUV, but the redesigned 2007 CR-V continues to excel for its "just right" blend of comfort, refinement, and cargo versatility. Standard traction/antiskid control on all models and Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value further bolster its Best Buy appeal.

Total Score

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
60	60	60	57	53.1

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		53
High Score		60