2007-2008 Honda CR-V: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Honda redesigned its compact crossover SUV for 2007, adopting freshened styling that barely resembled its predecessor, but retaining a four-cylinder engine and five-passenger seating. In this new form, the CR-V was 3 inches shorter overall than the 2002-06 generation, but wheelbase and interior dimensions were virtually unchanged. Track width grew, and the new CR-V had a lower center of gravity. The spare tire was now concealed, no longer mounted externally. Inside, the gearshift lever moved from the steering column to the central panel. Three models were offered: base LX, midrange EX, and top-line EX-L with leather upholstery. All came with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which lacked low-range gearing. For 2007, the CR-V's 2.4-liter engine gained 10 horsepower, now rated at 166. A five-speed automatic was now the sole transmission; manual shift was no longer offered. Traction/antiskid control was standard. So were front side airbags and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment. A top-opening liftgate without separate-opening glass replaced the previous model's swing-out cargo door. Wheel size grew to 17 inches (from 16). A sunroof was standard on EX and EX-L models, and a navigation system was available on the EX-L. In addition to archrival Toyota's RAV4, competitors to the CR-V included the Hyundai Tucson, Saturn Vue, and Suzuki Grand Vitara.