2009 Honda CR-V Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2009 Honda CR-V includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Honda CR-V from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Honda CR-V, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Honda CR-V help you decide if a 2009 Honda CR-V is right for you.

2009 Honda CR-V Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Road and wind noise

Maneuverability

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.7

Acceleration is adequate around town and in highway passing. There's no noticeable difference between 2WD and AWD versions. Transmission shifts are smooth and alert.

Fuel Economy

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5

In Consumer Guide testing, 2WD CR-Vs averaged 21.6-24.0 mpg. Test AWD averaged 23.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. CR-V uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.2

Car-like on all surfaces. CR-V's suspension comfortably absorbs bumps with minimal float or wallow.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.9

Compact-car maneuverable. Body lean during fast turns is kept in check. Brakes provide good stopping control and adequate pedal feel. One test 2WD model coped poorly with 3 inches of fresh snow.

Quietness

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.8

Engine noise intrudes during acceleration. Tire noise is noticeable on most road surfaces but doesn't annoy. Some wind rush is noticeable around exterior mirrors.

Controls

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6	5	6

Large, clear instrumentation. Controls are easy to reach. Some of our testers say small buttons make radio operation difficult with or without navigation system. The navigation system absorbs too many audio functions and takes time to master. Its touch screen and programming via predetermined voice commands helps.

Details

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.2

Hard plastics abound in the cabin, but none look cheap. The interior is assembled with care.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.2

Plenty of headroom and legroom. A comfortable, take-charge driving stance is aided by a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and generous seat travel. The seats are well-bolstered. Kudos to Honda for now offering a power driver seat, even if it's only on the top-line EX-L model.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.9

The supportive seat has a reclining backrest. Space for legs and knees is plentiful even with the front seats far aft. Headroom is ample.

Cargo Room

2WD LX	2WD EX	AWD EX-L	AWD EX-L w/navigation	Class Average
9	9	9	9	8.1

Generous cargo space even with the rear seat up. It flips and folds flat with the cargo floor in a 40/20/40 configuration for flexible hauling. Interior storage is very good. 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/navigation	Class Average
9	9	9	7	5.7

It's not the most powerful compact SUV, but CR-V excels for its "just right" blend of comfort, refinement, and cargo versatility. Lots of standard safety and convenience features and Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value further bolster its 2008 Best Buy appeal.

Total Score