Standing out from the crowd is no small task for compact sport utility vehicles. The competition in this market segment keeps getting wider and fiercer. Yet, at the same time, most entries feature similar aesthetics, making the selection a tough dilemma.
The front grille stretches wide to form a complex structure that integrates a pair of tapered headlight clusters for a unique crowning effect.
How does the Honda CR-V continue to shine, then? Well, this popular Japanese SUV boasts a rather distinctive silhouette and, while extreme off-road trips are definitely not its game, it offers a smooth, uneventful ride along with a sensible, fuel-efficient operation.
Sensible — now that’s a word that perfectly defines all aspects of the 2010 Honda CR-V.
Singular styling
It’s obviously a difficult thing to let your imagination run wild and create a fancy design when you’re given a specific assignment: to develop an SUV-style product that will appeal to the masses.
Consequently, Honda designers didn’t break any mold with the CR-V’s raised tail, fairly upright hatch and anonymous body lines. They did, however, have fun with the slightly arching roofline in the back that somewhat improves aerodynamics (or at least the impression of). The shape of the rearmost side windows further enhances this feeling of motion.
Revised for 2010, the front grille stretches wide to form a complex structure that integrates a pair of tapered headlight clusters for a unique crowning effect. Here you have an unpretentious SUV that still manages to stand out at first glance. Nothing flashy; just smart stuff.
Inside, the CR-V is surprisingly well-equipped (granted, my tester was the top-of-the-line EX-L NAVI). Build quality and material selection also impressed me, especially given the price range. The cabin is fairly spacious, too. Even tall friends of mine who sat in the back never complained about a lack of room. Behind them was a convenient cargo area offering easy access and decent volume.
Up front, the dashboard sure looks nice and displays cool backlighting at night, but the gear selector once again finds itself in an unconventional spot, right in the middle of the center stack. Some say they appreciate such ergonomics; I, on the contrary, find manipulating the CR-V shifter quite unnatural and unpleasant.
Build quality and material selection impressed me, especially given the price range.
Newfound energy on the road
The biggest flaw of the Honda CR-V used to be its underpowered 4-cylinder engine that often voiced discontent whenever you would try to push it. Fortunately, engineers addressed the issue by increasing output (+14 horsepower) while making the engine less fuel-thirsty. Bravo!
The new mill could be described as lively and responsive, not to mention quiet and predictable, even when you ask for a little more performance than you probably should. On-the-fly accelerations aren’t breathtaking but still on par with buyer expectations for this type of vehicle. As a bonus, the five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control knows how to pick the right gear at the right time.
The suspension plays a key role in delivering car-like driving dynamics, while Honda’s part-time 4WD system proves opportunistic in the most civilized conditions.
On the other hand, the steering doesn’t feel as sharp and high on feedback as one could hope for. It does a decent job most of the time but clearly remains the weakest link in an otherwise well-executed, fun-to-drive compact 'ute.
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