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2010 Honda CR-V

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The CR-V represents Honda in the compact crossover class. For 2010, the CR-V has 14 more horsepower and fuel economy ratings that are higher by 1 mpg in city and highway driving, Honda says. It also gets a slight facelift and a smattering of new features. All models have new seat fabrics and trim panels, and the front center armrest is wider by an inch. Honda launched its car-based CR-V as a 1997 model, and was one of the pioneers of this popular and ever increasing segment. The CR-V comes in three trim levels: base LX, EX and top-of-the-line EX-L (leather). It delivers a balance of style, versatility and comfort, along with a high level of safety technology and is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. Standard safety features on every CR-V include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and a tire pressure monitor. Competitors to the 2010 CR-V include the Toyota RAV4 and Chevrolet Equinox. EPA Fuel Economy is decent at 21 mpg for city and 27 – 28 mpg highway [1].

Powering and Handling of the ’10 CR-V

For power, the CR-V is powered by a choice of 4-cylinder or six-cylinder. Both are available with front-wheel drive or optional Real Time 4WD, which transfers more torque to the rear wheels when more traction is needed. Honda said mileage improves by 1 mpg for both front- and all-wheel-drive models. Those ratings are now 21/28 mpg city/highway and 21/27 mpg, respectively. The Honda CR-V's four-cylinder engine delivers competitive power. The V6s pay a price in fuel economy, but not as much as you might think: Against the 2WD CR-V EX-L's EPA-estimated 20/27 mpg, the V6-powered 2WD RAV4 manages 19/27.Four-wheel-drive versions of the CR-V and RAV4 V6 are rated at the same 26 mpg Highway. The CR-V's five-speed automatic transmission is a good match for the engine. Honda's Real Time 4WD is actually a car-style all-wheel-drive system, not a true off-highway truck-type four-wheel drive, as it incorporates no lockable transfer case or ultra-low, off-road gearing. As such, however, it works seamlessly, invisibly allocating power to the tires slipping the least, although always favoring the front wheels by default. The CR-V handles well, with relatively little body lean in cornering. There's also relatively little head toss over rough and uneven pavement, helping to keep your passengers comfortable.

Honda CR-V Design

The CR-V includes a new split grille, front bumper and resculpted hood as well as a new rear bumper shape. The upper grille has a single horizontal bar instead of two, and the lower portion has a honeycomb design instead of three cross bars. From the front the Honda CR-V's low, jutting jaw-like front bumper suggests a rugged skid plate while pulling the vehicle's visual mass downwards, reducing its perceived height. The rear view presents more of the classic SUV look, with a trapezoidal backlight bookended by the trademark CR-V high taillights and atop a fairly tall and relatively broad, high-relief tailgate panel. The side aspect shows most clearly the CR-V's departure from the boxy, mini-SUV look.

2010 Honda CR-V Cabin

The year the CR-V cabin gets an optional center console instead of a retractable tray on the EX-L with navigation, and the multi-information display is now blue instead of black. All models also get new seat fabric and trim panels. The CR-V can hold five occupants, it does not offer a third row like some of its competitors. Comparing cargo space, the new CR-V ranks in the top half, it also features one of the nicest cargo compartments. Most drivers will find the six-way adjustable seat and two-way adjustable steering give them the best of all worlds: a comfortable posture without compromising outward visibility. Dashboard and instrument cluster are classic Honda, as in, friendly to eye and hand, with the only mildly discordant note the placement of the shift lever, sprouting from a pod suspended from the center of the dash. The rear seat is more moderately contoured - the better to allow it to fold and pivot forward against the backs of the front seats. The seat bottom splits 60/40, with the shorter piece on the left side; the seat backs, however, divide 40/20/40, into three sections, meaning you can fold the right or left side, the center section or any combination of the three. The front seats seem a little short on thigh support. But to the limited extent the CR-V lends itself to sporty driving, the seatbacks' side bolsters do an adequate job of keeping occupants' upper bodies in place. Quality of materials and fit and finish overall live up to Honda's standards; some trim pieces, however, showed traces of flash, those little flat bits of plastic left over from the seams of the original molds.

2010 CR-V Lineup

The CR-V LX comes with fabric upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, powered outside mirrors that fold, power windows, power central locking, driver's-seat height adjustment, 60/40-split rear seatbacks that recline and fold, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo, trip computer/information center, a collapsible tray between the front seats, and 17-inch steel wheels with P225/65R17 tires.

The EX adds a tilt-and-slide power moonroof; intermittent rear window wiper/washer; steering wheel-mounted audio controls for a six-speaker stereo with an in-dash, six-CD changer; dual-deck cargo shelf; lights-and-horn security system; rear privacy glass; and an outside ambient temperature gauge.

The EX-L features leather-trimmed seats, armrests, shifter, and steering wheel; heated front seats; XM satellite radio with a 90-day trial subscription; front center console with storage for 24 CDs (replacing the collapsible tray); dual-zone automatic climate control; eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support; and a 270-watt, seven-speaker (including subwoofer) premium audio system.

Summary

Safety features that come standard on the 2010 CR-V include the required three-point seatbelts at all five seating positions; child safety seat anchors (LATCH); front airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; roof-mounted, front and rear-seat side-curtain airbags; and front-seat active head restraints. For crash avoidance there are antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, assist, Vehicle Stability Assist, and tire pressure monitors. Overall, the Honda CR-V is probably the best vehicle in this class. Its interior is packaged the best, with seats that fold down to provide a completely flat cargo area. This is a great vehicle for small families and everyday commuters looking for a safe vehicle with all wheel drive capability and plenty of cargo space. For more research read Car and Driver's 2010 CR-V Review.

[1]  Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.