Teresa’s View
Honda bigwigs are so excited about the redesigned CR-V that they are spending big bucks to air a Super Bowl ad touting the compact SUV’s new do. Along with mainstream affordability, Honda hopes to add “fun” to the list of the CR-V’s attributes. I haven’t seen the ad, but it’s titled “Elvis” and we all know that anything having to do with the King of Pop is automatically fun so I’m psyched.
The first thing one notices about the 2007 CR-V is a new profile. Gone is the spare tire from its traditional spot on the backside of the cargo door. It’s been moved to a less obtrusive place under the cargo floor. In order to fit properly, the full-size spare has been exchanged for a mini, emergency-only tire. Without the spare tire, the new CR-V is 3.1 inches shorter overall than previous iterations.
Interestingly, Honda chose not to enlarge the entire vehicle or add third-row seating. The size is just right, they say.
So is the engine size — all trims are powered by a sophisticated 166-horsepower 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder. Honda firmly believes in this four-banger and, unlike its competitors, doesn’t offer a V-6 option. For 2007, the manual transmission has been dropped. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission now offered.
The new CR-V benefits from Honda’s emphasis on safety. This year, the sport-ute gets head curtain airbags, a tire monitoring system and daytime running lights in addition to anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control systems and a full compliment of airbags. Recently, the CR-V was among seven SUVs to earn the 2007 Insurance Institute of Highway Safety Top Safety Pick award.
Other improvements include a new, quieter demeanor, a lower step-in height and tons of storage areas, including a dual glove box.
What Is It?: The CR-V is a five-passenger, four-door compact crossover SUV built on a Civic platform. It’s available in two-wheel or all-wheel drive and a choice of three trims — LX, EX and EX-L. Prices for the entry-level LX begin at $21K including destination charges.
Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. All CR-Vs sport an impressive array of standard features, including air conditioning, an audio system with CD, MP3 and WMA playback, plus power windows, mirrors and door locks. The EX adds a power sunroof and a six-disc CD player. The upscale EX-L is all that plus leather seats, a rearview camera and navigation with voice recognition. The shifter has been moved from the dash to the completely revised instrument pod. Kudos for the newly improved front cupholders.
Grocery Sack Test: Once the spare tire was relocated, the side-hinged rear door could be replaced with an all-new liftgate. A double-decker cargo shelf that holds up to 20 pounds is standard on the EX and EX-L trims.
So, Where Are Ya From?: Honda builds the CR-V in seven countries including at its U.S. plant in East Liberty, Ohio.
Trivia: According to Honda, the CR-V was the first crossover sold in the U.S. when it was introduced in 1997.