Test Drive: 2010 Honda CR-V EX-L

Published: March 7, 2010

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This week we test-drive Honda's fully loaded 2010 CR-V EX-L, complete with an assortment of high tech goodies, tweaked exterior design and more power under the hood than last year.

Available in five trims in either 2WD or 4WD, CR-V starts at just $21,545, so don't let the high price of our fully loaded tester drive you away from reading on. Honda makes sure that all classes of consumer can own a CR-V, beginning with the entry-level LX and then graduating to our top line EX-L AWD with Navigation.

Noticeable during our week-long test drive is CR-V's tweaked exterior looks, freshened with more aerodynamic touches. Honda then adds the best in safety equipment to each new CR-V, go in snow abilities with 4WD models, and lots of standard high-tech gadgets and amenities in the top line EX-L.

Listed as a 4-door, 5-passenger SUV on the EPA charts, Honda's ride experience is enhanced by MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear setup with stabilizer bars front and rear. Overall, CR-V drives more like a sedan than an SUV, although the higher center of gravity should never be taken for granted as SUVs and cars have different rollover and handling characteristics.

Under the hood, Honda ups CR-V's horsepower from 166 last year to 180-horses for 2010. Honda utilizes the same dual-overhead cam, 16-valve i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine to do the job, upping the compression ratio from 9.7 to 10.5 to arrive at more than enough power for this type vehicle. The best component of the increased horsepower equation is fuel mileage, which is not hindered as 21 city and 27 highway for the 4WD and 21/28 for the 2WD model is still very good. All CR-V's come with an automatic 5-speed transmission with grade logic and excellent gearing, resulting in commendable highway numbers.

A staple of the CR-V legend, specifically, driver and passenger safety, is built into every Honda. Previously, CR-V set a new standard for safety when the 2002 model became one of the first vehicles ever to earn the federal government's top five-star crash safety rating for both frontal and side impacts. Ditto for 2010.

Honda maintains this level of safety thanks to dual-stage, dual-threshold front driver and passenger airbags; driver and front passenger side airbag with occupant position detection; and side curtain airbags with rollover sensors. Other safety items include vehicle stability assist, electronic brakeforce, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, front and rear crumple zones and much more.

As for cargo area, Honda's dual-deck cargo shelf provides additional storage options that can hold up to 20 pounds on the "upper level," although it can also get in the way when loading something bulky. The 60/40 split rear seats with fold and tumble abilities offer numerous cargo arrangements, with more than 70 cu. ft. available with rear seats down. Notable is a lightweight lift-up tailgate that makes everything a bit easier. Overall, the interior is well-done and seating is comfortable.

Despite our appreciation for CR-V's sedan-like feel, a major snowstorm provided the opportunity to test Honda's Real Time 4WD SUV capabilities, which are completely automatic with no driver action required. Even in a two-foot snow blasting, CR-V 4WD came through it all with high marks.

EX-L standard features include a 270-Watt AM/FM/6-Disc Center-Console Audio System with seven speakers, including Subwoofer with MP3; XM Satellite radio, Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and rear camera, Bluetooth, HandsFreeLink, dual zone air conditioning; all the powers; cruise, remote entry lighting; moonroof; steering-wheel mounted controls; leather-trimmed seats and armrests; heated front seats; and heated side mirrors.

Important numbers include a 103.1-inch wheelbase, 6.7 inch ground clearance, 3,554-pound curb weight, and 35.7 cu. ft. of cargo space expandable to 72.9 with rear seats down. Our model has only one extra charge, $710 for destination, which pushes the final retail to $30,455.

We recommend testing Honda's well-built and popular CR-V, although the lower-priced versions may offer better return on investment over the long haul.

Likes: Reliability, customer satisfaction, low entry price, safety, power, fuel mileage.

Dislikes: Top class CR-V puts you Honda Pilot price range.

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(Greg Zyla is a syndicated automotive columnist.)

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