2010 Honda CR-V Review

Overview

The all new 2010 Honda CR-V is something new to crave. The CR-V gets a lot of refinements and upgrades to the exterior and interior that yield better fuel economy and more power for this model year. It is available in three model choices - LX, EX, and EX-L - each offered in either 2WD or Real Time 4WD.

Power and performance

Upgrades to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine improve power output to 180 horsepower (hp), a 14 hp increase. Consequently, the city/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings increase to 21/28 miles per gallon (mpg) on 2WD models and 21/27 mpg on models equipped with Real Time 4WD - an increase of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving on all models*. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on all CR-V models. The cargo volume stands at 35.7 cubic feet.

Body and styling

The exterior styling enhancements include a freshened front fascia with a new grille and bumper design, a re-sculpted hood, and a new rear bumper shape. A 10-spoke alloy wheel design is standard on CR-V EX and EX-L. The standard comfort and convenience features on the CR-V LX include air conditioning with air-filtration system, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, power windows with auto-up/down driver's window, power door and tailgate locks, AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, fuel economy meter and 17-inch steel wheels. The CR-V EX adds a one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature, chrome grille and rear license plate trim, rear privacy glass, security system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, dual-deck cargo shelf, audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers, exterior temperature indicator, vanity mirror lights (new), digital compass (new), and 17-inch alloy wheels (new design). The CR-V EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats and armrests, heated front seats, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, XM Radio3, a USB Audio Interface (new), and auto on/off headlights (new). Available on the CR-V EX-L is the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and rearview camera, which also adds premium audio system with 7-speakers including subwoofer and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, center console storage unit (replaces retractable center tray), and a 6-disc CD changer in the center console (replaces in-dash changer).

Safety Features

The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), commonly referred to as electronic stability control; and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle are standard. Additional standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).