In the compact SUV segment, the Honda CR-V is one of the best. CR-V offers a smooth drive and responsive handling. Buyers have a choice of three models: the basic LX, mid-range EX, or leather-upholstered EX-L, which can be fitted with an optional navigation system that incorporates a rearview video camera for safe and easy backing.

Used CR-V Trims and Style

For 2009 3 CR-V trims are available with all Honda CR-V models featuring a 166-hp four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is available for all models.

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.

Exterior and Interior Walkaround '09 CRV

Head on, 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. Large, sharply angled headlight housings crowd the upper grille and blend down into the lower air intake. The side aspect shows most clearly the CR-V's departure from the boxy, mini-SUV look. A repeat of the front end's skid plate look masks the rear bumper's mass and draws the eye to tires pushed out to the edges of the CR-V's side panels.

The interior of the CRV is comfortable. The only drawback is that the front seats are 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. 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. In the LX and EX, the space between the front seats that might otherwise host a console and floor-mounted shift lever is dedicated to a unique, multi-use tray that when not needed folds down against the side of the passenger seat, opening a walk-through access to the rear seat. The EX-L gets a more traditional, fixed center console, with cup holders and storage space for up to 24 CD's; although some of this storage space is lost on EX-L's with navigation, where the console must house the CD changer as well. Large, rotary knobs control the functions that vary by degrees.

Test Drive 2009 CR-V

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 [1].

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. The Vehicle Stability Assist includes traction control. Coupled with four-wheel disc brakes (vented in front and solid in the rear), ABS, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, VSA helps drivers maintain control in emergency maneuvers or in bad weather.

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. Tire noise correlated with pavement type and conditions. Overall we like the CRV's handling and driving and would recommend it to the family looking for an SUV with functional interior, comfort and that little bit of Honda style.

2009 Honda CR-V Conclusions

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. "Look past the conservative exterior styling and you'll find the best-designed small SUV in this price range when it comes to interior aesthetics and day-to-day practicality. Build and materials quality leads the class." says Edmunds. CNET says "The 2009 Honda CR-V EX-L's small size and Civic-like handling make it a great choice for city dwellers who occasionally need to haul things--or people. While the cabin tech is impressive, a few more features, such as Bluetooth or iPod connectivity, would make it a home run." For a great SUV with a comfortable interior with that extra added space for hauling, the 2009 Honda CR-V is definitely worth a look.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com.

[1] Based on 2009 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.