2010 Honda CR-V

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Test drivers praise the 2010 CR-V for its car-like driving dynamics. However, they still note it has a sometimes bumpy ride. While a sluggish engine was a previous complaint, Honda has added 14 horsepower for this year.

• "Car-like on all surfaces. CR-V's suspension comfortably absorbs bumps with minimal float or wallow." -- Consumer Guide
• "On the road, the CR-V comes close to pleasing everybody. It feels light when you maneuver in traffic and perky when you accelerate to highway speed." -- U.S. News
• "Speaking of driving, the new CR-V isn't quite a sports sedan, but it performs extremely well for a vehicle in this class." -- Automobile.com
• "Everyone will appreciate the CR-V's comfortable ride, efficiency, and refined engine." -- Autoweb
• "As with other car-based utility vehicles, the CR-V is easy to drive, with a comfortable ride and decent handling. While the engine is not what I would call powerful, it feels quick off the line while providing impressive fuel economy for such a large machine." -- MSN

Acceleration and Power

The CR-V's underpowered 166-horsepower four-cylinder engine is replaced for this year with a 180-horsepower version. While reviewers have not yet tested it, the extra power may alleviate some previous complaints. Even better is that the CR-V's fuel economy has increased by one mile per gallon. The EPA rates the 2WD model at 21/27 mpg city/highway and the 4WD model at 21/28. The CR-V's closest competitor, the RAV4 achieves only slightly worse fuel economy but trounces the Honda in power with its optional V6 engine, which makes 269 horsepower.

• "One ho-hum element is power. Honda's automatic is smooth enough, but it's no substitute for the sense of involvement that comes from a good manual gearbox." -- Car and Driver
• "Enthusiasts will wish for more power and some sort of control over the automatic transmission." -- Autoweb
• "Acceleration is adequate around town and in highway passing. ... Transmission shifts are smooth and alert." -- Consumer Guide

Handling and Braking

Though the CR-V is well-liked for its car-like handling, some test drivers think the ride is too choppy. Still, it rides well enough to easily fulfill its role as a parking-lot warrior and grocery getter.

• "The CR-V shines in handling. The steering is tightly sprung -- move the wheel slightly and the CR-V reacts with an intuitive feel that's rare in non-luxury cars." -- Cars.com
• "On pavement, the CR-V responded instantly -- but never nervously -- to all inputs. It offered the agility of a Civic with the solidity and structure of something heavier and more expensive." -- Car and Driver
• "Compact-car maneuverable. Body lean during fast turns is kept in check. Brakes provide good stopping control and adequate pedal feel. One test 2WD model coped poorly with 3 inches of fresh snow." -- Consumer Guide
• "A compact car with a big-car ride, the CR-V has a composed feel, easily rolling over rough roads without ruffling the passengers." -- Kelley Blue Book