2007 Honda CR-V

Exterior and Interior
Sitting lower on slightly wider (+1.2-in. front and +0.8-in. rear) tracks, the new CR-V has a more dynamic stance, plus a new double grille, an arching roofline and rugged-looking lower body cladding. With its previously tailgate-mounted spare tire tucked away under the rear floor, it's about three inches shorter, an inch and a half wider and roughly the same height as the '06 on a 0.2-in. shorter wheelbase. Style is always subjective, but some have said its new face has a big nose, and the nearly flat roof that preserves headroom and cargo space clashes somewhat awkwardly with the stylishly arched window line.

Inside, the design is tidy and stylish if slightly trucky, with soft horizontal and metallic-look vertical surfaces. The fits are tight, and the soft plastics grained for a quality appearance. The mid-range EX and top-line EX-L sport a handsome two-tone with the lower dash and doors matching the seats. The large, round tachometer and speedometer are precisely marked, the switches and controls ergonomically easy to see, reach and operate, and the stack-mounted shifter has been moved from above to below the HVAC controls.

Features
A new tilt/telescoping steering wheel combines with increased seat adjustment to provide a comfortable driving position for just about anyone. Rear room and comfort are surprisingly good, and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) is much improved. A new standard trip computer offers fuel economy and range information, ambient lighting is cool blue, and all switches are illuminated with transparent blue LEDs. Usable storage includes two separate glove boxes, ample cupholders, an overhead sunglasses holder (with an integrated "conversation" mirror), an under-seat storage box and a retractable center tray or (in EX-L models) a center console box.

The rear seat cushion is split 60/40, but its back is divided 40/20/40 so each section can fold separately. They flip and fold forward but not flat into the floor. Young parents (a key CR-V marketing target) can attach a child seat in the center section, or one on each side then slide the seats forward for better "communication." The low-effort top-hinged tailgate opens high, and an available foldable or removable rear shelf creates two separate cargo spaces.


On top of the impressive list of standard features in the base LX, the mid-range EX adds a two-tone interior, a power moonroof, a security system, rear privacy glass, steering wheel audio controls, the dual-deck cargo shelf, alloy wheels and upgraded 6-speaker audio with a 6-disc CD changer. The EX-L piles on leather upholstery with heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio and the option to add a $2,000 navigation system with voice recognition, a rear-view camera and 7-speaker premium sound with a 6-disc CD changer in the center console.