Honda CR-V

The CR-V is one of the better models among small SUVs, thanks to its roomy cabin, good fuel economy, and competent handling. The base engine is a 184-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and EX and above trims sport a 190-hp, 1.5-liter turbo. Both are mated to a continuously variable transmission that works well. Fuel economy is impressive at 28 mpg overall for the EX. Handling is nimble and surefooted, and the firm ride is steady. Road noise is well-suppressed, and the cabin is reasonably quiet. The interior is very comfortable and roomy, particularly the rear seat, although the seats in the base LX are less supportive. EX and above trims get a standard 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning.

The redesigned CR-V gains features, space, and refinement. The base model is fitted with a carryover 184-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Upper trims sport a 190-hp, 1.5-liter turbo. A continuously variable transmission is standard and works well with both engines. Fuel economy from either engine is impressive. Handling is more nimble and sure-footed, and the firm ride is steady and compliant. Road noise has been suppressed, resulting is a quieter cabin. The interior is very comfortable and roomy, particularly the rear seat, and more upscale. An available 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and Garmin navigation, but its touch screen logic isn't particularly intuitive. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning come standard on all but the base LX model.

Honda sells a lot of CR-Vs, and with good reason. Rear seat room and cargo space are generous, plus compact dimensions and responsive handling make it easy to park and unintimidating to drive. The 2015 freshening brought a redesigned 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy improved by two mpg to 24 mpg overall with all-wheel-drive. Handling was improved, but the ride became stiffer. Road noise is slightly reduced, but remains noticeable, a perennial CR-V complaint. This update also brought more equipment, including a standard backup camera, a power driver seat for the EX, and an available power rear gate. EX and higher trims gained an unintuitive touchscreen infotainment system and Honda's LaneWatch, which shows what lurks on the right side of the car when signaling to the right. We find this system distracting; it's no substitute for a real blind spot detection system that covers both sides. Honda Sensing advanced safety equipment, including forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, is available on the top-trim Touring. Added reinforcements from the 2015 update improved the CR-V's performance in the demanding IIHS small overlap crash test.

The fourth generation CR-V brought a little more space and marginally better power and fuel economy. Most importantly, it brought better crash protection, a standard rear view camera and contemporary Bluetooth connectivity. A smooth engine and transmission facilitate unobtrusive and efficient motivation. Road noise is still rather pronounced. The ride is comfortable, but handling is not particularly agile. The rear seat is very accommodating and a handy strap helps fold it away with one motion.

Compared to earlier CR-Vs, the third generation became sleeker and more polished. With a roomy rear seat, easy access, flexible interior, and improved handling, it ranked among the best compact SUVs of its time. Rounded styling reduced cargo room and visibility, but the new tailgate was more user-friendly than the previous swing-out door. The smooth 2.4-liter four-cylinder provides adequate acceleration and 21 mpg overall. A 2010 update brought a welcome boost in power, significantly improving acceleration with no effect on fuel economy. Handling is responsive and fairly agile, with a steady and composed ride. Stability control is standard. Our major complaint is that constant road noise makes the cabin loud, which becomes tiresome. Improved crash protection means we'd stretch to buy this version of the CR-V over the previous generation.

The CR-V of this vintage is extremely versatile for a relatively small footprint. It also has a smooth engine, good fuel economy, good visibility and is very reliable if cared for properly. Handling is sound, but not agile, though the ride is comfortable. Road noise makes the cabin loud and that's our main gripe. Rear seat room is generous and the cargo area is square and commodious. A side swinging rear hatch is a bit awkward. The foldable picnic table under the cargo floor is a nice bonus. We suggest you find a 2005 or newer CR-V since ESC and curtain airbags were introduced with the 2005 model year.

The CR-V, new for 1997, was Honda's first foray into the small sport-utility market. Based on the Honda Civic platform, it looked more like a high station wagon than an SUV. It had a permanent all-wheel-drive system, but it was not meant for serious off-roading. The ride was compliant and carlike, but handling was just OK. The engine was fairly noisy, and acceleration was less than sizzling. And while the seats were comfortable, the stretched-out driving position was tiring. A front-wheel-drive version and a five-speed manual transmission were added for 1998, and the engine received 20 more horsepower (145 total) for 1999.