2007 Honda CR-V

Old Favorite Gains Utility, Loses Picnic Table
By Allyson Harwood

If there weren't a single badge in the CR-V's cabin, you'd still know who makes this SUV. The five-passenger layout has been completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, but the interior is inherently Honda: cool, modern design, tight gaps and seams, excellent build quality, simple, elegant layout. For the first time, this sport/utility (now much closer to the crossover side of the spectrum) also comes with an optional navigation system.

Despite the exterior's extreme visual makeover, mechanical changes are conservative. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine gained 10 horsepower and one pound-foot of torque and is now backed solely by a five-speed automatic--so long, manual transmission. Real-Time 4-Wheel Drive, essentially an all-wheel-drive system, provides all-season traction. Emissions and fuel economy have improved: The LEV II ULEV Honda is rated at 22-23 mpg city and 28-30 highway. Dimensions changed little, but the spare tire is relocated underneath, which shortens the overall length by three inches. Also affecting the rear end is a new overhead cargo door, replacing the old side-hinge unit, and the picnic table, once a standard feature of the cargo area, is gone.

On the road, the new CR-V is quiet, handles well, and is tossable in turns, but left everyone wanting more off the line. There was only one vehicle slower than the CR-V in this group, and that was the old-school live-axle Wrangler. The Honda's 9.9-second run to 60 was a mere 0.1 second faster than the previous generation's, it finished the quarter mile only a hair faster than the old CR-V and stopped from 60 in a foot shorter distance.

Should Honda have given the new CR-V more oomph to stay competitive with the likes of the V-6-powered RAV4, or did it make the sage move by keeping it a value-minded crossover with excellent fuel economy? The CR-V has matured, and its personality has changed, but it'll be up to Honda fans to decide whether that's a good thing.