What Edmunds.com says...
The 2009 Honda CR-V boasts great crash test scores, intuitive controls and above-average driving dynamics. However, the mandatory 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is ponderous and there's no six-cylinder option.
Pros
Sensible cabin layout, ample cargo capacity, agile handling, exemplary crashworthiness.
Cons
Underpowered, elevated road noise, transmission lacks manual mode.
What's new
Aside from several new exterior colors, the 2009 Honda CR-V is unchanged from last year.
Editor's Rating Score
Overall
9/10
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.
Detailed Editor's Rating
8
out of 10
Dynamics
The four-cylinder engine is a little short on passing power, but it's smooth and fuel-efficient. The CR-V is an excellent handler, with well-weighted and communicative steering, and brake pedal feel is progressive, although stopping distances are not best-in-class.9
out of 10
Comfort
The CR-V is smooth-riding and extremely quiet. The sightlines from the driver seat is outstanding, and seat comfort is excellent front and rear (the rear seats are fore/aft-adjustable).9
out of 10
Function
Honda designers sweated every detail in the cabin -- all controls and instrumentation are ergonomically correct. The lightweight liftgate can be opened and closed with one hand and a cargo shelf allows owners to organize the load.10
out of 10
Design/Build Quality
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.Detailed Profile
- Family Friendly The rear seat has the LATCH setup in all 3 positions, and the rear doors open extra wide (with numerous detents in-between). The front sunglasses holder has a built-in conversation mirror for checking in on little ones.
- Cargo Hauler A lightweight liftgate, low lift-over height, handy cargo shelf, plenty of capacity make the CR-V one of the most useful compact haulers on the market.
- Comfortable Roomy, supportive seats and a smooth, quiet ride should keep both parents and babies happy.
- Fuel Efficient Capable of low 20s in the city and high 20s on the highway, the CR-V continues the tradition of fuel-efficient Honda SUVs.