What’s New?
Honda has made radical changes to its compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), the CR-V, for the 2007 model year. In launching an all-new generation of its popular SUV, Honda gave the new CR-V a new and more substantial-looking design—inside and out—new safety features, a more powerful engine, and an available satellite navigation system with voice-recognition technology.

Overview
Honda’s CR-V was one of the original crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), combining car-like handling dexterity and fuel economy with very practical and versatile cargo-carrying functionality. Such functionality is fine, but for 2007, the CR-V adds a good degree of sophistication with its all-new and updated version.

The new body structure appears much more substantial, more SUV-like, features Honda’s ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering, designed to enhance protection in a frontal collision with vehicles of various shapes and sizes), and comes standard with such safety features as anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability assist with traction control, side curtain air bags with rollover sensors, and tire-pressure-monitoring technology. Power comes from Honda’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 166 hp. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard, and four-wheel drive is available.

Like the body structure and the exterior sheetmetal, the interior also is all new and is much more sophisticated—almost luxurious. Even the base model—the LX—comes with an audio system with a CD player and an MP3/WMA input jack, air conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering column, power windows/locks/mirrors, a retractable center console tray, two glove compartments, an under-seat storage bin, split-folding and tumble-away rear seats, and remote (keyless) entry. The EX version adds a power moonroof, rear privacy glass, audio controls on the steering wheel, a two-level rear cargo shelf, a 6-CD changer, and more. The top-of-the-line EX-L includes leather seats (heated for the driver and front-seat passenger) and XM satellite radio with an available navigation system.

The Competition
The Honda CR-V competes in the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment, which consists of 20 models. Buyers in this segment look for fuel economy, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Honda CR-V (170,028 units sold), Ford Escape (157,395), and Toyota RAV4 (152,047). The Honda CR-V’s 170,028 sales in 2006 represent an increase of 13.2 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Compact CUV segment include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet Equinox, HHR, Saturn Vue, and Scion xB. Joining the segment in 2007 are two Jeep models—the Compass and Patriot.