Honda CRV

The 2009 Honda CR-V ranks 1 out of 27 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 71 published reviews and test drives of the Honda CR-V, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Redesigned in 2007, the Honda CR-V remains unchanged for 2009. It is appreciated for providing a safe driving experience with ample storage space, now packaged in a sleeker design.
The CR-V receives all-around praise and is a longtime award winner. "This is an excellent vehicle and a great value -- possibly the best compact SUV on the market today," says About.com. The 2007 CR-V was named Motor Week's "Driver's Choice" for Best Small Utility and received IntelliChoice's "Motorist Choice Award" for Mid-Size Crossover SUV. The CR-V is often compared to the similar Toyota RAV4. The Toyota's advantages are its optional third-row seat and more powerful V6 engine -- both rare features within their class.

Surprisingly, the CR-V's middle-of-the-pack gas mileage doesn't seem to have slowed sales, despite record high gas prices. In fact, Honda's smallest SUV was one of the top ten best-selling vehicles of 2008.

The 2009 Honda CR-V comes in several trims -- the base LX, mid-level EX and luxurious EX-L -- in either front- or all-wheel drive.

• "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." -- Edmunds
• "It's not the most powerful compact SUV, but CR-V excels for its 'just right' blend of comfort, refinement, and cargo versatility. Lots of standard safety and convenience features and Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value further bolster its 2008 Best Buy appeal." -- Consumer Guide
• "The CR-V placed second behind the excellent RAV4 in our most recent comparison test of cute utes-which included a whopping nine vehicles-in a virtual dead heat that saw only the Nissan Rogue anywhere close to the two leaders." -- Car and Driver
• "This little sport/utility vehicle-crossover thing won't do much for your enthusiast creds, but as agreeable, practical all-purpose transportation, it's hard to beat." -- AutoWeek
• "[W]ith sales and gas prices up, Honda isn't going to mess with a good thing. So it didn't take any bold steps with the CR-V for 2009...and instead introduced three new colors: Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, and Urban Titanium Metallic." -- The Car Connection

CR-V Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2009 Honda CR-V provides a competent and comfortable ride, but test drivers are disappointed in the four-cylinder engine's power. "Although no one is going to call the CR-V fun to drive, it does handle predictably and is nicely responsive, with accurate steering and a serene ride," says Car and Driver. "The CR-V is the ultimate suburban runabout." Still, some reviewers say that the CR-V's handling shines, while others find the ride lacking in comfort. continue

CR-V Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
The Honda CR-V has never been one to break ground in the style department. However, some reviewers aren't so fond of the SUV's front end. Motor Trend calls the CR-V's styling "turbulent," adding, "And that underbite grin -- doesn't Honda have dental benefits?" Another reviewer also points out that the CR-V's front grille needs braces. continue

CR-V Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)
Praise is high for the 2009 Honda CR-V's interior feel and features -- even despite the fact that it doesn't offer an optional third-row seat like its main competitor, the Toyota RAV4. "[W]hile the CR-V can't boast a third row, if five passengers is your max load, they will find a comfortable, well-designed interior with premium materials and great ergonomics," says The Car Connection. "In addition, the cargo area is quite expansive thanks to a tall profile, and when the fold-flat rear seats are stowed, cargo room is even more impressive." The CR-V even comes with a unique feature that allows the driver to spy on kids in the back seats. continue

CR-V Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)
The 2009 Honda CR-V does extremely well in federal government crash tests. Additionally, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety names it a "Top Safety Pick." The Detroit News finds the SUV's safety equipment "mighty impressive on a vehicle in this price class." However, reviews are mixed on the CR-V's visibility and the usefulness of its optional rearview camera. continue

CR-V Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Honda CR-V reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2000 Honda CR-V comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.

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