The 2011 Honda CR-V, power windows and locks, 8 drink holders and an audio system with MP3 playback capability is standard on the entire 2011 Honda CR-V range. Providing 21 miles per gallon in city fuel economy with both drivetrain configurations, highway gas consumption of 24 miles per gallon with the front-wheel drive model betters the 2011 Honda CR-V four-wheel drive by a single mile.
The 2011 Honda CR-V continues the trend and is certainly an example of Honda at its best. We're certainly smitten with the CR-V's ability to comfortably take on both people and cargo. The 2011 Honda CR-V is a crossover SUV that straddles the line between compact and midsize. It is available in LX, SE, EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navigation trim levels, and each can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive.
The EX adds a sunroof, a dual-level cargo area and steering-wheel audio controls. Going with the EX-L gets you automatic headlights, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a fixed front center console and a seven-speaker stereo (with subwoofer, USB audio jack and satellite radio). Every 2011 Honda CR-V comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. AWD CR-Vs drop slightly to 21/27/23.
Safety
The 2011 Honda CR-V is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the CR-V achieved a perfect five stars for all frontal- and side-impact tests. The CR-V's cabin is both functional and attractive. With the split-level divider stowed and the rear seats folded, the CR-V can hold an impressive 73 cubic feet of cargo.
Driving Impressions
Though the Honda CR-V is certainly competitive against other four-cylinder-powered crossovers, it lacks low-end power and there's no getting around the fact that there's no upgrade available.
Few automakers enjoy the exceptional reputation that Honda does. Although the 2011 Honda CR-V isn't expected to vary considerably from the 2010 model, it brings topnotch reliability to the table. A single 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine remains the only option; however, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both available. For a crossover SUV in this class, the CR-V's starting MSRP of $25K is a bit high. As a crossover SUV, the Honda CR-V has always done exceptionally well. IntelliChoice 5-Year Cost of Ownership rating for the 2010 Honda CR-V is “Excellent” across most of the trim styles available.
Performance
Nobody is going to go gaga over the 2011 Honda CR-V's engine. The biggest Achilles Heel that the 2011 Honda CR-V has to deal with concerns its low-power engine. Drivers will feel firmly in control when they are behind the wheel of the 2011 CR-V.
Pros
The mediocre power of the 2011 Honda CR-V's sole engine is a definite disappointment, especially since many other crossovers in this class boast optional V6's.