2010 Honda CR-V

Press release

The Honda CR-V adds to its compact crossover SUV credentials for the 2010 model year with refinements and upgrades to the exterior and interior, new features, better fuel economy, and more power.

Exterior styling enhancements include a freshened front fascia with a new grille and bumper design, a re-sculpted hood, and a new rear bumper shape. A 10-spoke alloy wheel design, standard on CR-V EX and EX-L, replaces the previous 7-spoke alloy wheel design. Interior improvements focus on new features and functionality. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® is now included on models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. Auto on/off headlights have been added to the CR-V EX-L and the front seats have wider center armrests on all models.

Upgrades to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine improve power output to 180 horsepower (hp), a 14 hp increase. City/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings increase to 21/28 miles per gallon1 (mpg) on 2WD models and 21/27 mpg1 on models equipped with Real Time™ 4WD - an increase of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving on all models.

"The CR-V provides many of the favorable aspects of a car and an SUV in a stylish, yet highly functional and capable vehicle," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For 2010, the CR-V represents an even better value with significant upgrades throughout the vehicle."

While compact on the outside with a 103.1-inch wheelbase and a convenient-to-park length of less than 15 feet, the interior provides 103.8 cu-ft. of passenger volume (CR-V LX) for up to five passengers. Add in a cargo volume of 35.7 cu-ft. behind the rear seats and the CR-V creates a total interior volume that, from a space efficiency perspective, exceeds the U.S. EPA’s size definition for a large sedan of 120 cu-ft.

A wide range of interior updates for 2010 include modifications to the radio functionality and control layout, the introduction of new seat fabric textures and an upgraded interior door handle design with a rubberized grip handle. Revised trim panel sections for the steering wheel, gear selector, upper glove box and center console (navigation-equipped models only) serve to brighten the overall interior color theme. Models equipped with an ivory interior now feature a more passenger-friendly darker brown carpet instead of light brown.

The AM/FM/CD audio system integrates a dual tone gray/black color scheme with blue backlighting, replacing black. The CR-V EX-L (navigation and non-navigation models) receives a USB Audio Interface2 for direct access to music files on compatible devices using the vehicle’s existing controls.

Consistent with the new audio system backlighting, the background color of the Multi-Information Display (MID) now appears blue (previously black). The MID’s digital display functions, which include the odometer, trip computer and vehicle maintenance indicators among other features, for 2010 now include a compass feature on CR-V EX and EX-L (non-navigation) models. On navigation-equipped models, the newly added Bluetooth HandsFreeLink status and related functions are displayed in the MID.

For comfort, the driver’s and front passenger’s center folding armrests are each wider by 1 inch compared to the previous model. The front row storage zones continue to offer the same functionality with areas designed to accommodate items as large as a handbag between the seats to items as small as a mobile phones and music players on the retractable center tray table. A center console replaces the retractable center tray table on the CR-V EX-L with navigation.

A sliding 60/40 split second row seat with a 40/20/40 folding seatback offers cargo versatility by sliding forward to increase cargo space, folding forward to accommodate long objects, or folding and tumbling forward to create a large, flat cargo area. Maximum possible cargo volume measures 72.9 cu-ft. with approximate floor dimensions of 51 inches long by 39 inches wide (at wheel wells). Storage potential behind the rear seat is enhanced by a dual-deck cargo shelf (CR-V EX and EX-L) that can strategically accommodate items like a folded baby stroller on the lower level and groceries bags on the upper level. The second row seat includes a Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat mounting system for all rear seat positions, allowing two outboard child seats to be installed or one center child seat.

Standard safety equipment includes: the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control; and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Additional standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The CR-V’s unit-body construction makes extensive use of high-strength steel (58 percent) to save weight and create a high-rigidity body structure, which significantly contributes to the vehicle’s ride quality, fuel efficiency and safety performance.

A dynamic forward cabin blends the CR-V’s upscale body lines into a sculpted lower body with a rugged appearance and durable cladding. A two-tier grille and a side profile with an arched window shape and chrome trim accent the CR-V’s distinctive and upscale presence.

For 2010, the front fascia’s upper grille has a single horizontal chrome-style trim cross bar as opposed to the double slat style cross bar from the previous design. The hood’s sheet metal now flows flush into the upper portion of the grille instead of wrapping down and around the grille.

The lower portion of the grille receives a honeycomb design that replaces the previous three-bar horizontal cross design. A chrome-colored trim piece has been added at the junction where the lower grille section intersects the top of the bumper (on EX and EX-L only). The circular port for Honda Genuine Accessory fog lights is encompassed within the re-sculpted front bumper’s painted surface area, which extends lower on the vehicle, instead of within the lower black body cladding. Correspondingly, the re-shaped rear bumper’s painted surface area now encompasses the red rear reflectors, also previously located within the black cladding.

The suspension is comprised of a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link suspension. The high-rigidity body and independent suspension offer a comfortable and engaging driving experience for a crossover SUV. State-of-the art noise absorption materials help to reduce engine and road noise for a quieter cabin.

The all-aluminum,16-valve, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) i-VTEC engine integrates an "intelligent" version of Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control along with Variable Timing Control (VTC), which are sophisticated Honda valvetrain technologies designed to enhance fuel economy and power output while reducing exhaust emissions. The VTEC portion of the system hydraulically adjusts the intake valves’ rocker arms for lift and duration to help optimize engine efficiency for low- and high-RPM ranges. The Variable Timing Control (VTC) aspect of i-VTEC allows for continuously variable phasing of the intake camshaft, which helps improve engine torque, promote a smooth engine idle, and create an internal exhaust gas recirculation effect for reduced smog-forming emissions (NOx).

For 2010, power and efficiency improvements result from the engine’s compression ratio increasing to 10:5:1 from 9.7:1, fuel injectors with a finer spray pattern, larger intake valves, spark plugs with extended electrodes, friction-reducing piston rings, higher-precision timing sensor and a higher flow-rate exhaust system.

The CR-V comes standard with an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission that uses an active lockup torque converter. Wide overall ratios help maximize acceleration in gears one through four and optimize fuel economy in its overdrive fifth gear.

Grade Logic Control helps to reduce gear "hunting" on hilly roads. The available Real Time™ 4WD system - ideal for enhanced traction on snow, rain, dirt roads and sandy conditions - sends power to the rear wheels when needed. Real Time 4WD’s always-ready and fully automatic dual pump system hydraulically proportions rear wheel torque via multi-plate clutches. The Maintenance Minder system will indicate that the dual-pump fluid should be changed at about 60,000 miles.

The CR-V is available in three model choices, each offered in either front-wheel drive or Real Time 4WD. Standard comfort and convenience features on the CR-V LX include air conditioning with air-filtration system, keyless entry, tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, power windows with auto-up/down driver’s window, power door and tailgate locks, AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, fuel economy meter and 17-inch steel wheels.

The CR-V EX adds a one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature, chrome grille and rear license plate trim, rear privacy glass, security system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, dual-deck cargo shelf, audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers, exterior temperature indicator, vanity mirror lights (new), digital compass (new), and 17-inch alloy wheels (new design).

The CR-V EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats and armrests, heated front seats, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, XM® Radio3, a USB Audio Interface (new), and auto on/off headlights (new). Available on the CR-V EX-L is the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and rearview camera, which also adds premium audio system with 7-speakers including subwoofer and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, center console storage unit (replaces retractable center tray), and a 6-disc CD changer in the center console (replaces in-dash changer).

Colors for 2010 include Opal Sage Metallic (new), Royal Blue Pearl, Taffeta White, Glacier Blue Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic (new), Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Tango Red Pearl and Urban Titanium Metallic. Interior color choices, determined by exterior color, include Ivory, Black or Gray.

The CR-V became the best-selling SUV in the United States with calendar-year 2008 results of 197,279, also placing it among the top-ten best-selling vehicles for that year. The CR-V is a global product for Honda and is sold in 160 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. Worldwide, the CR-V is assembled of domestic and globally sourced parts including at the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio.

Basic Specs:

Engine: 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 180-hp @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 161 lb-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
EPA-estimated Fuel Economy, City/Hwy/Comb.: 21/28/24 (2WD), 21/27/23 (4WD)
Seating Capacity: 5
Passenger Volume: 103.8 cu-ft.
Cargo Volume: 34.7 cu-ft.
Standard Airbags: Driver’s and Front-Passenger’s Front Dual-stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags; Front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and Side-curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor.
Standard Electronic Stability Control: Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)
Standard Anti-lock Braking System: 4-channel with Brake Assist

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Specifications

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Prices and Options

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Competitors and press reviews

"In most other regards, the CR-V remains the pleasant, easy-to-drive sport-ute it has always been. The steering is light but communicative, which makes the vehicle easy to manoeuvre in and out of traffic. Sightlines all around are good. The topline EX-L Navi model, which I was driving, not only comes with the navigation system but also a rear-view camera to assist backing into tight parking spots. The ride is good; with MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension setups, the CR-V soaks up all but the worst roads without beating up its occupants. Tight body construction means no squeaks or rattles even over frozen, ice-covered pavement." (NationalPost)

"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. The CR-V is the ultimate suburban runabout. You might wonder why Honda doesn’t offer a V-6 and a third row, as does one of its main competitors, the Toyota RAV4, but Honda didn’t see a need to alter the winning formula of the first generation in the name of increased girth and diminished efficiency." (CarAndDriver)

Competitors

Toyota RAV-4

The 2010 RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades – Base, Sport and top-of-the-line Limited – and with a choice between the 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the V6 engine. The 2.5-liter engine produces 179 hp at 6,000 RPM, along with 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM. The 3.5-liter V6 develops 269 hp at 6,200 RPM and 246 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 RPM. Prices for the 2010 Toyota RAv-$ start at $21,675.

Nissan Rogue

The 2010 Rogue is available in two models, Rogue S and Rogue SL, each with a standard 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). For 2010, the Rogue SUV is priced as follows: Rogue S FWD $20,340; Rogue SL FWD $21,930; Rogue S AWD $21,540; Rogue SL AWD $23,130.

Subaru Forester

The 2010 Forester will be offered with both a 2.5 Liter naturally aspirated engine as the 2.5X, 2.5X Premium and 2.5X Limited. There will also be a turbocharged flat-four with the same displacement, the 2.5XT. The boosted box car only comes in Premium or Limited trim levels. Pricing will start at $20,295 for the Forester 2.5X and goes up to $28,495 for the top of the line 2.5XT Limited.

Conclusion

The 2010 Honda CR-V is an easy to drive SUV (easy, not necessarily fun); it handles predictably and the steering is light and it easily responds to your commands. The top of the line version, EX-L Navi if offering you all the technologies you might need, including Navigation and a rear-view camera to assist backing.

In 2010 the SUV received a few minor updates, but Honda decided that a V6 engine is still not necessary. This might be a good thing for those you care about fuel economy, but for those who want a more powerful car they will need to take a look at the competitors.