2010 Honda CR-V

Review

Honda, longtime favored for making reliable and comfortable vehicles, has made strides with the 2010 version of its popular crossover vehicle, the CR-V. Already one of the best-selling crossovers of its type, the 2010 CR-V will bring with it improved fuel efficiency as well as a bit more power. Not bad.

In both its front- and rear-wheel drive versions, the CR-V has improved its horsepower from 166 hp to 180 - all while improving its fuel economy by 1 mpg as well. Now, the front-wheel drive CR-V earns 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway, and the rear-wheel derive gets 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

What else is new?

While the power and mileage are the two biggest changes in the CR-V for 2010, there are other slight changes. There's a new grille and front bumper, different yellow turn signals, and a lower back bumper. Inside, the door handles have rubber grips, armrests are slightly wider, and the standard seating surfaces have been improved by Honda.

Of course, there is a price change. Honda has increased the price slightly - you'll pay $300 to $900 more, depending on which trim you select. The most expensive trims, EX and EX-L, are also the only ones that offer luxury features such as Bluetooth connectivity.

Why you'll like the CR-V

For a reliable, safe crossover vehicle, the CR-V is considered pretty affordable. At a starting price of $21,545, it's a nice price tag when compared to the similarly styled Volkswagen Tiguan - which can cost you in the high $20,000s for the most basic model.

Customer satisfaction rates for the CR-V remain higher than average, and Honda often lauds how many of its customers return again and again for its vehicles.

While its not advertised as a luxury vehicle, the CR-V does have luxury options that could be attractive for those with bigger budgets.

It's efficient: While we might not expect SUVs or crossovers to be efficient vehicles, the CR-V could surprise you. The EPA estimates place its highway efficiency around 28 mpg, but Hondas have that very nice ability to be even more efficient on long road trips. You'll have the space to haul a family - and you won't have to stop for gas as often.

Why you might have to think twice before buying the CR-V

Sure it's popular - but there are some drawbacks to the CR-V. Engineers did improve its power, but the CR-V is not the car for you if you're looking for a road warrior.

It can get confusing: Honda tends to like to offer a variety of trims for its vehicles, and the CR-V is no exception. You can choose from eight different - yes, eight - trim styles, which means that you're going to have to prioritize exactly what you want. If you want navigation, it looks like you'll be buying the top-of-the line model for approximately $29,000. All of the different trim styles and specifications can cost you money in the end - so make your list of priorities and compare them to what's offered.