New 2010 Honda CR-V

First introduced in the U.S. in 1997, the car-based Honda CR-V compact crossover offers interior and exterior refinements for the 2010 model year, improved fuel economy, enhanced power and a comfortable and quiet ride.

The five-passenger 2010 Honda CR-V competes with Toyota RAV4 and Saturn Vue and is available in base LX, EX and upscale EX-L trim levels. Configurations include front-wheel-drive or Real Time 4WD, which applies more torque to the rear wheels when added traction is necessary. A 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission powers the 2010 Honda CR-V and is 14 more horsepower than the previous engine. Class-leading EPA estimated fuel economy ratings have improved by 1 mpg across the board at 20 mpg in the city and 26-27 mpg on the highway.

Sitting on 16-inch steel or alloy wheels, the 2010 Honda CR-V rides one-inch closer to the ground and measures three inches shorter than the previous generation CR-V. Exterior enhancements include a freshened front fascia and new grille and bumper design. A power moonroof, fog lights and folding power mirrors are available exterior features.

Inside, a sliding 60/40 split second-row seat with a 40/20/40 folding seatback slides forward to increase cargo space, folds forward to accommodate long objects or folds and tumbles forward to create a large, flat cargo area. The 2010 Honda CR-V’s spacious cabin provides 103.8 cubic feet of passenger volume and 72.9 cubic feet of cargo volume with rear seats folded flat.

Standard features include cloth or leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks and keyless entry. Heated seats and dual-zone climate control are standard on select models. A satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition and rearview camera package also includes a premium seven-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, Bluetooth connectivity and a center console storage unit.

A handful of proactive standard safety technologies, including side-impact and side curtain airbags, electronic stability control with traction control antilock brake system with brake assist, are the primary reasons the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 2010 Honda CR-V a Top Pick for 2008.

The 2010 Honda CR-V compact crossover possesses the spacious passenger/cargo volume and refinement of an SUV, but with outstanding fuel economy and smooth car-like ride.