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September 1, 2009
2009 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD Review
by Michel Deslauriers , Auto123.com

Life is full of surprises, but some particular things are completely devoid of them. Most compact SUVs are built to satisfy the basic needs of a small family, like getting to and from the day-care, go out on weekend trips and go shopping, and head up to the grandparents for some kid spoiling.

You can’t really go wrong by choosing a CR-V, a competent, no-surprises vehicle. But it has two shortcomings.

The Honda CR-V could very well be the perfect example. It doesn’t promise exciting road manners, extreme fuel economy and blistering performance. Rather, it fulfills the needs of the widest range of Moms and Dads and does so in utter plainness.

Big on the inside
The CR-V has one of the most spacious cockpits in the small SUV segment. Although not as roomy as the class-leading Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute twins, the Honda is second only to the Toyota RAV4 in regards to maximum cargo space. In addition, a clever ridge moulded in the inner walls allows installing a panel for two-section loading.

The front seats get armrests and are quite comfortable for long trips, while the rear seatbacks recline and fold down in the 60/40 split. Our EX-L tester also gets leather upholstery, which is nice, but we prefer the fabric of the lesser trim levels.

The dashboard is comprised of quality, typically Honda plastics, and the switchgear layout is straightforward, although Bluetooth connectivity is cruelly missing. But its overall look won’t win any design awards, nor does it really need to. There are many storage points spread around the cabin and visibility is great all around.

Sensible powertrain
Unlike most of its competitors that offer high-power V6 engines, the CR-V is only available with a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder that develops 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a 5-speed automatic. Zero to 100 km/h is achieved in 9.8 seconds; that’s not very fast, but drag strip racing isn’t the vehicle’s mission.

The CR-V has one of the most spacious cockpits in the small SUV segment.

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Excel Honda Group
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Excel Honda 5400, rue Paré, Mont-Royal Québec, H4P 1R3 Tel.: 514 342-6360 Fax: 514 342-4826	Encore Automobile Ltée 266, boul. Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Châteauguay Québec, J6K 3C2 Tel.: 450 698-1060 Fax: 450 698-2368	St-Constant Honda 270, Route 132, St-Constant Québec, J5A 2C9 Tel.: 450 632-7155 Fax: 450 632-8922	Excel Honda Moto 5480, rue Paré, Ville Mont-Royal Québec, H4P 2M1 Tel.: 514 342-6360 Fax: 514 342-7192