Consumer Reports magazine found much to like in testing Honda’s new CR-V against four other small SUVs in the magazine’s April issue. However, when rated against what CR considers the top vehicle in its class, the Toyota RAV-4 that the magazine tested previously, the Honda fell short.This comparison test, which appears in the magazine’s February issue, pits the CR-V against the Honda Element, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Compass and Saturn Vue Green Line (a mild hybrid SUV that gets better mileage than the regular Saturn Vue, but cannot propel itself on electric power alone). Honda’s entry scored a “Very Good” rating, but didn’t join CR’s current SUV champ, the RAV-4 (although in years past, the CR-V has gotten excellent marks, along with the well-regarded Subaru Forester).
The other cars in the February comparison paled in comparison to the CR-V—they weren’t even close. The Honda finished in the middle of the contestants, and the Equinox, Compass, and Vue Green Line followed, in that sequence.
The magazine recommends, out of the models tested this time around, only the CR-V and the Element. Part of this decision seems to rest on reliability; they have no data to assess reliability in the Compass or the Vue Green Line, and the data on the Equinox in previous years suggests only a grade of “fair” in that department. Since Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have done well in its tests and have a good reliability record (based on their subscribers’ data), and scored well on crash tests, they could not recommend the other small SUVs profiled.
The CR-V has shed its formerly box-like appearance for a more svelte car-like shape. There are improvements to the driving position, the controls feel better, and the interior layout is well-thought-out, though rear visibility and cargo room suffer because of the new styling. However, the cargo area can be temporarily expanded due to the split-folding rear seat, which can also tumble forward.
So compared to the competition, the CR-V would be a worthy addition to anyone’s shopping list, though Consumer Reports ultimately thinks the RAV-4 scores the best out of the current crop of SUVs tested in the past seven months.
Via: The Auto Channel
We purchased our 2007 Honda CRV in Nov. 2006. What can I say, its a Honda not unlike the Accord we purchased in 1994 and replaced with the CRV. Do the math. 2007-1994=13 years of reliable, safe, very economical service from our former Accord. I’m 65 so I hope I can outlive our new CRV. We are consistenly getting 26+ MPG in town and 30-32 on the highway. We have plenty of power available from the responsive 4 cyl engine. Did somebody say something about higher gas prices? Flex fuel? Notta! We are ready for all that the oil companies can dish out and you should be to. Rush to your Honda store and jump into a new CRV.