Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-VThe 2011 Honda CR-V ranks 5 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 91 published reviews and test drives of the Honda CR-V, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2011 Honda CRV is ranked at the top among affordable compact SUVs for a good reason: it’s one of the most practical family SUVs on the market. "It's fun, cute and practical, and it's a bargain,” says Cars.com. “What more can a mama ask for?"
The 2011 Honda CR-V is a Renaissance man -- or woman -- of the automotive industry. It gets good gas mileage, has comfortable seating, plenty of interior cubbies and a roomy trunk. “As practical as a backpack, this benchmark crossover is an easy, stylish one-size-fits-most car choice," says Kelley Blue Book. The CR-V isn’t the fastest or most stylish affordable compact SUV, and its fuel economy ratings aren’t the highest in the class, but parents on the go will find it hard to turn down this practical vehicle that does a little bit of everything.
The Honda CR-V’s ability to accomplish so much has made it an award winner. In 2010, it was our Best Compact Crossover for the Money and one of Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value winners. But despite its good reputation, the Honda CR-V won’t satisfy all shoppers. It’s not super fast, doesn’t have a third row and gets a bit expensive once you add features like Bluetooth and USB integration. Plus, it definitely isn’t a luxury car. "The compact SUV field is crowded these days, with nearly every automaker offering something,” explains Cars.com. “If you only have eyes for the luxury makes, the CR-V isn't for you. Otherwise, it's something you should consider." Shoppers seeking a practical SUV that’s well equipped for daily life may not need to look any further.
Other SUVs to Consider
Other affordable small SUVs make up for the 2011 Honda CR-V’s shortcomings. If you want a stronger performer, try the Volkswagen Tiguan for its sporty and fun driving dynamics. Fuel economy on the Tiguan, however, is low. It only nets 19/26 mpg city/highway, which is pathetic in comparison to the GMC Terrain’s average of 22/32 mpg city/highway. The Tiguan is about $1,000 less than the Terrain, which starts at $24,250. If you want even better fuel economy, try the Ford Escape Hybrid, which gets 34/31 mpg city/highway. Increased gas mileage will cost you. The Escape hybrid starts at $29,860, which is expensive for the class.
For a compact SUV with a more striking appearance, check out the $22,745 Chevrolet Equinox. Reviewers like its clean, modern look. The Equinox also has great fuel economy -- 22/32 mpg city/highway, and a quiet cabin full of useful storage bins. However, it has only 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is less than what the CR-V has.
Details: Honda CR-V
The 2011 Honda CR-V has three trim options -- the base LX, mid-level EX and luxurious EX-L. Shoppers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive.- "If the CR-V didn't have Honda's impeccable reputation on its side, I'd say it'd be easily outgunned by its many rivals in this class, particularly when you consider the CR-V's best fuel-economy rating of 21/28 mpg city/highway (versus, for instance, the new Chevy Equinox's 22/32-mpg top rating)." -
- "It may still need more power, but for more than 100,000 crossover buyers every year, the CR-V will be more than enough."
- "There's little pizzazz in practical. If you chafe in sensible shoes, a compact crossover may not be the right fit for you." --
- "Over a few hundred test miles, what stood out was the general lack of complaints we had with this little SUV.” --