2012 Honda CR-V: New look for small SUV
Honda is introducing a redesigned CR-V today at the Los Angeles Auto Show in hopes the small SUV can regain its top-selling perch. The vehicle was the top-selling SUV in the U.S. before a series of supply issues -- first from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, and later due to floods in Thailand -- cut its sales.
The new CR-V design is an update of the previous look, as opposed to the dramatic makeover being given to its competitor, the Ford Escape, which took over the No. 1 spot after Honda hit supply bumps. The 2012 CR-V looks a bit more lithe, with a lower roof line and improved aerodynamics.
That reduction in wind resistance will help improve expected mileage ratings to 22 MPG in city driving and 31 on the highway for the two-wheel-drive model (a jump from 21 city, 28 highway for the 2011 version). The four-wheel-drive version will likely be rated at 22 city, 30 highway, which Honda says will be the best in class for a four-wheel-drive SUV.
Improved rear suspension should lead to a smoother ride, according to Honda engineers. In a test drive last week at a press event, the CR-V generally rode comfortably on parkways north of New York City but seemed a little jumpy over rough pavement. Acceleration from the 2.4-liter, 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine seemed to lag a bit when I hit the pedal hard -- probably because the transmission is tuned to run in the highest feasible gear to maximize gas mileage. Handling seemed competent, though our test drive route stuck to the parkways and didn't get a workout on winding back roads.
Here's a look at some of the other features of the new CR-V.
- Interior design shows careful calculation of just what drivers and passengers are likely to need -- a Honda hallmark. Cup holders and water bottle storage are in the front seat central console, along with a bin that can hold a small purse or similar item. The navigation screen and the smaller display screen above it are both positioned within an easy sight line for the driver.
- Cargo space increases to 37 cubic feet behind the rear seat, which the company says will hold three large suitcases or a baby stroller. With all rear seats down, the capacity is nearly 62 cubic feet, enough for two mountain bikes. And putting down those seats is a breeze. A tug on the cloth tab on the side of a seat turns down the head rests and then automatically folds the seats into the floor. (As an owner of a vehicle this size, I appreciate what a convenience these automatic seats could be.)
The entertainment system has the now-obligatory USB plug for music players, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for cell phones that allows hands-free calling. With those connections, you can give voice commands to make phone calls and play music. The Honda system will read incoming text messages, but only from Blackberry mobile devices -- a brand losing market share almost daily to iPhone and Android. You can plug in one of those other smart phones and play programs such as Pandora radio.
- Safety crash tests have not yet been done, but Honda engineers say they expect the CR-V to achieve the difficult 5-star rating under the new federal government tests. Both the company's Accord sedan and Odyssey minivan got that 5-star rating earlier.
- And in another safety feature, a rear-view camera that shows what is immediately behind a vehicle about to back up -- such as a small child -- is now standard on the new CR-V. That's a good step forward, since these cameras often have been optional items.
The 2012 CR-V, on sale Dec. 15, will continue to have three styles or trim levels: the LX base model, the EX and the EX-L. Specific prices have not yet been set, but Honda says list prices will continue in the current $21,000 to $30,000 range.
Honda is hoping that as supply disruptions end, the small SUV can get back to selling about 200,000 a year -- a level that made it the sales champ from 2007 to 2010.
More on MoneyWatch: