Technical

The 2.4L 4-cylinder engine found in the CR-V, the only one offered, is shared with the Honda Accord and Acura TSX. Its output is 160 hp at 6 000 rpm and 162 lb/ft of torque at 3 600 rpm. The basic gearbox is a 5-speed manual and an extra $1,100 will get you a 5-speed automatic transmission. The EX-L version is only available with the slushbox. 4-wheel disc brakes perform the stopping duties and the suspension is fully independent. All CR-Vs are equipped with Honda's Real Time AWD system.

On the road

At first, I found the ride to be quite dry, even jarring at times. However, the more I drove, the more I began to appreciate its tout and responsive behaviour. I still would not say that the drive is smooth, but when loaded the sharpness turns into a more controlled movement. The CR-V is probably the most astute handler in the compact SUV category. The VSA (vehicle stability assist) works well. It cuts into the fun factor just before something bad happens.

What Honda calls Real Time AWD should really be dubbed: AWD on occasion. The CR-V is basically a front-wheel-drive mini truck that has optional rear-wheel traction. When the front wheels begin to slip, power is sent to the rear to wake up the dormant drive shafts. The problem with this set-up is that there is a long delay before the transition occurs. It quickly becomes annoying when Drive and then Reverse are selected back to back to get out of a slippery parking spot for example.

Steering is perfectly weighted and precise for an SUV. Parking manoeuvres do become a chore because of the power assistance's lack of cooperation in rapid steering wheel movements. Parallel parking has to be attempted with patience. The brakes do work very well though. Pedal feel is reassuring as travel is kept to a minimum.

The 2.4L engine is refined and perfectly matches the CR-V's vocations. It is never loud or raucous; it just delivers its power in a very linear manner without ever causing a fuss. The new for 2005 5-speed automatic transmission shifts crisply and is always ready to kick down for some passing action. The gearing is well spaced as the engine speed drops little between upshifts. This allows the engine to be in or as close to its sweet spot as often as possible. At highway speeds, the Honda is sensitive to crosswinds but not so much as to be a concern.

Safety

The CR-V has standard dual front and side-curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability assist and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for a frontal impact for both front passengers and 5 out of 5 stars in lateral impacts. The IIHS has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category.