2009 Honda CR-V

Chuck Giametta

Table of Contents
2009 Honda CR-V Prices
2009 Honda CR-V Road Test
2009 Honda CR-V Competition
2010 Honda CR-V Review
2011 Honda CR-V Review
2009 Honda CR-V Car Quote

2009 Honda CR-V buying advice
Though Honda never has used the delightfully Japanese-tinged term in marketing, “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle” is the root of the abbreviation “CR-V.” This compact SUV is surely that, and more.

The Honda CR-V is a winning blend of clean styling and efficient design in a solid, good-handling package.
You won’t go wrong with any of the three CR-V models, though some 55 percent of buyers wisely opt for the midline EX version. It comes with the canniest combination of features at a friendly $23,100 or so, or around $24,300 with all-wheel drive.

The base LX model saves you a couple-thousand bucks, and is no stripper, but is the least-popular model. CR-V buyers obviously like their amenities, as evidenced by the healthy 25 percent who choose the top-line EX-L model, which starts around $25,700 and kisses $28,500.

The Honda CR-V is the top-selling compact SUV, and the EX model, pictured, is the best-selling version of the CR-V.
Across the line, buyers split evenly between two-wheel drive -- which is front-wheel drive in this case -- and all-wheel drive. AWD is the smart choice if you live where it snows; two-wheel-drive CR-Vs tend to scuttle about when the white stuff piles up.

The only caveat is that the CR-V just isn’t very powerful, so take two or three grown-ups along on your test drive, head for the highway on-ramp, and see if you experience acceleration or frustration.

What you’ve got to know about the 2009 Honda CR-V
The 2009 Honda CR-V is strongly positioned to defend its multi-year run as America’s most-popular compact SUV. Stylish and solid, efficient and satisfying to drive -- these CR-V attributes are found in many Hondas, but in precious few compact SUVs.

The 2009 Honda CR-V release date is autumn 2008.

What’s changed about the 2009 Honda CR-V
No changes of significance are made to the 2009 Honda CR-V over the 2008 model. The 2009 Honda CR-V belongs to the CR-V’s third design generation, introduced for model-year 2007. With each succeeding design generation (1997-2001, 2002-2006), the CR-V has grown in size but has always used a four-cylinder engine.

No change to the 2009 Honda CR-V will significantly alter its performance or passenger accommodations from those of the 2008 model. Statements in this review about performance and accommodations are based on detailed test drives of the 2008 Honda CR-V.

What you can expect from the 2009 Honda CR-V
The 2009 Honda CR-V continues as a four-door, five-passenger wagon with a cargo liftgate. Expect the return of three trim levels: base LX, midline EX, and EX-L. All are available in front-wheel drive form or with all-wheel drive (AWD). The sole powertrain is a 166-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission.

For the 2010 model year the Honda CR-V will reportedly offer a four-cylinder diesel engine as a higher-fuel-economy alternative to the current gasoline four. The diesel likely will provide more power, too.

The next Honda CR-V design generation isn’t due until at least model-year 2012, so the 2009 Honda CR-V’s basic looks and engineering will stay current until then.