Honda CR-V 2011 full Analysis

Honda CR-V

The 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.” --

CR-V Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)

The 2011 Honda CR-V provides a competent and comfortable ride, but its Achilles heel has always been an underpowered four-cylinder engine. Reviewers complain about the engine frequently, saying it’s slow and is easily outdone by the competition. "This is the first CR-V I've driven,” says Automobile Magazine, “and I was surprised with its lackadaisical attitude toward acceleration and the five-speed automatic's hesitation to downshift, particularly given the fact that Honda offers only a single engine...” On the plus side, the CR-V handles well.

CR-V Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

The Honda CR-V has never had eye-catching exterior styling. Most reviewers agree saying, the CR-V isn’t ugly, but it’s definitely not a looker. “It's not a bad look overall, but compared to the more straightforward shape of the previous generation, it's no Lancelot either," Autoblog critiques.

CR-V Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

Reviewers are so impressed with the 2011 Honda CR-V's interior feel and features that they’re willing to overlook an absent third row. "The CR-V's cabin is both functional and attractive,” says Edmunds. “Gauges are clear, controls are where you'd expect them to be and materials quality is good."

CR-V Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)

The federal government hasn’t tested the 2011 Honda CR-V, but the 2010 model performed will in crash tests. Reviewers say one of the best aspects of the CR-V is its generous list of standard safety features.