The Honda CR-V rides well, whether the roads are smooth or rough. That makes for very pleasant motoring around town over busy, beat-up streets. There's enough power on tap to thrust you off the on-ramp and into traffic. The CR-V's engine delivers 160 horsepower and 162 pounds-feet of torque, more than other four-cylinder SUVs. Torque is that force that propels you away from intersections and up hills and the CR-V's torque peaks at just 3600 rpm. That means when you put your foot to the floor the acceleration force comes on quickly, which makes for safer merging into traffic and allows greater margins of safety when making a pass.
Honda is a leader in engine technology and the CR-V benefits from a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder with "intelligent" i-VTEC. Through the miracles of valve timing, Honda is able to generate lots of power while keeping fuel economy at an impressive EPA-estimated 22/26 mpg city/highway. All CR-Vs meet the new LEV-II low-emissions standards.
The CR-V's handling is reassuring. It feels sure-footed on twisting roads. The handling is neutral and the tires offer lots of grip in corners. The CR-V drives more like a car than a truck. That's because it is more car than truck. It's based on a front-wheel-drive Honda Civic with a unit-body and four-wheel independent suspension. It's a car and that's a good thing.