honda cR-V (2007-2012)

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Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
Jan 2007 Class: 4x4s/SUVs
New price: £21,645 - £33,675 Used price: From £5,625
On sale:
Performance:
Ride comfort:
handling:
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
Boot & Storage:
Safety:
★★★★★
★★★★
Reliability:
★★★
Total score:
71%
High-quality build.
Well-equipped, with standard four-wheel drive. Spacious cabin and boot.
Poor rear visibility. Poor pedestrian protection.
Large turning circle. Recommended models
in the range
Which? Car Top Choice Model
2.2 i-DTEC ES 5dr
New price: £26,175
Used price: £9,195
Fastest Model
2.2 i-DTEC SE+ T 5dr
New price: £26,305
Used price: £11,895
9.6 secs
0-62mph:
Most Efficient Model
2.2 i-DTEC SE+ T 5dr
New price: £26,305
Used price: £11,895
Combined fuel economy:
43.5 mpg
Cheapest Model to buy new
2.0 i-VTEC SE 5dr
New price:
Overview
Honda’s 4x4 is well suited to family life, and it’s pretty frugal, too, though it’s not an all-out offroader. Chances are you’ll be looking for the more fuel-efficient diesel, which is OK but not as
frugal as some rivals.
The second-generation CR-V had a lot to live up to, given its predecessor’s fine reputation.
Targeted at families, there’s a choice of two engines – a lightly modified version of the 2.2
diesel from the old model and a newer 2.0 petrol unit. We tested the diesel, which pulled well
and returned 39.8mpg, compared with Honda’s claim of 43.5. This CR-V is 85mm shorter than its predecessor, but the cabin feels spacious, with ample
front and rear space. The interior is well laid out and, at 545 litres, the boot is good, growing to
910 litres if you fold the seats. The CR-V is available with Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking
System (CMBS) which, at speeds under 10mph, automatically brakes if it senses an impending
crash. But pedestrian protection is actually worse than that of its predecessor.
A mildly-facelifted model with a new diesel engine and, for the first time, the option of
a diesel engine with automatic gearbox, went on sale in 2010; an all-new CR-V (reviewed
separately) was launched in October 2012. The 2007-2012 CR-V has a three-star reliability score in the latest Which? Car survey.
Commonly-reported issues are with the battery, parking sensors and air con. £21,645
Cheapest Model to buy used
2.0 i-VTEC SE 5dr
Used price:
£5,625
Cheapest Model to Run (new)
2.0 i-VTEC SE 5dr
New price: £21,645
Running costs: £18,702
(3 years/36,000 miles)
Owner’s View
This car is the second CR-V
I have owned - nothing else
comes close.
Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
4x4s/SUVs
On the road
How we test
The CR-V is one of the easiest 4x4s to get comfortable in and drive, with easy controls and an
excellent driving position. However, rear visibility and parking can be awkward. Performance
from either engine on offer is strong and, although the CR-V is safe and secure around corners,
it feels like an average hatchback to drive.
Performance
★★★★
You can opt for an all-new 2.0-litre petrol engine or a revised version of the old model’s 2.2-litre
diesel. The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, or there’s a five-speed automatic option if
you buy the petrol. We tested the 2.2 diesel version and found that it pulls very strongly. Overtaking is easy
and you don’t need to change gear often. The powerplant is impressively smooth for a diesel
and the six-speed manual gearbox is very easy to use, with well-chosen ratios.
Model tested
Acceleration (37-62mph)
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007) 6.5 secs
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)6.1 secs
Ride comfort
We use the sophisticated electronic timing
equipment to record standing-start and
in-gear acceleration, and repeat each test
several times.
Ride comfort
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
The CR-V’s chassis set-up is well-balanced. Although fairly stiffly sprung, ride comfort is good,
absorbing bumps with ease. Body roll while cornering is also well controlled for a 4x4 vehicle. Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Performance
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of
thousands of miles in a myriad of different
models.
Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
4x4s/SUVs
On the road continued...
How we test
Handling
★★★★
Handling
In a straight line, the CR-V has good stability. In normal conditions, it’s front-wheel drive only but
the four-wheel-drive system can transfer some of the power automatically to the rear wheels
when required to boost traction.
In our obstacle avoidance test, the CR-V performed OK, nothing more, with initially
accurate steering, followed by a slight breakaway, mitigated by the effective electronic stability
control (ESC) system, which Honda calls ‘VSA’. Understeer is the main cornering characteristic.
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
Brakes
★★★
Brakes
In our tests, the CR-V’s stopping distances were about average for this class. The brakes
respond well and pedal pressure can be easily adjusted. Standard ABS with brake assist helps
less-experienced drivers make full use of the braking potential.
Model tested
Braking distance (62-0mph)
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007) 40.5m
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)40.5m
Rating
★★★
★★
The Which? Car braking test measures
stopping distance from 62-0mph and is
repeated ten times in quick succession to
highlight any brake fade issues.
Refinement and noise
★★★★
Refinement and noise
Cabin noise was low in the diesel version we tested. We were impressed with the
workmanship of the CR-V with its well-constructed body panels and solid cabin materials. The
list of standard equipment is also impressive, particularly in high-spec versions. On the plus
side, the plastic bumpers are not body-coloured so they’re easy to repair but, on the down
side, the flanks are poorly protected against car park scratches.
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
On-the-limit handling is explored well
away from public roads to ensure a fair
test. Our obstacle avoidance test is one of
the harshest tests in the industry..
Cruising noise
69dB
70dB
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
The Which? Car experts use a decibel
meter to record interior sound levels
at common UK motorway speeds, and
combine this with subjective assessments
to arrive at an overall score.
Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
4x4s/SUVs
On the road continued...
How we test
Cabin and controls
★★★★★
Cabin and controls
It’s very easy to drive the CR-V. The reach- and height-adjustable steering wheel is well
positioned, as are the pedals (although the clutch protrudes somewhat). The gear lever and
unusual hand brake lever are also well placed and easy to use.
The centre-console-mounted climate control switches are easy to access, as are the
electric window switches. When fitted with the optional navigation system, the audio system is
simple to operate via a touch screen, while the audio and cruise control (where fitted) can be
adjusted via steering-wheel-mounted buttons.
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
★★★★★
★★★★★
Rating
Visibility and parking
★★★★
The high-up seating position provides an excellent view of the road, while the exterior mirrors
are large and heated. The rear headrests are retractable for a better rear view but the wide
B-pillars and huge C-pillars really make the ‘over shoulder’ view very difficult. The optional
advanced safety pack (£2,000) includes adaptive cornering lights. At around 12 metres, the turning circle is rather wide for this class – almost one metre more
than its predecessor, so parking can be tiresome, although front and rear parking sensors are
standard on all versions except the entry-level SE.
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Turning circle
11.9m
11.9m
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
We penalise cars with difficult controls,
and we look for things like backlit light
switches and easy-to-use heating and
ventilation adjustments.
Visibility and parking
Visibility is a major issue for motorists
today, so each car gets a 360-degree
swivel view test to reproduce the driver’s
eye view and any obscured areas.
Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
4x4s/SUVs
Comfort and practicality
How we test
One of the CR-V’s main attractions is the sheer space inside, both for front and rear
passengers. The boot is also bigger than the class average, with easy access.
Getting in and out
Getting in and out
★★★★
Access to the seats is good, although the high sills get in the way a little. The door stops are
much stronger than the old-model CR-V’s, and keep the doors open well.
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Seat space and comfort
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
There is lots of space up front in terms of head, leg and shoulder room. Front passengers up
to 1.85m tall will be comfortable. It’s the same story in the back: lots of space and comfort for
people up to and beyond 1.90m tall. The firmly-padded front seats are well-contoured and provide a good combination of
support and comfort. The rear seats too are good but feel less comfortable, because they’re
set comparatively low.
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Rating
★★★★
★★★★
We take measurements all around the
driver and passenger’s door apertures
and note the height of the seat, door sills
and step down onto the car floor. The
best cars don’t require too much bending
or stretching to get in and out.
Seat space and comfort
We assess seat comfort subjectively,
using our road testers’ expert knowledge
and experience from thousands of different cars. And we measure the head-, legand elbowroom on offer in every seat, to
see how well the car caters for people of
all shapes and sizes.
Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
4x4s/SUVs
Comfort and practicality continued...
How we test
Boot and storage
Boot and storage
★★★★★
At 545 litres, the boot is very large for this vehicle class, and it can be expanded by folding the
60/40 split rear seats to a capacity of 910 litres (measured to the windowline). The rear seats
can also slide to boost legroom or luggage space. The large tailgate opens and closes easily, allowing access to a low, flat boot area. There’s
a separate panel to allow you to create a handy two-tier boot floor. As for cabin storage, there
are many practical bins and cupholders front and rear, plus an oddments compartment above
the glovebox.
Model tested
Boot space (seats up/down)
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007) 545 litres / 910 litres
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)545 litres / 910 litres
Heating and ventilation
Rating
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★
Carmakers give official stats for boot
space, but our tests are more realistic. We
load the boot up with measuring blocks
only as far as the rear window line, so
that luggage is well secured and won’t
obscure rear visibility. We repeat the test
with the rear seats up, and folded down
(where possible).
Heating and ventilation
Air conditioning is standard in the entry-level SE trim, with easy-to-operate dual-zone automatic
climate control standard on all other models. However, it takes rather a long time to achieve
the right temperatures in the front, and particularly in the rear, in cold weather. The rear side
windows only open two-thirds of the way.
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Rating
★★★
★★★
Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm
each car up from a frosty -10 degrees in
our climate chamber. Starting with a cold
engine, we measure how long it takes to
warm up the front and rear of the cabin.
Diesel cars usually take longer. We also
check the effectiveness of air conditioning, where fitted.
Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
4x4s/SUVs
Running costs and depreciation
How we test
The CR-V is one of the easiest 4x4s to get comfortable in and drive, with easy controls and an
excellent driving position. However, rear visibility and parking can be awkward. Performance
from either engine on offer is strong and, although the CR-V is safe and secure around corners,
it feels like an average hatchback to drive.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
Although fairly stiffly sprung, ride comfort is good, absorbing bumps with ease. Body roll while
cornering is also well controlled for a 4x4 vehicle. Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)
33.6 mpg - 34.9 mpg
Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)
38.2 mpg - 43.5 mpg
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Urban (claimed/measured)
34.9 mpg/34.0 mpg
35.3 mpg/34.0 mpg
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Extra urban (claimed/measured)
49.6 mpg/50.4 mpg
50.4 mpg/49.6 mpg
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Motorway (measured)
34.0 mpg
36.2 mpg
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Combined (claimed/measured)
43.5 mpg/39.8 mpg
43.5 mpg/40.4 mpg
We test fuel economy under strict lab
conditions – using realistic test cycles – to
reveal the facts behind the figures. Our
figures rarely match manufacturer claims
as, unlike the official mpg test, we measure economy with both a hot and cold
engine, and on the motorway.
Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
4x4s/SUVs
Running costs and depreciation continued...
How we test
Emissions
Emissions
The CR-V’s chassis set-up is well-balanced and in a straight line, the CR-V has good stability. In
normal conditions, it’s front-wheel drive only but the four-wheel drive system transfers some of
the power automatically to the rear wheels when required to boost traction. In our obstacle avoidance test, the CR-V performed adequately, with initially accurate
steering followed by a slight breakaway, mitigated by the effective electronic stability control
system, which Honda calls VSA. Understeer is the main cornering characteristic.
Petrol (CO2, claimed)
190g per km - 195g per km
Diesel (CO2, claimed)
171g per km - 195g per km
While testing fuel economy, we also
collect exhaust gases to enable us to
measure the amount of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emitted. We also check whether
particulate filters are effective at removing
sooty emissions from diesel engines.
Safety
Model tested
diesel 2.2i-CTDi (140bhp) manual 5-door (2007)
diesel 2.2 i-DTEC (150bhp) manual 5-door (2010)
Emissions (claimed/measured)
173g per km/186g per km
171g per km/183g per km
Safety and security
Euro NCAP score
★★★★
Here is the video of the 2007 Honda CR-V Euro NCAP frontal crash test.
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Adult occupant
Child protection
Pedestrian protection
We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP
crash test scores (where available),
alongside our own comprehensive safety
checklist. Uniquely, we also feed in results
from our accident avoidance test – after
all, it’s far better to steer around a crash
than rely on the airbags...
Security
★★★★
★★★★
★★
Which? safety rating
★★★★
Active (crash avoidance)
Passive (crash safety)
Child
Pedestrian
65%
79%
61%
55%
Security
The CR-V merited five stars for ‘theft of’ and four for ‘theft from’ in our security assessments, a
good result. Theft of car: Theft from car:
★★★★★
★★★★
Security scores come from the security
experts at Thatcham, who break into
hundreds of cars each year. Most modern
cars are very difficult to drive away, but
are still too easy to steal from.
Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
4x4s/SUVs
Which? Car Survey results
About our survey
The Which? Car Survey is the UK’s most robust reliability and owner satisfaction survey. In
2015, drivers told us about 58,000 cars, covering more than 484 million miles in the previous
12 months (that’s equivalent to driving to the moon and back a hundred times). This unique
feedback allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars.
Note: Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages
shown under ‘Most common faults’ indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem
in the past 12 months.
Brand
Sample size: 4,586 people
Honda ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this brand
Brand reliability
Dealer Sales Service
Dealer Servicing & repair
Model: Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
Sample size: 460 people
Overall owner satisfaction for this range
Ease of driving
Comfort
Dash layout and controls
Practicality
Value for money
Running costs
In-car technology
-
Everyone who takes part in the Which?
Car survey tells us about their car and
the dealers who sell and service it. We
analyse this feedback across all cars to
give top-level satisfaction ratings for each
brand, including the brand’s reliability
record over the last eight years. All star
ratings are out of five.
Model ownership ratings
★★★★
★★★★★
Ownership ratings
Driving enjoyment
87%
Brand ratings
These show how owners score this car
in 12 different areas, from performance to
heating. Owners’ ratings are subjective –
so may differ from Which? Car test scores
– but they give a good idea of what the
car is like to live with. Where relevant, cars
are scored against other cars in the same
class (e.g. for space).
85%
★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★
★★★★
★★★
★★★
★★★
-
Owner’s View
Quality of fixtures & fittings.
Smooth, punchy diesel
engine. Solid (if a tad stolid)
dependability.
Owner’s View
The car is very good at
pulling our touring caravan
on holidays and is a good
all rounder the rest of the
time.
Which? Car review
Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
4x4s/SUVs
Which? Car Survey results continued...
About our survey
Reliability ratings
Reliability ratings
Overall Reliability
Petrol cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Diesel cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
All cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
★★★
Up to 3 years old
4-8 years old
★★★
6%
£111
★★★
-
£103
-
-
-
★★★★
12%
£128
★★★★
6%
£192
-
We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts
need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where
the car has been on sale for some time,
and we have numerous survey responses
from owners, we also split scores by the
age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are
out of five – the more stars, the more reliable the car.
Most common faults
Breakdowns: Percentage of cars suffering a breakdown in last 12 months
Average annual repair cost: Average annual cost of repairs (not servicing), in past 12
months
Most common faults
Up to 3 years old
Battery (P) Exhaust System (D) Lights
Engine - Other (P) Engine electrics - Other (P) Battery (P) Air Con
Parking sensors
Battery (D) Clutch
Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year
6%
4%
4%
3%
3%
4-8 years old
14%
6%
6%
4%
3%
Want to know what’s most likely to go
wrong as the car gets older? These are
the five most common faults reported by
owners, grouped by age into new, recent
and older cars. A score of 40% means
four out of 10 owners reported problems
with that part of the car over the previous
12 months. Engine electrics and non-engine electrics (e.g. windows, stereo) cause
more headaches than mechanical parts in
most modern cars.