2007 Honda CR-V First Drive

Included among the changes for the 2007 Honda CR-V is a new trim, the EX-L, which replaces the SE. Carried over are the LX and EX models. As was the case for 2006, the CR-V LX is designed for the budget-conscious buyer with its low $20,000s starting price, yet it offers a long list of standard features like a five-speed automatic transmission that pushes power to either the front or all four 17-inch steel wheels; keyless entry; power mirrors, windows, and door locks; air conditioning; a tilt and telescoping steering wheel; a CD player and MP3/iPod auxiliary jack; a trip computer; an overhead conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers; and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Safety equipment runs the gamut from front side-impact and side-curtain airbags, traction and stability control systems, and a tire pressure monitor, to front active headrests.

EX versions of the CR-V are priced in the mid $20,000s and include all of the LX’s features as well as a power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, rear privacy glass, a security alarm, a six-disc CD changer, and an exterior temperature gauge. Front- and four-wheel-drive EX models are available.

Residing at the top of the 2007 Honda CR-V hierarchy is the EX-L, which sells for about $26,000 in 4WD guise. Befitting its lofty position, the EX-L provides its buyer with heated mirrors, medium-grade leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a center console between the front seats, heated front buckets, and XM satellite radio. Adding $2,000 to the bottom line is an optional touch-screen, GPS navigation system with voice recognition, a rearview camera, a subwoofer, and a digital card reader accessed behind the tilting display mounted in the middle of the dash. What you won’t find on the EX-L, or any 2007 CR-V for that matter, are popular items like power seats or a hideaway third-row bench. If carrying more than five passengers is a necessity, you’ll need to move up to the larger, more expensive Honda Pilot or jump over to the Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander.