Since I had seen the CR-V in person before the controversial batch of undisguised CR-V "spy shots" came out of Vancouver, I was a little surprised at the magnitude of the negativity aimed at the CR-V's unique front-end treatment. It is certainly a distinctive feature, but I think many folks may change their minds when they experience the CR-V firsthand. Judging by the people on the street who came up to ask us questions about the vehicle, Honda seems to have nailed their target demographic - the comments from these people were quite favorable.

The CR-V's upsized 17" wheels, tight fenderwell gaps, nicely finished bodywork, and tidy proportions give the CR-V the appearance of a vehicle in a higher price bracket. While it clearly borrows some styling cues from other vehicles (the relationship between the headlights and fenders reminds me most of the latest Odyssey, while the taillights appear to have been cribbed from a Volvo XC90), the CR-V manages to establish its own unique identity and a solid road presence. It would have been nice if our CR-V received the same handsome projector beam headlights that the European model is receiving, but perhaps then it would look too much like an Acura, and we can't have that, can we?

Interior Impressions
Inside the CR-V, things are vastly improved as well. While there are certainly several reminders of the CR-V's price bracket, the overall look and feel is more luxurious than I anticipated, particularly in the leather-equipped EX-L model. When I entered the CR-V EX-L for the first time, I was almost immediately reminded of the luxurious trappings of the 2006 Odyssey EX-L. Perhaps part of this comes from the similar dash configuration and the nearly identical "metallic-look" trim on the dash.

The manually operated front seats have been enlarged* for 2007, and I found them easy to adjust and quite comfortable. This CR-V corners well enough that I was pleased to find that the seats provide adequate lateral support for spirited driving.
*For those who are curious, the new seats have seatbacks that are 1.2" higher and 0.2" wider. The seatframe width has increased by 0.4" and there is now an additional 0.6" of seat height adjustment.

New for 2007 is a tilt and telescoping steering wheel which makes it even easier to find the optimal driving position. The 3-spoke wheel is leather-wrapped on the EX-L model and has a nice feel. Redundant controls for the stereo (on EX and EX-L models only) and cruise control system reside on the horizontal spokes of the wheel. Everything in the center stack is clearly labeled and easy to find and operate. Some might take for granted little details like the electrically controlled HVAC unit, but many vehicles in the CR-V's class (including some versions of the RAV4) still use stiff mechanical linkages.

Like most recent Hondas, the CR-V's gauge cluster has been "stylized" a bit with metallic accents ringing the tach and speedometer and a concentric (TSX-like) blue ring. Nestled in between the tach and speedo is an info panel containing a trip computer (standard on all models - yay!) with instantaneous and average mpg readout (for both trip odometers), a distance to empty indicator, an external temperature indicator (EX and EX-L only), a standard Honda pictograph showing the door/tailgate status, the fuel gauge, and a coolant temperature gauge. Additionally, the maintenence minder system uses the info panel to alert the owner whenever maintenance is required.

The Sound System
The CR-V starts out with a decent 160-watt 4-speaker AM/FM CD/MP3/WMA "XM-Ready" stereo system. All models include a mini-plug audio jack for portable audio players. Upgrading to the EX or EX-L buys you the following upgrades: in-dash 6CD changer, a pair of dash mounted tweeters, CD/MP3 text display, and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. The top line audio system that's offered is only available in the EX-L with Navi model. The navi system in the CR-V is essentially the same unit as the one that is offered in the 2006 and up Honda Civic, so that means that in addition to the standard 6-disc CD changer, you also get a single disc CD/MP3/WMA player behind the folding screen as well as a digital audio card reader. Additionally, the 270-watt system adds a subwoofer (located under the front passenger seat) and an XM radio tuner. While the LX and EX CR-Vs have a handy folding tray between the seats, the EX-L model gets an exclusive center console, which houses a pair of cupholders, the 6-disc CD changer, and as a roomy storage area. Inside the storage area of this console you will find a 12V power socket as well as a mini-plug audio jack for connecting your portable music device. On EX models, you'll find the mini-jack located on the rear portion of the center folding table, while on LX models the jack is located directly beneath the single-DIN head unit in the dashboard. We sampled the 270-watt system briefly, and it seemed pretty good. We'll have to wait until we spend more time with it to pass any critical judgement.

Summary
Overall, we like the design of the CR-V's interior, but there is one item that sticks out in our mind, and that's the door pulls. They look almost like giant-sized window crank arms (remember those?), and conjure memories of the bizarro door pulls on the Ridgeline. According to some Honda folks I queried, these protuberances are apparently the last vestige of the CR-V's aspirations towards ruggedness. Maybe the door panel guy didn't get the memo.