Description: Compact SUV
Base MSRP Range: $19,000 - $22,550
Invoice Price Range: $17,556 -$20,830

Foundation for the compact-class CR-V wagon is a universal small-car platform that Honda uses for various products in markets around the world. It has a low center of gravity and a wide-track tread to improve vehicle stability in motion.

Access to the cabin comes from four passenger doors or a cargo door at the back that's hinged on the right side, swings wide with several indents to pause along the swing, and has a window that flips up and out of the way to reach small items without having to open the door.

Cabin layout looks conventional with tall buckets up front and a folding bench in back that holds two adults comfortably or three in a pinch. However, unconventional designs inside make creative use of the space and add to comfort. For instance, the two front buckets are separated by a flat floor. With a manual transmission, the stick mounts on a center console in conventional format, but with an automatic transmission the shifter sticks directly out of the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. That arrangement eliminates the need of a console so it vanishes, leaving the floor for walk-through space. Rear seats split in unequal portions, each section slides fore and aft, the seatback reclines or folds forward and the folded seat tumbles forward, all to add flexibility in carving out space for people and cargo.

There are three trim variations. Entry point comes with a FWD LX that piles on convenience features. LX trim also works with 4WD, as does deluxe EX trim. All use the same engine, a 2.4-liter in-line-four that delivers 160 hp. An automatic four-speed is standard, but a manual five-speed is available with 4WD.