If you’re looking for the
best box, it’s hard to beat
the expertly packaged
Honda. If you want that box
to be spirited or luxurious,
look elsewhere.and lacks a tuning knob, and the navigation
display is small. Plus, the mechanical shifter
protruding from the dashboard clacks
inexpensively.
But the CR-V is a solid driver. Its 60 -mph
time of 7.6 seconds is the quickest of the
group, but it doesn’t feel it, due at least in
part to the slushy response of its CVT. “I was
surprised to see it had 190 horsepower,” said
Annie White. “It feels sluggish getting up to
speed.” Bursts of throttle also result in some
moaning under the hood before the engine
settles down to a quiet cruise.
<aURdVRaUR0?CVNP[¼QR[a
capable over-the-road machine with direct
steering and well-damped body motions.
It’s rife with good qualities, which makes
it feel like a trusted friend. It’s just that the
ad\ P`\cR_aUNa¼[V`URQNURNQ\SVa
have those qualities, too, plus a big dollop
of driver engagement, something the CR-V
simply doesn’t have.
2nd Place: The Volkswagen
The Tiguan feels like a GTI for responsible
adults. That’s how it managed to claw its
way into second place. Of course, it isn’t a
GTI—it’s not nearly as quick or as agile as its
road-hugging, hot-hatch stablemate. Phys-
ical laws haven’t been suspended here. But
aURAVTQ\RNP\ZZR[QNOYRW\O\S\ßR_V[T both utility and playfulness. Immediately noticeable are its light, ^bVPXaRR_V[TN[Q[VZOYR¼ZYfP[a\YYRQ
57
Honda CR-V Plus Clever storage, roomy cabin, solid driving
dynamics. Minus Quickest but doesn’t feel it, interior lacks
deluxe materials, dated infotainment. Equals A highly adapt-
able tool with solid engineering and thoughtful solutions.