The Honda CR-V is designed to deliver an ideal balance of style, functionality and features in a versatile and accommodating 5-passenger crossover SUV package.

Three distinct trim levels (LX, EX and EX-L) provide unique styling cues and feature content that accommodate shoppers seeking everything from basic function to premium appointments – yet all come equipped with the same high level of safety equipment. The 2009 CR-V achieves the highest five-star crash safety rating by the federal government for both frontal and side impactsi, the highest rating possible. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the CR-V as a "Top Safety Pick - 2008." "The right balance of style, refinement and performance is helping the Honda CR-V earn a top spot in the SUV sales charts," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Upscale styling, a spacious interior and sedan-like handling appeal to shoppers looking for a crossover sport utility vehicle."

The CR-V highlights the company's ongoing emphasis on safety by implementing features that go beyond conventional industry standards with innovations that include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, a pedestrian safety design and standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as electronic stability control. Additional standard safety equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; VSA; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

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A highly rigid body and fully independent suspension result in a quiet cabin and smooth, agile handling performance. The 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and standard 5-speed automatic transmission provide an excellent balance of power (166-horsepower) and fuel economy (EPA-rated 20/27 city/highway mpgii, 2WD).

A dynamic forward cabin blends the familiar CR-V identity into a sculpted lower body with a rugged appearance. A two-tier grille and a side profile with an arched window shape and chrome trim accent the CR-V's distinctive and upscale presence.

The CR-V's unit-body construction features extensive use of high-strength steel to provide rigidity. Comprised of a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link suspension, the high-rigidity body and independent suspension offer an engaging driving experience rare for this class of vehicle. State-of-the art noise absorption materials help to reduce engine and road noise for an ultra-quiet cabin.

The inside of the CR-V blends the company's renowned ergonomics and innovative storage integration with modern and efficient styling. Abundant standard and available features like a Honda Satellite-linked Navigation Systemiii with voice recognition and a rear view camera accentuate the attention to premium details. A retractable center tray table on LX and EX models and a center console with storage on EX-L provide two beverage holders, and EX and above models also contain an additional 12-volt power outlet and house the auxiliary audio input jack.

Models outfitted with a leather interior (CR-V EX-L) come equipped with a dual-zone automatic climate control system and a power driver's seat with eight-way adjustment and power lumbar support. Additionally, all CR-V EX-L models are equipped with the premium audio system. On the CR-V EX and EX-L, a dual-deck cargo shelf provides additional storage versatility in the cargo area, while providing enough clearance underneath for grocery bags or items such as a folded stroller.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System3 with voice recognition and rearview camera, available on the CR-V EX-L, features a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to an internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader that can play MP3 and WMA® files from CompactFlash® cards. The navigation system contains more than 7 million points of interest and can control the audio system. The voice recognition is capable of recognizing and entering numbers, street names and cities.

The CR-V LX and EX audio systems provide 160 watts of power. Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on all trim levels, allowing for portable music device playback through the audio system. All audio systems feature MP3/WMA CD playback capability and Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) that automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. The CR-V LX has a four-speaker audio system with a single-disc CD player. The CR-V EX adds two speakers (tweeters) and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

The CR-V EX-L equipped audio system increases power output to 270 watts and delivers sound through seven speakers, including a subwoofer. XM® Satellite Radioiv is standard on the CR-V EX-L.

Powered by a 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm, the CR-V offers refined and responsive performance with good fuel economy2 and low emissions (ULEV-2). The Drive-by-Wire (DBW) throttle control works closely with the transmission for extremely smooth shift points and intuitive gear holding on hilly roads. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.

The available, fully-automatic Real Time 4WD system enhances the CR-V's all-weather capabilities when driving in rain, snow and dirt roads – without the significant weight, fuel economy and handling performance drawbacks of a conventional four-wheel-drive system. Three new colors have been introduced for the 2009 model year: Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic and Urban Titanium Metallic.

The CR-V is a global product for Honda sold in 160 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa – the most of any Honda automotive product. Worldwide, the CR-V is assembled in seven countries at eight factories, including the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio.