Honda is launching an all-new CR-V, and the new trucklet will go on sale in October, wearing a $21,400 base sticker price.
The small SUV is slightly larger in most dimensions, and interior space has been re-apportioned. There's less volume overall, but more hip room in front and two cubic feet more cargo space. Four trim levels are offered, up from two, including an EX with leather and XM radio for the first time. It will also be offered with Honda's touch-screen, voice-command navigation system. The LX model, with standard 160-watt stereo and MP3-player jack, is the model that will start in the low-$20,000 range. With nav and the 270-watt subwoofer stereo (which includes a compact flash card slot) the sticker will likely approach $28,000.
The engine remains a 2.4-liter VTEC four, with an increase of 10 peak horsepower (to 166, with 161 pound-feet of torque) thanks largely to a slight increase in compression. The manual transmission has been dropped, the only available trans is a five-speed automatic.