All Honda CR-V models come with a 166-hp four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, four-wheel drive is available for all models ($1,200).

The Honda CR-V LX ($20,700) comes with fabric upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, powered outside mirrors that fold, power windows, power central locking, driver's-seat height adjustment, 60/40-split rear seatbacks that recline and fold, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo, trip computer/information center, a collapsible tray between the front seats, and 17-inch steel wheels with P225/65R17 tires.

The CR-V EX ($22,950) adds a tilt-and-slide power moonroof; intermittent rear window wiper/washer; steering wheel-mounted audio controls for a six-speaker stereo with an in-dash, six-CD changer; dual-deck cargo shelf; lights-and-horn security system; rear privacy glass; and an outside ambient temperature gauge.

The CR-V EX-L ($25,500) features leather-trimmed seats, armrests, shifter, and steering wheel; heated front seats; XM satellite radio with a 90-day trial subscription; and a front center console with storage for 24 CDs (replacing the collapsible tray). New for 2008 are dual-zone automatic climate control; eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support; and the same 270-watt, seven-speaker (including subwoofer) premium stereo that used to come only with the navigation system.

The Honda CR-V EX-L can also be equipped with voice-recognition GPS-based navigation, and a rear-view camera. The CD changer then moves into what was the CD storage space in the console.

No other options are offered, although Honda-approved accessories available from dealers include wheel locks; attachments/racks for bicycles, kayak, skis, and surfboard; a roof box; auto-dim inside mirror with compass; amplified bass speaker system; and backup sensors.

Safety features that come standard include the required three-point seatbelts at all five seating positions; child safety seat anchors (LATCH); front airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags (to minimize upper body injuries in side impacts); roof-mounted, front and rear seat side air curtains (to minimize head injuries in side impacts and rollovers); and front-seat active head restraints (to minimize neck injuries in rear impacts).

For crash avoidance there are anti-lock brakes (which let the driver steer during panic stops); electronic brake-force distribution (which optimizes braking power front-to-rear during emergency stops); brake-assist (which senses impending emergency brake application and boosts pedal pressure); Vehicle Stability Assist (Honda's electronic stability control system that attempts to minimize skidding in turns); and tire pressure monitors (which warn of dangerous drops in tire pressure).