2007 Honda CR-V EX-L

The new, 2007 Honda CR-V is more powerful, more stylish and more comfortable than the previous-generation 2006 models. Its new suspension delivers an improved ride and better, more responsive handling. The EX-L I tested comes trimmed in leather and can be fitted with an optional navigation system with voice recognition ($2,000) that incorporates a rearview video camera for safe and easy backing. The engine with an increase of 10 horsepower, still an inline four cylinder, employs variable intake valve timing to optimize horsepower and torque for acceleration and cruising speeds. The transmission is a new, five-speed automatic. Real Time all-wheel drive is offered on all models. The U.S. EPA rates the all-wheel drive CR-V at 22mpg city/28mpg highway.

According to Honda, compared with the 2006 CR-V, there's slightly more room in the front seat and slightly less room in the rear seat, except hiproom, which is up by about an inch. There's also marginally more cargo room. In terms of safety, the new CR-V is fully equipped. In addition to the required three-point seatbelts at all five seating positions and front seat airbags, protection includes front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear seat side air curtains with roll-over sensors and front seat active head restraints. For crash avoidance, antilock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control are all standard. The EX-L ($24,800) features leather-trimmed seats; heated front seats mirrors, armrests and steering wheel; XM satellite radio with a 90-day trial subscription, and front center console.

While hitting the gas in the CR-V won't snap your neck, it delivers what most Colorado drivers need, if not want. It will handle most mountain roads with enough power to spare. It is also built to tame our harsh winter conditions. Honda's available Real Time 4WD is actually an all-wheel-drive system, not a conventional four-wheel drive, as it incorporates no lockable transfer case or ultra-low, off-road gearing. As such, it works seamlessly, allocating power to the tires slipping the least, although always favoring the default front-wheel-drive focus. All CR-Vs have Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist system, which includes traction control. This, coupled with four-wheel disc brakes, vented in front and solid in the rear, and standard ABS, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, help drivers maintain control in emergency maneuvers or in bad weather.

The new, 2007 Honda CR-V is a nicely updated version of one of the earliest and most popular compact 4WD SUVs. In almost all areas, from appearance to technology, it's not only better, but significantly so.

Denis and his wife Jeanie live in Evergreen and own the Mountain Man Nut & Fruit store in Bergen Park.