How Is the 2011 Honda CRV Different From the 2010 CRV?

The 2010 Honda CR-V crossover sport utility vehicle underwent significant modifications over the 2009 models, including a beefed up in-line four-cylinder engine, some cosmetic upgrades, and the addition of a USB audio input and Bluetooth as options. For 2011, Honda saw little need for changes, with the exception of adding a lower-range trim level, the SE, to complement the LX, EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navigation trims.

Background

Honda introduced the CR-V as a compact station wagon in 1995, and then redesigned it for the second generation as a crossover SUV. As a crossover, it featured more passenger-car qualities, but kept its rugged SUV appearance. The CR-V was an early pioneer in crossover engineering and served as a template for later crossovers from Ford and General Motors. As a crossover SUV, the CR-V is not particularly known for its stylish good looks or power under the hood, but over the years earned a reputation as an economical, well-built and roomy vehicle.

Trim Levels

The 2010 Honda CR-V featured four trim levels: the base LX, the mid-range EX, the high-end EX-L and the EX-L with Navigation. The EX-L with Navigation was identical to the EX-L with the exception of the navigation system. For the 2011 model year, Honda introduced the SE trim level and positioned it between the LX and the EX. The SE was essentially a base trim level with a couple of additions to spruce up its appearance and to add a quality stereo system. All trim levels are available in two- or four-wheel drive.

SE

Honda kept the lower trims LX and SE with nearly the same features. Like the high-end trims, the LX and SE received the 180-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine capable of wielding 161 foot-pounds of torque. Both models featured unit-body construction, MacPherson strut front suspension and power-assisted steering and brakes. Interior features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, reclining front bucket seats and a 60/40 rear split seat. However, Honda gave the SE 17-inch alloy wheels, while the LX received steel wheels. The 2011 SE also was equipped with rear privacy glass and an upgraded audio system. The SEs audio system included audio controls on the steering wheel and a 160-watt, AM-FM, six-disc CD in-dash stereo system with six speakers. In contrast, the 2010 and 2011 LX received the 160-watt, AM-FM, single-disc CD stereo with four speakers. The LX had no audio controls on the steering wheel.

Dimensions

All CR-V trim levels share the same interior and exterior dimensions. The 2010 and 2011 CR-V sits on a 103.1-inch wheelbase and the body is 179.3 inches long. The new 2011 SE is lighter than the 2010 and 2011 EX and EX-L versions. The 2011 two-wheel-drive SE and LX have a curbside weight of 3,386 lbs. while the four-wheel-drive LX and SE have a curbside weight of 3,503 lbs. The 2011 EX two-wheel-drive weighs 3,413 lbs. and the four-wheel-drive weighs 3,534 lbs. The two EX-L versions weigh even more than the SE at 3,430 lbs. for the two-wheel-drive and 3,554 lbs. for the four-wheel-drive.