The CR-V is available in base LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi and EX-L RES trim levels with either front- or all-wheel drive. Honda has dropped the SE trim for the 2012 model year. Each model is better equipped than last year’s trims, equally anywhere between $400 and $1,000 in value of additional equipment, Honda says.
For example, the base LX now comes standard with a backup camera, Bluetooth phone connectivity and streaming audio, a 5-inch multimedia screen, USB input for MP3 players, access to Pandora internet radio and an SMS text-messaging function that reads aloud texts from your phone. Most of these features weren’t even available last year on any trim, let alone standard on every model.
All models are powered by a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive adds $1,250 to any model.
EX and EX-L trims get a security alarm, fog lights and alloy wheels. The EX starts at $24,395, up $200 from last year. The EX-L starts at $27,045 (also $200 more) and comes with leather upholstery, automatic climate controls and a 10-way power driver’s seat.
Honda categorizes equipment packages like navigation and rear entertainment systems (that’s EX-L with Navi and EX-L RES, respectively) as separate trim levels. The top-of-the-line EX-L with navigation and all-wheel drive costs $29,795, which is $300 less than the 2011 model.