A Quick Overview of Honda SUVs

At its introduction in 1996, the Honda CR-V was a pioneer in the small crossover segment. Its practicality and refined driving have made it a perennial winner among families and a top seller in its class. Based on the Civic sedan platform, this SUV seats five passengers and can accommodate large, bulky cargo.

The CR-V is designed for comfort and convenience with features such as second-row reclining/sliding seats with pass-through, split-level cargo area, and speed-sensitive volume control. Depending on the options and trim level, a CR-V may have heated seats, navigation system with voice recognition and rearview camera, power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control system, steering wheel-mounted controls, and/or six-CD in-dash audio system with Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

All of the available safety features come standard on the CR-V: front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Daytime Running Lights, and LATCH system for children's car seats.

Reviewers speak highly of the CR-V's functional, attractive interior. Instrumentation is easy to read, placement of controls is intuitive, and material quality is high. Features such as wide-opening rear doors, moveable backseats, and lightweight rear liftgate make things easier for parents with small children plus paraphernalia.

With only a four-cylinder engine available, the CR-V generally has adequate power and high fuel efficient. However, it lacks power in some situations, such as climbing uphill while fully loaded. Some reviewers criticize the level of road noise and firm ride quality, but handling is responsive and the ride is very comfortable.

Despite the relatively minor drawbacks, many in the automotive press feel that the Honda CR-V is a solid choice for shoppers.

The Honda Pilot was also introduced in 2003 as a midsize 7 Passenger crossover SUV with front- or all-wheel-drive. According the automotive press, it has been a good vehicle that failed to stand out from the crowd. Upgrades for the 2012 Honda Pilot have made it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment while retaining the agreeable ride quality and third-row seat that fits adults comfortably.

Depending on the trim, the Pilot comes with features such as split folding second- and third-row seats, CD/MP3 player, power driver's seat with power lumbar, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel controls. High-end features include sunroof, power liftgate, heated front seats, rearview camera, parking sensors, and driver memory functions. Options include a DVD entertainment system and a voice-activated navigation system.

Safety features are nearly identical to those of the CR-V as listed above. The Pilot earned an overall four stars on NHTSA tests, "Good" ratings on IIHS frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests, and a "Marginal" rating on the IIHS roof-strength test. Reviewers have noted that the antilock brakes do not work as well as one might expect; stopping distance is at least 20 feet longer than that of competitors.

According to reviewers, the Pilot feels underpowered and heavy. Acceleration is sluggish, and handling is cumbersome. The suspension feels too soft, unless one is driving on choppy city roads. With these shortcomings, the Pilot loses out to several competitors.

Introduced in 2003, the Honda Element's unique, boxy styling and suicide doors have given it a loyal following. After nine years with no major redesigns, the Element will be discontinued after the 2011 model year. Usually, such a history relegates a vehicle to the bottom of the heap, but the Element has continued to draw fans. Reviewers point out the Element's ease of use, four-wheel-drive option, high maneuverability, and spacious interior with easy access.

The Element's backwards-opening rear half-doors and absence of B-pillar make it easy to load gear. However, loading passengers into the backseat is awkward and requires the front seat occupants to exit the car. Once settled in the back, the raised seating offers plenty of room and great views. Another quirky but appreciated feature is the combination of urethane utility floor and water-resistant fabric; this allows for hosing down the entire cabin as needed. Other notable features include a clamshell tailgate, plenty of storage areas, and removable flip-up rear seats.

Safety features include the full complement of airbags, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Brake Assist, Daytime Running Lights, Tire Pressumre Monitoring System, and LATCH system. The Element has earned "good" ratings on IIHS tests and four or five stars on NHTSA tests. On rollover tests, it earned three stars.

In general, the Element's four-cylinder engine is smooth and adequate. Handling is responsive and agile, and the ride is more firm than that of most crossovers. Predictably, the boxy shape creates a lot of air resistance during driving and generates noticeable wind noise at high speeds. Reviewers feel the inconvenience for rear passengers and unimpressive fuel economy may alienate some buyers, but the unique design and features are hard to beat.