Honda CR-V - is it a wallowy tug, and is its 4WD kind to gr...

[Bryn1]

Looking for a tug for a max 1450kg van, and we're tempted by the CR-V diesel. I've read the CR-V posts but still have 2 doubts, and would welcome comments.

It seemed a bit floaty during a (solo) test drive, so is the suspension firm enough for towing? and...

Does the 4WD cut in quickly enough to avoid the front wheels making a mess of our garden!

 

[rayc]

Bryn, I had a 2002 Petrol and now have a 2006 diesel. Between them I have travelled solo more than 100,000 miles and never experienced "floaty" suspension [not sure what that is but both have been perfectly firm and stable].

The diesel is much better than the petrol with regards to the 4 wheel drive cutting in. With the diesel it cuts in very quickly and I have not made a mess of any rally field I've been on, whether hard or soft grass. The full power is at a much lower engine speed than the petrol and I have found it an effortless tow vehicle.

 

[Alan Partridge]

I think fromm the 2004 model year the 4wd system was improved so as to engage more quickly. I have also had a 2002MY petrol auto and now a 2006MY diesel; the suspension is firmer to my mind on he later car and dosn't seem 'soft' to me.

Can't speak for the new model.

 

[WilliamTups]

I had a 2006 model (55 plate) old shape 2.2 diesel, found it very good solo but with a 1326kg 7m van on the back the suspension was a bit soft, the car did wallow a bit, over any distance whilst towing my wife said she felt sea sick, we put this down to the low height tow hitch on the car.

The 4x4 kick in was quick, but we had a few times whilst towing in the rain the front wheels sliped and then when the back kicked in that whole outfit shot forward once grip was found.

Overall a good realiable car with reasonable running costs

I've tried the new model over a three days test drive, whilst solo which I thought that the ride was not as a good a drive compared to the outgoing model that I owned.

 

[Alan Partridge]

I can honestly say I don't recognise the 'wallowy' characteristic with the 2006 diesel - we tow with about 75kg noseweight; the car barely moves when the hitch drops on and it's not at all bouncy over bumps - if anything it's a bit firm and jiggly, but I do make sure I increase the tyre pressure for towing.

We have a single axle van at about 1150kg - a heavier twin axle might be a different case.

 

[Rodone]

Hello Bryn,

I have the new shape CR-V CDi and I have found it to be an excellent buy. If, by 'wallowy',you are comparing it with some of the firm ( to say the least ) ride of some of the 4 X 4's that I tried, then yes, I am pleased to say that it is!! I find it as comfortable as pretty well any car that I have driven, and though I have not towed much with it yet, the short journey that I did do, was perfectly fine. My van weighs around 1250kg, so not the heaviest in the world, but it tends to be a bit heavy on the nose, and I thought that it performed without any sign of trouble. I cannot say about the four wheel drive personally, but I did see this model tow 1500kg off a wet field, and the four wheel drive appeared to kick in without any fuss, leaving only the usual track marks. The other thing to bear in mind is that, though perhaps not quite as frugal as Honda might claim, I can fairly easily obtain over 40mpg solo, on a new engine, and it cost me less to tax than my wife's 1.9 Xantia!

 

[Bryn1]

Thanks all for the comments, mostly positive I'm glad to see. I tried the CR-V on the back roads in the Fens which are undulating rather than rough, and thought the suspension was under-damped - the road was straight but the ride got quite scary. An X-Trail seemed a bit better. But I'm new to 4x4s so maybe a slower speed is needed! Both give a very comfortable ride on normal roads.

I hope another test drive will convince me that the CR-V is OK after all.

Bryn

 

[Bryn1]

I've been for another test drive from a different dealer. This CR-V soaked up the undulating minor roads much better and I was quite impressed. CR-V, new Xtrail and Freelander all seem similar in that way, and that's the order my short list is in.

Bryn