And that's a larger overall design than the outgoing model at 27 mm (1.1 in) longer, 32 mm (1.3 in) wider and 7 mm (0.3 in) taller. While not a great deal bigger on the outside it accommodates an 8% increase in interior room. The more spacious rear cargo area, incorporating 949 L (33.5 cu ft) with the 60/40 split rear seats in place or 2,039 L (72.0 cu ft) when tumbled forward, is accessible either through a flip-up back window or via the side-hinged rear door. My only complaint with this system is that its hinges are on the right side, making it accessible only from the left side of the vehicle. While this might work fine in Japan, where sidewalks are on the vehicles left when parked, it makes getting cargo out of the back difficult and possibly dangerous, depending on the amount and rate of traffic, here at home.
Most will probably not concern themselves about this while enjoying the CR-V's feature rich surroundings. Even the base LX includes power windows, door locks, plus cassette and CD audio. The EX features alloy wheels, side airbags, a 6-speaker in-dash 6-CD audio system, keyless entry, upgraded fabric and heated, body color mirrors. The leather option adds leather heated seats, a power glass sunroof, hard spare tire cover, as well as body color bumpers, side moldings and door handles.
Of course, it's not just the sum of the parts that define the interior but how well they're put together. Interior plastics have improved to the soft-touch variety, while their fit and finish moves the CR-V well in range of the best in this class. What look like twin grab-handles straddling the center console are as perceived for the passenger, while a cleverly disguised hand brake on the driver's side. The console itself houses the audio system at top, air vents just below, a large covered CD bin under that while an efficiently organized 3-dial set of HVAC controls are still within easy reach. A complex cupholder and lower bin rest at the bottom. To the left of the console and hand brake, an equally odd but totally effective dash-mounted automatic transmission gear selector improves space around the steering wheel - the manual incorporates a traditional floor-mounted shifter. In another unprecedented move, Honda has given the CR-V minivan-like utility by incorporating a flat floor and allowing a walkway between the front seats, accented with a folding tray just like its Odyssey minivan. The seats themselves are quite comfortable with good support while the driver's side incorporates optional height adjustability. Overall the CR-V is easier to get in and out of than most compact SUVs due to its relatively low 51 mm (20 in) step-in height. Overall visibility is excellent.