2011 Honda CR-V Photos, engines & full specs

Honda introduced the U.S. version of the CR-V's fourth generation at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2011, and the new model looked more stylish than its predecessor.

With an increased demand for SUVs and crossovers, Honda pushed hard to increase sales for the CR-V; the Japanese automaker still had to recover after the hits it took during the world financial crisis. The new model was not just a hope but a ticket to the carmaker's independence in a market where famous brands had ended up being purchased by some other small companies. Not Honda; it was not for sale.

The car's look was more refined with the flush, swept-back headlights. Between them, above the lower bumper, was a chromed three-slat grille. On the lower bumper, the automaker installed a pair of fog lamps and an underbody plastic shield. From its profile, the extended greenhouse and the third triangular window behind the rear doors created a dynamic image for the CR-V.

Inside, Honda didn't look like it paid too much attention to its customers. There was a pair of flat, individual seats at the front and a benchseat for three in the back. All occupants benefited from the car's roomy interior. In addition, the split-folding seatback allowed customers to load longer items through the raked-forward tailgate.

Depending on the market, the CR-V was available with either gasoline or turbo-diesel engines. It was a strategy that worked when the automaker's CEO visited all the Honda's locations in Europe. Customers were attracted by leather seats, the head-up display, and a panoramic glass roof. Still, the trunk area was not exactly big or impressive.

Honda offered the CR-V with a choice of gasoline and turbo-diesel engines. For those who didn't need an all-wheel drive vehicle, the automaker produced a front-wheel drive only version.