If a look at the 2007 Honda CR-V has you thinking of the new Acura RDX SUV, there’s good reason – the designers of each apparently share office space. According to Honda, the two vehicles are completely separate, though they appear remarkably similar, at least in terms of their overall shapes. However, take a minute to really analyze the details and you’ll notice that the Honda features arched rear glass as opposed to the Acura’s squared windows, the CR-V’s tail end is rounder, its face is more square and upright, and the interior differs with a unique dash and a shift knob below the instrument panel rather than on the center console. What both models share is a sloping roof line, marking a definite departure from the boxy cargo area of the 2006 CR-V, and contoured side body panels that feed into gently flared wheel arches. When all is said and done, the only visual cues that tie the old and new CR-V together are those Volvo-style vertical taillights.

Along with the redesign come a few pros and cons. Among the few negatives are visibility that’s somewhat hampered by wide rear pillars and a ride that, while quiet, still allows its share of road and engine noise to penetrate the cabin. On the plus side, the doors open wider and the floor sits lower to the ground for easier entry and exit, the ride seems to be a bit quieter, and ergonomics are improved with the emergency brake changed from a handle on the dash to a pedal on the floor. Important from a safety aspect, Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is now a CR-V feature, one that is designed to better distribute crash energy and improve compatibility with other vehicles in the event of a frontal collision, the payoff for which is added safety for the occupants.

Notable to anyone familiar with the CR-V are the changes to the rear – the tailgate now rises instead of opening from left to right (an annoyance for existing CR-V and 2006 Toyota RAV4 owners who wish to unload cargo while parked with the passenger’s side against the curb), there are three grab handles on the inside of the gate and on the lower edge, and the spare tire has been relocated from the exterior to inside below the cargo floor. Moving the spare cut about three inches from the 2007 CR-V’s length (and should lessen rear-impact repair costs). Other altered dimensions include a lower ground clearance that trades a bit of off-road ability for improved stability and handling; a wheelbase that has been shortened and a track that has been widened, again for improved stability and handling; and the new design affords minor gains in cargo (within 0.1 inch of the RAV4) and hip room, though negligible losses are realized in the areas of rear leg and head room, or roughly an inch less than the Toyota RAV4.

Slightly less space for ten toes and big heads aside, the 2007 Honda CR-V’s rear seat is an inviting space thanks to comfortable cushions, a reclining back rest, as well as easy ingress and egress. In addition to its 60/40 tumble-and-fold configuration which increases cargo capacity from 35.7 to 72.9 cubic feet, the rear split bench slides forward to put a center-mounted child seat within the driver’s or front passenger’s reach (up to three child seats can be accommodated) and a fold-down center armrest provides two cupholders.

Very little serves to separate the 2007 Honda CR-V trims. The LX is decorated with a black grille, black mirrors, and black door handles; while the EX and EX-L get a chrome grille, alloy wheels, and body-color door handles. Furthermore, EX and EX-L models feature a rear shelf with a 20-lb. capacity that can be removed to sit flush on the cargo floor. Visible only when the tailgate is raised, a black bumper pad is used on all models to prevent scratching when loading or unloading cargo. Affixed to the interior of every 2007 CR-V are a variety of materials like alloy-ish trim on the doors and instrument panel, pimpled plastic on the dash cap, and multiple grain patterns throughout.