The 2011 CR-V offered four trim levels, including the then-new SE trim. All feature the same powertrain: a 2.4L I-4 engine tied to a five-speed automatic. No matter which trim is chosen, Honda’s excellent range of standard features give the compact SUV an edge on the used lot.
Key Points
- The 2011 Honda CR-V offers four trims for interested consumers, from the basic LX, to the ultra-premium EX-L.
- No matter which trim is chosen, the powertrain remains the same: a 2.4L I-4 tied to a five-speed automatic.
- Standard features like tire pressure-monitoring, aux jack, and traction and stability controls mean consumers can’t miss with the 2011 Honda CR-V, no matter what trim they ultimately choose.
2011 Honda CR-V LX: One of the Cheapest Ways into a Reliable Ride
The base 2011 Honda CR-V is the LX, which is quite the steal for what it already offers out of the box. Right away, LX models come with standard front-wheel drive, or optional four-wheel drive. The CR-V’s powertrain remains the same no matter what trim is chosen, too: a 2.4L VTEC I-4 tied to a five-speed automatic, delivering 180 hp and 161 lb.-ft. of torque to the streets.
From there, cruise control, remote entry system, multi-information display, folding power mirrors, keyless entry, and a 160-watt four-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3/WMA playback with an aux jack contribute to the great value the 2011 CR-V LX presents on the used lot. Throw in standard safety features like stability control, traction control, tire pressure-monitoring, and a full suite of airbags, and there’s simply no going wrong with the LX trim. Especially when the current market price will hardly graze the bank account: just around $10,225 for a good example at the dealership.
2011 Honda CR-V SE: The ‘LX-L’ of the Lower Trim Levels
For the 2011 model year, the Honda CR-V received a new trim between the LX and EX: the SE (Special Edition). Think of the SE as an LX-L, if you will. Instead of steel wheels hidden under wheel covers, full-fledged 17-inch alloys graced the corners. And that AM/FM/CD stereo system (which now has six speakers)? Instead of one CD at a time, a six-disc CD changer means endless (relatively speaking) entertainment on long road trips.
Additionally, the SE brought steering-wheel audio controls for the sound system, allowing solo commuters to keep their eyes on the road, and the hands upon the wheel.
Otherwise, the SE offered the same features as the LX, including cloth seating for five, air conditioning with air filtration, and a retractable center tray table. The extra bits nudge the pricing needle a little, but nothing most consumers would notice. Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price for a good SE with 123,903 miles comes to $10,643.
2011 Honda CR-V EX: Fanciest and Most Luxurious Trim, Though the Wallet won’t Feel it
A few things from the SE are carried-over to the EX, like the six-disc CD changer and 17-inch alloy wheels. In fact, it would appear on first glance consumers would be better off stepping past the EX to the EX-L, or just purchasing an SE. However, the EX is where a few new options appear on the table.
Those options include a power moonroof, privacy glass, and a security system. Leather seating, too, makes its first appearance in the 2011 Honda CR-V at the EX trim level. And of course, the beloved dual-level cargo area is an added feature to a compact crossover no one would be embarrassed to take to Applebee’s on a date night. Consumers will even have enough money to buy two shakes instead of one, as the KBB Fair Market Range for a quality example of the 2011 CR-V EX falls between $10,497 and $12,564.
Have it All with the 2011 Honda CR-V EX-L, Including Leather Seats, Bluetooth, and Navigation System
Finally, there is the 2011 Honda CR-V EX-L, which was split between the “base” EX-L, and the “upgraded” EX-L with Navigation. Either way, this was the trim to have if the consumer wanted everything the crossover had to offer in its swan song before the fourth-gen CR-V took over in 2012.
The leather seats, dual-level cargo area, and six-disc CD changer were but the start. In fact, the stereo system brought Sirius XM satellite radio into the mix, in case anyone missed listening to Howard Stern on the old terrestrial radio.
The “with Navigation” part, though, was, of course, the Garmin-based Honda satellite-linked navigation system, which had voice controls to help lead the way to a given spot. A rear backup camera and Bluetooth were also standard on the EX-L. A great example on the used lot today can be purchased for around $12,085, per Kelley Blue Book.
Every 2011 Honda CR-V Trim has its Advantages, and the Best Option Depends on Custom Needs and Personal Preference
When it comes to picking the right 2011 Honda CR-V, it comes down to what is most desired. The base LX may be more than enough for some, while others may find the EX-L incomplete without its satnav. However, all trim levels have one thing going: the famed reliability and durability Honda is known for. You simply can’t go wrong with a 2011 CR-V.
Photos: Honda
