All About the 2011 Honda CR-V Special Edition

The 2011 Honda CR-V Special Edition remains a best-seller in the small SUV department as one of the pioneers of the segment.
Written by Brad Marley
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The 2011 Honda CR-V comes in a
Special Edition
trim, an option packed with value that falls between the
LX
and the
EX
trim levels. Highlights of this package include spacious passenger and cargo areas, as well as a myriad of tech options.
The compact SUV segment is—and always has been—competitive, but the Honda CR-V continues to outpace its competitors with generous cargo dimensions, excellent fuel economy, and near-perfect safety ratings. 
To attract the buyers it was missing, Honda decided the CR-V needed a boost. Enter the 2011 Special Edition trim, which fills some gaps left by the CR-V’s base offering. 
If you’re interested in a CR-V,
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What is the Honda CR-V Special Edition? 

The Honda CR-V Special Edition was introduced for the 2011 model year as a choice for those who wanted something between the base LX and upper EX trim levels. 
Starting at $22,595 and ranging up to $23,845, depending on whether it was front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, this was the last version of the Special Edition before a redesigned vehicle would be introduced for the 2012 model year.

2011 Honda CR-V overview

Before we take a closer look at the special features of the 2011 Special Edition, here’s a snapshot of the Honda CR-V. 
The Honda CR-V has remained popular since its inception and is the ideal small crossover SUV. While it’s not as sharp as the
Mazda CX-5
, nor as fuel-efficient as the
Ford Escape
, it is the roomiest compact SUV available—with an affordable starting price to boot.
What stands out quickly when you get into the 2011 CR-V is its nimbleness and quick acceleration. While there have been some complaints about road noise in the cabin, it remains peppy
Sure, its fuel efficiency is not as great as its counterparts. But at 23 to 24 mpg (depending on the drivetrain) it’s not too shabby. 
But the sheer amount of storage space might be the most enticing part of this vehicle. The cargo capacity expands from 35.7 cubic feet to 72.9 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.
Key specs
  • $22,595 starting MSRP
  • 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
  • 180 hp @ 6,800 rpm
  • 161 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
  • 4-star NHTSA rating 
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What’s special about the Special Edition?

The CR-V is not going to wow you with bells and whistles. Yeah, it’s a top safety pick and super reliable, but it’s not something that is going to turn heads when you drive down the street. It’s going to get you from Point A to Point B without any trouble. 
The 2011 Honda CR-V Special Edition comes with air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, power windows, and more. The tech of today is not found on this vehicle, but it has everything you would want in a reliable compact SUV that is just over a decade old.

2011 Honda CR-V Special Edition vs. EX

While the Special Edition is a solid purchase, some car buyers want to take the next step up and go for the EX trim level. And for a mere $1,600 more, the EX trim might be a solid bet. 
It includes:
  • Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
  • 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque 
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Moonroof
  • External temperature display
  • Anti-theft alarm system
  • Privacy glass
Is the EX trim a better buy? It depends on what you want. 
Sure, the moonroof and external temperature display are nice, but they are just that—nice to have. They’re not going to improve performance. Plus, if you add on these features, you’ll pay more for car insurance as the value of your car will be higher. 
The bottom line: if you’re looking for an economical and competent used car, the 2011 Honda CR-V Special Edition is a great choice.
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How to find the best Honda CR-V Special Edition insurance

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