First question to ask yourself is how is this car going to be used?Primarily as a commuter vehicle or as a cargo family hauler.Each of these vehicles has its good points and bad points depending on the use you have for it.If you travel extensively in wet or snowy conditions and safety is a factor consider the CR-V with the real time 4 wd as a safety issue. The CR-V will also get you higher off the ground for visibility and will haul more cargo as well as tow 1500# with a class 1 trailer hitch installed.. The rear seats fold up to create 72 cubic feet of storage and with them in their full upright posiotion you have room for 5 comfotably and still have ample room for the gear that goes with you.The Civic will have a lower profile and a sportier look as well as better gas mileage and a little snappier performance but it is a smaller vehicle with less storage room and a bit tighter interior space. It is also several thousand dollars cheaper than a CR-V and does not have the 4wd option.Bottom line ask yourself what you are looking for in a vehicle and what you expect the vehicle to do for you. Then go to a dealership and drive both vehicles and see which one suits your lifestyle and budget the best.You should have no trouble deciding which one is the best one for you after this research.Just some advice so you do not get caught up in the emotion of the shopping experience --- do not take your checkbook or your credit card with you the first time out and make it clear to the salesperson that you are willing to do business with him personally if he does not push you to buy today but will allow you the time to drive each car and then go home to digest the information you receive to make your decision. Follow up with your salesperson and they will be able to answer any questions you have as well as keep the vultures off of you.