There are good reasons Honda sells a lot of CR-Vs, among them, the compact SUV checks the main boxes most buyers are looking for in terms of affordability and functionality. Compact dimensions and responsive handling keep it maneuverable, easy to park, and enjoyable to drive. Rear-seat room and cargo space are generous too.
A mid-cycle freshening for 2015 brought styling detail updates to the front and rear fascias along with new wheels. The makeover also included a raft of new electronic safety features, additional equipment, and a 185-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine -- matched with the CR-V's first continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Adding direct fuel injection and the CVT brought an improvement of one mpg over pre-2015 models with the five-speed automatic. We measured 24 mpg overall.
The CVT works well in normal driving. Honda has done a commendable job of masking the engine revving and rubber-band feel of some CVTs, except during hard acceleration. However, some of Honda's traditional powertrain refinement is lost here because of noticeable vibration at idle and low engine speeds.
On the safety front, handling at the limit has improved. Also, the optional suite of electronic aids includes forward-collision warning, autonomous braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control for the top Touring trim. Honda also added structural reinforcements to improve performance in the demanding IIHS small overlap front crash test.
The safety advancements make the updated infotainment system on EX and higher trim levels seem all the more curious. Honda infotainment systems became increasingly complex, growing more frustrating and distracting to use. The one in this version of the CR-V was the worst to date. In addition to a lack of knobs, the onscreen logic is unintuitive. The hard buttons are also too tiny and hard to use.
The retuned suspension brought the aforementioned improvement in handling, but ride comfort was compromised. On the plus side, isolation from road noise is slightly better.
There is also more standard equipment, with the popular mid-level EX trim gaining heated seats, a power driver's seat and Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot camera system. All versions include a backup camera. The newly introduced Touring trim package added up-level features like memory for driver seat settings and a power tailgate.
All in all, the latest CR-V lost some ground in our testing but remained a very functional, practical, and affordable vehicle.