There are good reasons Honda sells a lot of CR-Vs: The compact SUV category is white hot, and the popular CR-V 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 not intimidating to drive. Plus, rear-seat room and cargo space are generous.
A mid-cycle freshening for 2015 brought the usual styling detail updates to front and rear fascias, along with new wheels. But the makeover also includes a raft of new electronic safety features, added equipment, and most significantly -- a new 185-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched with the CR-V's first continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The CR-V's fuel economy has been falling behind, particularly when compared to the top-rated Subaru Forester's 26 mpg overall. Adding direct fuel injection and the CVT has brought an improvement of 1 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 limits has improved. Also, the optional suite of electronic aids includes forward-collision warning and autonomous braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control -- features not normally seen in this class. For now, they are available only on top Touring trim. Honda also added reinforcement 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 have become increasingly complex in recent years, growing more frustrating and distracting to use. The one in our CR-V is the worst yet. Not only are there no knobs, but the onscreen logic is unintuitive and the hard buttons are too tiny and hard to use. It's as if Honda benchmarked a 20-year-old aftermarket unit for the design. On the other hand, you may appreciate those new electronic lifesavers even if you merely change the audio source or try to program a preset radio station while driving.
The retuned suspension brought the aforementioned improvement in handling, but unfortunately ride comfort was compromised. The 2012-2014 CR-V had one of the best rides in the small SUV segment, soaking up bumps with ease. The 2015 version lost that generosity. 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, a useful piece of kit that remains optional on some competitors. And the new Touring trim adds 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 it remains a very functional, practical, and affordable vehicle.