The Honda CR-V has long been a staple of the compact SUV market because of its great handling, ease of use, and class-leading design.
Despite consistently topping sales charts, Honda felt the need to refresh the CR-V only three years after launching its fourth generation. Claimed to be the most significant midcycle refresh in its history, the 2015 CR-V has been improved in many areas to make it even more competitive with the likes of Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue.
The CR-V is now available in six trim levels, thanks to the new Touring model that has been added, and all six models feature revised new styling and improved components throughout.
Design
The 2015 CR-V has a fresh new look that makes it appear more upscale. More chrome, bolder trim designs and larger available wheels reinforce that impression.
Keeping the same basic architecture, the 2015 CRV has a more aggressive front grille that is mirrored conceptually at the rear. Not wanting to change too much, Honda retained the high taillights and the basic body shape of the vehicle.
The interior doesn't feature any surprises, but it does boast some nice new enhancements such as a configurable centre console, sliding sunvisors and rear console ventilation ducts.
The highlight of the new package is HondaLink, which allows a smart phone to be connected to the infotainment system (such as through the HDMI cable). Also, a new suite of Honda Sense safety and driver assistance features that are normally only available on higher-end cars are part of the option list.
Though this change isn't visible, the rear suspension has been redesigned to maximize rear seat room and cargo capacity.
Performance
Changes made to the 2015 CRV were not just cosmetic in nature — Honda made some notable improvements in the engine compartment as well.
Honda rebranded its engine technology as Earth Dreams Technology. The new engine is more efficient and has more torque for better driveability all around.
The CR-V still comes equipped with a familiar 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder, but thanks to directinjection and a higher compression ratio, the torque has been increased by 11 per cent to 181 foot-pounds (horsepower remains at 185).
To aid efficiency, the engine is mated to a new continuously variable transmission. Overall, this setup is said to be 16 per cent more efficient than last year's motor with its five-speed automatic transmission.
The updated suspension, along with the Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering, contribute to excellent driving behaviour that is truly pleasant to drive around town and on highways. The CRV's dynamics are improved further as you move up the trim levels due to wider tires.
Driving the new CR-V feels more peppy thanks to the additional torque and it is also quicker off the line. The horsepower is staying the same but that is perfectly acceptable as this CR-V will still comfortably cruise on the highway, pass other cars when needed and return good fuel economy.
Environment
The new interior of the CR-V is modern and functional, while looking more upscale because of the better textured materials. The front seats are supportive and adequately adjustable, and the rear seats provide plenty of room for adults.
Traditionally, the CR-V offers good outward visibility and the new model keeps that advantage. The large windows and smartly placed pillars allow for an unobstructed view, making it safer and easier to park.
Along with upgrades to the trim and materials, there is a new central display. Standard on EX and above trim models, the seveninch touchscreen functions very much like a smart phone or tablet by allowing you to select functions simply by touching the screen.
As mentioned previously, the most interesting feature is HondaLink. Connecting a smart phone opens up features like Aha radio and utilizes the phone's navigation app. This means that for the cost of a cable, you can have many of the same features found on the highest trim CR-V on the lower models.
All CR-Vs come with a fullcolour multi-information display (that is situated forward and therefore not touch-oriented). The info provided can be customized using controls on the steering wheel. I did, however, find this dual-display setup a bit overwhelming to use.
As before, the CR-V has the versatility to accommodate a wide range of cargo. The low floor is aided by the available power tailgate to make loading and unloading easy. The easy folddown 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold nearly flat and provide even more cargo space if needed.
Features
Ranging in price from $25,990 to $35,790, the CR-V is available in six different trim levels.
Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, heated front seats, multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines, and heated exterior mirrors.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include keyless entry with pushbutton start, leather seating surfaces and steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, front wiper de-icer, LED daytime running lights, blind spot monitoring, autodimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers and a moonroof.
Fuel efficiency numbers (litres/100 kilometres) for the front-wheel drive LX are 8.6 city, 6.9 highway and 7.8 combined. All other models, which are all-wheel drive, return 9.1 city, 7.2 highway and 8.3 combined.
Thumbs up
The peppy engine is also more efficient and torquey. The HondaLink allows you to have many features off your smart phone.
Thumbs down
There is very little to complain about the CRV but its overall design is somewhat boring and it isn't the sportiest compact SUV on the market.
The bottom line
The 2015 Honda CRV fulfils every need and represents an outstanding value and features for the money.
Competitors
Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 was among the first to show up on the compact SUV market back in 1997. It is also a marquee vehicle for Toyota and this latest generation maintains high standards. Not resting on its laurels, Toyota recently gave the RAV4 a makeover.
Prices start at $24,005 and there are three models to choose from, each available in FWD or AWD trim.
Ford Escape: The Ford Escape has been a best seller in this segment for a few years now. Like most in this class, it received a major overhaul last year. The new package has great styling, good efficiency and nice technology.
The Escape starts at $23,499 and ranges up to $31,999.
Nissan Rogue: The newest Rogue is based on the Nissan Sentra platform and as a result has a very comfortable, sedan-like ride. It also has an available third row seat if you need a small amount of additional passenger space. The design is smart, and more modern than its competitors.
The Rogue is available in three trim levels and starts at $23,798.
