Add Honda to the growing list of manufacturers using mid-cycle updates to beef up their competitive positions. 

Having most recently remade its best-selling CR-V crossover in 2012, Honda ups the ante this year with a surprise powertrain transplant. This year, all CR-Vs receive the same 185-horsepower direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the midsize Accord. 

As in the Accord, the engine is paired in the CR-V with a CVT transmission.

The goal is increased efficiency and the change pays off with a 3-mpg jump in combined (city/highway) driving. Front-wheel-drive trims are rated at a class-leading 29 mpg combined (27 city/34 highway). AWD trims are rated at 28 mpg (26/33).

Other 2015 model-year updates include refreshed exterior styling (LED running lights, updated front and rear fascias), a new front console, rear climate vents and, on upper trims, a 7-inch touchscreen that doubles as a display for the LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring system. 

A new high-end Touring trim gets additional safety technologies, including a lane departure warning system and a forward collision warning and mitigation system that can distinguish between vehicles and pedestrians and automatically apply the brakes to minimize the impact of a collision.

The new engine gains 18 pound-feet of low-end torque, enough to quicken throttle response in city driving. The CR-V runs the 0-60 mph sprint in 8.8 seconds, which is on the quick side for the class.

The engine, one of Honda’s suite of fuel-efficient “Earth Dreams” engines, runs quietly and smoothly. The CVT is one of the better examples of the breed, and under most conditions emulates the behavior of a traditional automatic by defaulting to a set of pre-programmed “ratios.”

Under heavy acceleration – when passing, mainly – the CVT drives the engine into its upper ranges, where it remains until the driver eases up on the throttle. As manufacturers fight for every available mile per gallon, it appears this is one quirk we’ll have to learn to live with.

Inside, materials quality improves and the dash gets new soft-touch inserts with simulated stitching. All told, the CR-V uses more hard plastics than many competitors, its vibe being one of relaxed and durable comfort rather than near-luxury.

A new center console/armrest replaces last year’s van-style, seat-mounted armrests and its oversized storage bin. The new console includes a small bin, with enough room for a few CDs or other small items, a couple of cupholders and a pair of cubbies, including one with a rubberized surface designed to hold a smartphone.

Controls are logically laid out and easy to learn, though the optional 7-inch touchscreen control system throws up a handful of confusing menu items. The absence of volume control and tuning knobs is a minor annoyance.  

Standard tech features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a text-message reader with a digitized voice and Pandora compatibility.

The CR-V offers abundant seating for five in one of the segment’s quietest, best organized and most comfortable cabins. Segment-leading economy is icing on the cake.

Don Adair is a Spokane-based freelance writer. Contact him at don@dadair.com.

2015 Honda CR-V Touring AWD
Vehicle base price: $23,445
Trim level base price: $32,895
As tested: $33,775
Optional equipment: The CR-V Touring AWD is a fully equipped model; the test vehicle included no options.
EPA ratings: 28 combined/26 city/33 highway
Regular unleaded fuel specified

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