The 2012 CR-V has new looks. It’s hard to call it a complete redesign. Instead, let’s call it a noticeable upgrade.
The upgrade shows with a modernized exterior. Gone are the scalloppy designs that were present on the old model. Now, there are clean lines and a sleeker grille. And, I have to say, it really suits the CR-V well.
Honda keeps the same 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine intact, with some minor adjustments. Those minor tweaks to the engine output yields a little more power with 185 horsepower, which is up from the 180 HP in last year’s model.
A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard. While the transmission does an adequate job of shifting, it was disappointing in an era of 6-speed transmissions and direct fuel injection, not to see an update to the powertrain.
Inside, a multi-view camera is new as is Bluetooth connectivity, which reads text messages to the driver in a hands-free manner. Leather seats were quite comfortable, and the second-row entertainment system is a great way to keep children occupied. Other noted features include extra-large cupholders, two-tier door bins and a large center console. Faux wood and aluminum trim do mask some unimpressive touchpoints. For the top-of-the-line version, my tester lacked that wow factor on the interior and needed more upgrades.
Honda manages to improve fuel efficiency for the CR-V by dropping the weight and improving the aerodynamics. The positive result of this is improved fuel efficiency. EPA estimates are 22 city/30 hwy for the AWD EX-L. This is an improvement over previous models and is near the top among small crossovers. I averaged nearly 27 MPG in a week’s worth of mixed driving.
However, because of the lighter weight, cargo and passenger capacity drops and road and engine noise are more noticeable. Listed as a 5-passenger vehicle, the CR-V did not capably deliver on that, as I and four co-workers drove to lunch, only to feel drag and poor engine performance. I discovered the total passenger and cargo weight of the CR-V was only 850 pounds. That means, to qualify as a five-passenger vehicle, all of them must be under 170 pounds without any cargo. So, as long as you know its limitations, and don’t overpack, the CR-V can still be a good little SUV for everyday use.
The CR-V feels lightweight, especially when you open and shut the doors, which seems to be where some of the weight has been removed. However, despite feeling diminutive, the CR-V still handles itself well on the road. My tester was aided by all-wheel drive.
The base price CR-V is highly competitive at $23,000. My tester, with the AWD, came in at $29,795.
Fans of the CR-V can rest assured that Honda maintains everything else that has made this small crossover such a success, but has given it a much-needed facelift.
Jimmy Dinsmore is the Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-2115. Follow him on Twitter @wheelseditor
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