2015 Honda CR-V

The 2015 Honda CR-V was the No. 1 crossover in the country last year, relying on 10 model configurations and a bevy of model-year upgrades to keep customers satisfied. These were no minor tweaks, either: Honda’s compact two-row crossover added a more efficient yet more powerful engine, introduced two new driver-assistance measures to the Honda family, and more rugged and aggressive overall styling that reaches its apotheosis in the new Touring trim.

Styling

Honda designers readjusted the look of the 2015 CR-V to better match its versatile and athletic capabilities, starting with a cleaner, bolder grille and also including new headlights, front and rear skid plates, revised front and rear bumpers, restyled outside mirrors—which are now offered with a heating function and integrated turn signals. Newly available as well are LED daytime running lights and more wheel designs; in fact, this year’s model sets another benchmark for the brand as the first CR-V to showcase 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, one of the segment’s most usable cabins will add to its advantages with a redesigned center console that provides storage partitions, a sliding armrest and even rear-facing ventilation ducts. The CR-V interior also benefits from more premium materials and new high-contrast accents, too. It’s further worth noting that Honda engineers made it easy to maximize cargo space in the vehicle, with a simple-to-manage seat-release mechanism and a load lift-in height at the rear.

Performance

For 2015, the CR-V is motivated by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder powerplant from Honda’s “Earth Dreams” engine family. It provides a healthy 185 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque—the latter marking an 11 percent bump versus the 2014 engine—and with that output routed through an also-new “G-design Shift” continuously variable transmission, the results include EPA grades of 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, single-mpg drops for all-wheel drive and a max tow rating of 1,500 lbs.

Safety

The 2015 Honda CR-V gets stronger and smarter for the new model year, thanks to a next-gen Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and the Honda Sensing suite of electronic safety measures. Standard on the top-of-the-range Touring model, the Honda Sensing system bundles together collision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assistance, both of which make their Honda debut in the CR-V; the first CR-V application of adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning; and hallmark Honda technologies like a rearview camera and the LaneWatch blind-spot monitor.

Also, the IIHS has recognized the 2015 Honda CR-V with a Top Safety Pick+ rating, backed by the best-possible grades for physical testing and a “superior” rating for front crash prevention.

Pricing and Features

There also are plenty of comfort and convenience features available with the CR-V, highlighted by a next-gen HondaLink connectivity system that allows on-the-go access to social media, news, restaurant searches, Internet radio and, for the first time, the HondaLink Assist automatic crash-notification system. Additional infotainment features of note include satellite-linked navigation, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Siri Eyes Free integration, SMS text-messaging assistance, display audio with a 7-inch screen and up to 328 watts of power, and push-button start.

That kind of technology is then topped off by thoughtful lux amenities like a power rear liftgate, heated and leather-surfaced front heating with a leather second row and leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and a power moonroof.

By Charles Krome

Watch more: Redline Review: 2015 Honda CR-V Touring

As one of the original small crossover SUVs to hit the market nearly 20 years ago, the updated 2015 CR-V marks a lot of first for Honda's popular SUV. With some first-time advance tech features, an all-new powertrain, and a new level of luxuriousness with this top Touring model, buyers can expect near Acura levels of luxury contained within a Honda price point.