2012 Honda CR-V (photos)
Honda updated its CR-V small SUV for 2012, giving it a new exterior look and including some convenient interior features. But the engine and transmission remain unchanged.
Honda gave its CR-V small SUV an update for 2012, refreshing the exterior and including some updated cabin tech.
Honda does not have a set design language among its models, but the CR-V's floating grille is a nice cue that should be picked up on other cars bearing the H badge.
Unchanged is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed transmission. Honda is developing more efficient engines, but the CR-V won't benefit until its next update.
The CR-V is a very practical car, a five-seat SUV with easy access and plenty of headroom.
CNET's CR-V came with the all-wheel-drive option, which can shift torque to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction.
With the rear seats up, the CR-V boasts 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space, down slightly from the previous generation.
The rear seats fold flat very easily, opening up 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
In EX-L trim, the CR-V has leather seats with power adjustment for the driver.
The rear bench features adequate leg room.
Many of the CR-V's udpates come in the form of slight cabin-tech advances.
Honda went to an electrically boosted power-steering system for this generation of CR-V, which helps its fuel economy.
The instrument cluster serves as an efficient driving coach, lighting up a green ring around the speedometer when you are driving economically.
The CR-V uses a five-speed automatic transmission. Rather than manual gear selection, it has two low ranges.
The new I-MID screen sits at the top of the dashboard, showing vehicle information with nice color graphics.
The navigation system has been somewhat improved, but still looks rough.
The CR-V gets its traffic data through satellite radio.
Honda provides a few different options for destination entry.
Predictive text on the onscreen keyboard shows only the next possible letters, making it easier to use while driving.
The phone system now includes the ability to receive text messages, but it only works with a handful of phones.
The Bluetooth audio streaming interface shows full track data.
The satellite radio interface puts its six presets right up front.
The iPod library interface shows the usual categories for album, artist, and genre. The USB drive interface only shows folder names.
The I-MID can show audio information, including album art, and uses a more attractive design.
The I-MID also shows the current track when Pandora is selected.
The audio system in the CR-V only has seven speakers, but it produces a pleasant, full sound.
The rear-view camera includes some different options, such as wide-angle and top-down.
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