Check out the updated 2015 Honda CR-V Touring (pictures)

This week, the 2015 Honda CR-V arrives in the Car Tech garage.

The fourth-generation CR-V dates back to 2012, but the compact SUV receives a facelift for the 2015 model year.

This AWD Touring model arrived in a hue called Copper Sunset Pearl, a metallic brown.

Around town, the CR-V proved to be modestly zippy, but its performance is focused on comfort and efficiency.

CR-V models feature the automaker's electric power-steering system.

Projector beam halogen headlamps are exclusive to the Touring trim level.

All CR-V trim levels are available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

The Touring model comes standard with a power rear liftgate. It can be activated via remote or with a grab handle.

18-inch wheels shod in 225-width tires fill the arches of the CR-V Touring. 16- and 17-inch wheels are featured on LX and EX models, respectively.

For the 2015 model year, the CR-V gains 3 to 4 mpg across the board.

Under the hood is a 2.4-liter "Earth Dreams" i-VTEC engine good for 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.

Earth Dreams is Honda marketing-speak for a suite of fuel efficiency boosting technologies, including low-friction internals and direct injection.

The only gearbox available on the 2015 CR-V is the automaker's continuously variable transmission.

In all-wheel drive trim, the 2015 CR-V is estimated to do 28 mpg combined — or 26 city and 33 highway mpg. The front-wheel drive model gets an extra 1 mpg across the board.

During my testing, I was only able to average 20.1 mpg, despite my best efforts at green driving.

Aside from a selection of style and visual upgrades, the Touring stands apart with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aid features.

Honda's LaneWatch camera fills in for the lack of a blind-spot monitoring system.

Unique to Honda, the LaneWatch camera aims into the passenger-side blindspot and comes online when the right turn signal is activated.

Drivers can also press a button on one of the steering-column stalks to manually activate LaneWatch.

The CR-V's seats are nothing to write home about, but they're reasonably comfortable. On Touring models, the driver's bucket features two-position memory.

The interior quality and design is on par with that of the current-generation Honda Civic.

The Honda infotainment system is a bit convoluted. It features a two-tier dashboard display centered around a 7-inch color touchscreen.

The menu system isn't difficult to master, but the organization is poor and lacks shortcuts to quickly switch between navigation, audio and communication modes.

Honda's dated Satellite-Linked Navigation system is standard on the Touring model.

When navigating, the second screen is used to display turn-by-turn directions.

The touch-sensitive display rotates out of the way to reveal the optical media slot.

The CR-V features two USB ports and an HDMI input.

The instrument cluster features a large central speedometer. Around its edge is a green rim that glows to indicate efficient driving. In its center is a small information display.

Keyless entry and start are standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring models.

Tapping the ECON button puts the CR-V into its most efficient operating mode. Throttle response and the CVT's programming are adjusted for more mpgs.

Adaptive cruise control is included as part of Honda Sensing. Unlike more advanced ACC systems, Honda's setup only works at speeds above 20 mph.

The rear seats feature a 60/40 split and can be folded flat to increase the ample storage space.

The motorized rear hatch is lowered with the touch of  a button.

The rear seats can be lowered from the rear storage area with a pull of a remote release.

Fully loaded, our 2015 Honda CR-V AWD Touring comes in at a $31,645 MSRP before taxes and destination charges.