Honda CR-V returns to top ranks with 2015 edition

A new engine and transmission transform the 2015 Honda CR-V (I give it three out of four stars), returning the SUV to its accustomed place among the leaders. The new drivetrain generates 11 percent more torque and a whopping 3 mpg improvement in the combined city and highway fuel economy rating for an all-wheel-drive CR-V.

Combined with a roomy and practical interior, the changes rescue the latest CR-V from an unaccustomed mediocrity for what has become one of Honda's core models.

The CR-V competes with small and midsize five-passenger SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4. That's a tough bunch, including some of the industry's most popular models. I'm not including the Dodge Journey because its four-cylinder model doesn't offer all-wheel drive, like all the others.

After a couple of years when the current CR-V trailed the pack, the changes for 2015 make Honda a strong competitor, as the SUV has been for most of its 17-year history.

CR-V prices start at $23,445 for a base front-wheel drive model. AWD starts at $24,695. All CR-Vs have the new drivetrain: a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). I tested the top version, an AWD Touring with a power sunroof, power tailgate, heated front seats, leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio compatibility, pre-collision alert and braking, lane keeping assist, USB port, AM/FM/Sirius radio, CD player and 18-inch tires. It stickered at $32,895. All prices exclude destination charges.

The CR-V's prices are competitive with similarly equipped SUVs from other automakers.

The new engine and transmission provide competent acceleration on the highway and around town. There's a bit of a lull as the CVT strives for the best ratio when you accelerate suddenly from 40 to 50 mph. Activating the Eco mode saves fuel and accurately recreates the experience of dragging an anchor behind the CR-V.

The CVT's preference for low engine speeds pays off with the segment's best EPA fuel economy rating: 26 m.p.g. in the city, 33 on the highway and 28 combined for the AWD CR-V I tested. The combined rating beats all the competitors except the Nissan Rogue, which matches it.

The steering and brakes are up to Honda's usual high level, providing a predictable and secure driving experience.

Road noise is quite noticeable, particularly at highway speeds, when it affected the voice recognition system's effectiveness. Even under optimum conditions, the CR-V's voice recognition is not among the best; it's slow and requires more steps for simple tasks like making a phone call than leading systems.

The interior is roomy and comfortable. Ample head, leg, shoulder and luggage room make the CR-V one of the most practical and accommodating compact SUVs. The center console has loads of storage space, with a roomy bin and several cubbies for cups, change, phones, etc.

The audio controls lack traditional dials for volume and tuning in the center stack. The touch screen and very small rocker switches aren't much use, though controls on the steering wheel help.

While the pre-collision braking, lane-departure alert and assist are useful, Honda's half-baked version of blind-spot alert continues to disappoint. Rather than active sensors that light up and warn the driver when there's a vehicle in the blind spot on either side of the vehicle, or cross traffic coming when you pull out of a slot in a parking lot, the CR-V has a video display in the center console that turns on when the driver indicates a right turn. It shows only the right side and is considerably less effective than systems that actively warn the driver of oncoming traffic on both sides.