MotorMouths

Unsurprising and relaxed could describe the CR-V overall. It’s neither flashy nor exciting but it is well executed. Combine that with Honda’s enviable reputation for reliability, and you’ve likely got what it takes to make this CR-V as ubiquitous as the last one.

Some of its competitors lean on styling and upmarket features to appeal to customers, but Honda is relying on the core strengths of its product. As a package, the CR-V remains pretty unbeatable.

The 2012 Honda CR-V has extended its advantage with smart upgrades, measured design changes and intelligent engineering. Everybody else is still playing follow the leader.

The 2012 Honda CR-V has the feel of a passenger car and the function of a minivan, with a mix of proven mechanicals, perfect sizing, reasonable feature content and affordable pricing.

The fact that Honda (mostly) hit a home run on interior comfort, trim, packaging and styling helps, but it’s the way this Honda drives that’s going to keep the CR-V a leader in the entry crossover slot.

The all-new CR-V is an eye-catcher and its beauty is more than skin deep. It delivers outstanding fuel efficiency, and families will like all the room and the storage nooks.

Improvements to the 2012 Honda CR-V’s interior, cargo configurability, ride quality and standard-equipment list should keep the compact crossover atop car shoppers’ must-test lists.

The emphasis in the 2012 CR-V is on utility simply rendered. Everything is where you want and need it. I truly like this one. There is something organic about it — a wagon that becomes an integral part of you each time you drive it.

When everyone else is trying to advance the game to new levels of equipment, technology and gadgets, the CR-V is making incremental improvements to a formula that has proved successful. I am confident that Honda got it right here.

Honda has gotten things right with the new CR-V, delivering a practical, attractive and affordable crossover that will meet consumer needs well. The CR-V is as competent as ever and still our pick for the small crossover segment – for now.

Overall, the 2012 Honda CR-V is a superior example of a small crossover, exhibiting the above-average ride, workmanship and features that you traditionally expect from a Honda vehicle.

The 2012 CR-V has a degree of styling and refinement that just didn’t exist in the three previous generations. It also rides and handles with confidence born out of recent engineering and development.