In typical Honda fashion, it might take a magnifying glass to notice the mid-cycle modifications made to its 2010 CR-V, but don’t

A few minor styling tweaks keeps the CR-V fresh for 2010. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

doubt it, they’re there.

Honda refreshed its popular compact crossover this year, by augmenting the front fascia, grille, bumpers and hood, while adding two new colours to the palette including Opal Sage Metallic and Polished Metal Metallic; gone are Green Tea Metallic, Tango Red Pearl, Royal Blue Pearl and Borrego Beige. The CR-V gets more power and better fuel economy too, while new technologies are now available.

Getting granular, LX trim now comes with standard alloy wheels and rear privacy glass, while the mid-range EX adds an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a USB jack for the stereo, a compass, centre console and auto on/off headlamps to the inside,

Tall taillights give CR-V away from a distance. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

while body-colour mirrors and handles, plus a new ten-spoke alloy wheel design upgrade the exterior appearance. The top-line EX-L now features standard XM satellite radio and the availability of Bluetooth connectivity when the navigation package is chosen. All models get wider centre armrests up front, new seat fabric textures, a new door handle design, and revised trim panel sections for the steering wheel, gear selector and upper glovebox.

All models also get Honda’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, which now makes 180 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 161 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm, which is 14 horsepower

The CR-V serves up unique interior styling. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

greater than its predecessor; torque stays the same. Immediately off the line its extra power isn’t all that noticeable, but when the revs start to climb the 2010 model gives a shove in the backside that was lacking last year. It’s especially helpful when passing.

Also positive is that the upgraded engine, still mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, delivers better fuel-efficiency at an estimated 9.8 L/100km in the city and 7.1 on the highway for front-wheel drive models and 10.1 and 7.5 respectively for all-wheel drive trim levels, compared to 10.3 L/100km in the city and 7.3 on the highway for last year’s front-drive CR-V and 10.7 and 7.8 for 2009 all-wheel drive models. More power and

The seats, these ones covered in leather, are excellent. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

better fuel economy is always a good combination, and Honda mixes this in with regular gas, saving even more at the pump.

While the CR-V won’t exactly light up the tires, it certainly handles nimbly. Dry pavement or wet, gravel or snow, 17-inch alloy wheels on 225/65R17all-season tires, a nicely balance chassis and standard traction and stability control add control and a general sense of security to almost any scenario. ABS-enhanced four-wheel discs add to the safety features, which also include airbags all-round, including standard curtain-type airbags for front and rear window seats. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard fare.

Speaking

My tester came fully loaded, and the nav system works brilliantly by the way. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

of standard features, the base LX also gets air conditioning, power locks with keyless entry, power windows with an auto up/down driver's window, heated and power remote mirrors, a conversation mirror, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, a CD/MP3/WMA audio system with auxiliary input, a fuel economy meter, intermittent front and rear wipers, a retractable centre tray table, manual driver's seat height adjustment, 60/40 split-folding slide and tumble rear seats, fold-down rear centre armrest, rear privacy glass, an under-seat storage bin, and front and rear splash guards.

Move up to the EX and, added to what comes with the LX and what was already mentioned above, you’ll get a

Rear seating room is great. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

powered sunroof, a six-CD/MP3 stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls, variable intermittent wipers, exterior temperature display, dual-deck cargo shelf, a security alarm and chrome grille inserts.

The EX-L adds heated leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an upgraded premium audio system. Options on the EX-L include an under-seat storage bin, along with an available navigation system with backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity.

Storage in mind,

Wide open space for all your gear. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

the CR-V can stow a sizeable 1,011 litres (35.6 cu ft) behind the rear seats and 2,064 litres (72.8 cu ft) with those 60/40 rear seatbacks folded flat. Its towing capacity is as per the class average at 680 kilos (1,500 lbs).

Contrary to popular belief, car-based crossovers aren’t all that bad at light-duty off-road jaunts. During the CR-V’s launch program I took the then-new 2007 model through some mucky patches of Ontario goo, and it proved a fine little mule thanks to its all-wheel drive, 185 millimeters (7.2 inches) of ground clearance and the traction and stability control I mentioned earlier. If you’ve got a cottage in the country, want to find that out of the way fishing spot down some little used logging

The CR-V fits into any neighbourhood. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

road or want to feel safe and sound on your way up the ski hill, the CR-V is ideal.

Safe and sound in mind, Honda promises much better than average reliability ratings as per third-party studies done by J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports, and supports these findings with a 3-year or 60,000 km comprehensive warranty as well as a 5-year or 100,000 km powertrain warranty.

As far as I’m concerned, you can’t go wrong with a CR-V. It’s certainly not the quickest in the pack and might not offer as many features as some of its rivals, but its dependability is top-notch, functionality first-rate, build-quality exceptionally good, fuel economy excellent, and prospective resale value among the best in its class. Need I say more?

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint