For 2012, Honda added a number of new touches to the CR-V, both inside and outside, in order to compete against similar crossover competition from Chevrolet’s Equinox, Ford’s Escape, Hyundai’s Tucson and Toyota’s RAV4. Additions such as 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels (available on most trims), a restyled chrome front grille and bumper and elongated vertical taillights, as well as a number of high-tech upgrades inside the cabin, make the Honda CR-V a viable competitor for the compact SUV consumer’s dollar.

The 2012 Honda CR-V is available only with a 5-speed automatic transmission, but in a number of different trims: the LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L w/ DVD (featuring a rear entertainment system) and EX-L w/ Nav (with a navigation system) are all standard with front-wheel drive, but all trims are also available with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2012 CR-V is powered by a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that puts out 185 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. The transmission features Grade Logic Control for smoother shifting and optimal fuel economy. FWD trims achieve 23 mpg city/31 highway, and the AWD trims get 22/30.

The i-MID (intelligent Multi-Information Display) is standard for all CR-V trims and features a 160-watt AM/FM/CD (single disc) audio system with 4 speakers and an MP3/Auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Pandora Internet radio compatibility and SMS text functionality. A multi-angle rear-view camera, cruise control, air conditioning (with air-filtration system), power windows, power door and tailgate locks, folding power side mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering column, upper and lower glove compartments, multireflector halogen headlights, intermittent rear window wiper and 17-inch styled steel wheels, along with a fold-down 60/40-split rear seatback, are also standard for all trims.

For EX trims, additional standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, and an upgraded 160-watt AM/FM/6-CD in-dash audio system with 6 speakers. Additional standard equipment found in the EX trims include a 1-touch power moonroof (with tilt feature), dual-deck cargo shelf and security system. For those seeking the EX-L trim, standard equipment also includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-trimmed interior, driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment (including power lumbar support), heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power side mirrors, USB audio interface and auto on/off multireflector halogen headlights. Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition is the only additional standard equipment found in the EX-L w/ Nav trim, while a rear entertainment system with a 7-inch display, DVD player, wireless headphones and remote is the only difference for the EX-L w/ DVD trim.

All trims of the 2012 Honda CR-V come standard with a number of safety features. These include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags (with a passenger-side occupant position detection system), side curtain airbags (with rollover sensor), driver and front passenger active head restraints, antilock brakes, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring and vehicle stability assist (with traction control).

Color choices for the 2012 Honda CR-V are Alabaster Silver Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, Royal Blue Pearl, Taffeta White, and Tango Red Pearl – all available with a gray interior; Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Urban Titanium Metallic – all available with a black interior; and Opal Sage Metallic, which comes with an ivory-colored interior. Ivory is also available with Urban Titanium Metallic.

With Honda discontinuing the Element after the 2011 model year, the CR-V is now the automaker’s only entry-level SUV. With the external and internal improvements made to the 2012 model, along with a variety of trims to meet many different budgets, the CR-V should remain the best-selling vehicle in its class.