So, this 2005 update is, well, a different kind of bland. Like a kind of sushi youve never tried before, the look is familiar, neat, and completely deceptive about what it is capable of. In its case, the "wasabi" comes in the form of a bigger engine for the 4x4 version: a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve with i-VTEC to belt out 160 horses and 22.2 kg-m of torque. Despite the extra 0.4 liters of displacement, the engine runs with consummate smoothness from idle all the way to the 6,000-plus rpm redline. Coming alive at 3,000 rpm, it emits a healthy snarl that begs to be run hard, so long as you dont peek at the fuel-economy gauge.
Unlike most other light SUV manufacturers, Honda continues to give you the option of a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. If youre one of the few that still refuse to let a computer do the shifting for you, the manual is as smooth and precise as Honda could make it, blessed with a Civic-light clutch and short throws. However, the higher torque translates to jerkier power delivery off the line. Put the hammer down from 1st gear, upshift at 5,000, and the axle will squirm in protest as you mash the stick into 2nd. In milder operation, theres a "rubber band" sensation as you press and depress the gas in traffic. Get the 5-speed automatic to smooth things out; the torque converter will do a better job of smoothening out torque transfer than your "clutch" foot will ever manage.
Inside, some improvements are immediately apparent: the Optitron gauges are more eye-catching, the A/C knobs are larger, and the radio is much improved. Park your butt into the drivers seat and its easy to take for granted how the designers made every switch, lever, control and button so logically laid out that youd be hard pressed to think of a better layout for the dash. It may not be a very sporty-looking cockpit in fact it looks depressingly dull for something costing more than a million bucks but its in the details that the CR-V delivers.
From the seats that easily tumble forward so the box-like cabin can swallow most everything, to the smoother engagement of the RealTime all-wheel drive, everything about the CR-V says "competence". And of course its as safe as any other SUV, with dual airbags, all-disk brakes, and ABS. As light off-roaders go, the CR-V will ably tackle rough terrain, but its no Land Rover. Its mission has always been to deliver all-weather performance in a tall wagon body, best enjoyed for long trips where car-like driving dynamics, idiot-proof operation, and cubic feet of cargo space are tops on the buyers list. Now facing the middle years of its production cycle, the CR-V faces tough competition from rivals that either pack more pizzazz or better financing deals.
Still, its got all the essentials of fuss-free, SUV-lite ownership that has always characterized the CR-V. The few cosmetic improvements and engineering upgrades with the motor and all-wheel drive ensure that, for the buyer who places a premium on quality and performance, its still one of the best at what its made to deliver.
The Good:
more power from a bigger, but still smooth motor
improved RealTime engagement
much better radio at last
still one of the most versatile cabins in its class
The Bad:
still as bland as before
hard-to-modulate power delivery with the manual transmission
The Verdict:
An amazingly competent SUV with a healthy dose of extra power, but still in need of some character.