2nd - 2012 Honda CR-V
This, we did not expect. The Honda CR-V has been a major player in this segment from the onset, but we’ve been hard on Honda lately complaining about uninspired styling, and reheating old meals, adding sauce and calling it “all new.”
It would appear as though the revamped 2012 Honda CR-V’s improvements are much more than skin-deep. And this is a good thing as only the RAV4 got fewer points on the aesthetics front. The same comment applies to the cabin, but we all agreed that tastes cannot be objectively discussed. No member of our group of testers like the CR-V’s styling but, obviously, it still scored high.
Without being “cute,” the CR-V’s inoffensive styling allows for large door openings, an enormous trunk, tonnes of interior storage spaces, and imposingly large passenger quarters. The seats found approval from all, both up front and in the rear.
The 2012 Honda CR-V is the epitome of a “pillar.” Honda (to drive traffic into showrooms) and compact crossover shoppers alike oftentimes fall back on the CR-V as “the choice.” We figured out why. As we drove about with the vehicles, then looked back on the test, we could find nothing really wrong with the 2012 Honda CR-V, nor could we find something we especially liked.
How’s that for the status quo? The 185 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder’s got plenty of heart and was unscathed by the extra passenger load. The 5-speed automatic transmission should have been a sore point, however, the perfectly geared cogs performed especially well.
Then, factor in best-of-group fuel consumption, quickest average acceleration times and a ride that upset no one or anything and you have a great product.
The 2012 Honda CR-V is proof that fussy designs and over-the-top styling are not always warranted. The overall simplicity of the CR-V, its uncomplicated userfriendliness and kind demeanour make it a serious winner and contender.
As we consulted and re-consulted the scores, it’s is clear that aesthetics are what hoisted the Sportage above the CR-V. Uh, good job Honda!
This, we did not expect. The Honda CR-V has been a major player in this segment from the onset, but we’ve been hard on Honda lately complaining about uninspired styling, and reheating old meals, adding sauce and calling it “all new.”
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| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
It would appear as though the revamped 2012 Honda CR-V’s improvements are much more than skin-deep. And this is a good thing as only the RAV4 got fewer points on the aesthetics front. The same comment applies to the cabin, but we all agreed that tastes cannot be objectively discussed. No member of our group of testers like the CR-V’s styling but, obviously, it still scored high.
Without being “cute,” the CR-V’s inoffensive styling allows for large door openings, an enormous trunk, tonnes of interior storage spaces, and imposingly large passenger quarters. The seats found approval from all, both up front and in the rear.
The 2012 Honda CR-V is the epitome of a “pillar.” Honda (to drive traffic into showrooms) and compact crossover shoppers alike oftentimes fall back on the CR-V as “the choice.” We figured out why. As we drove about with the vehicles, then looked back on the test, we could find nothing really wrong with the 2012 Honda CR-V, nor could we find something we especially liked.
How’s that for the status quo? The 185 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder’s got plenty of heart and was unscathed by the extra passenger load. The 5-speed automatic transmission should have been a sore point, however, the perfectly geared cogs performed especially well.
Then, factor in best-of-group fuel consumption, quickest average acceleration times and a ride that upset no one or anything and you have a great product.
The 2012 Honda CR-V is proof that fussy designs and over-the-top styling are not always warranted. The overall simplicity of the CR-V, its uncomplicated userfriendliness and kind demeanour make it a serious winner and contender.
As we consulted and re-consulted the scores, it’s is clear that aesthetics are what hoisted the Sportage above the CR-V. Uh, good job Honda!
 |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
| 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 1LT | 2013 Ford Escape SE 4WD | 2012 Honda CR-V Touring | 2012 Kia Sportage EX Luxury | 2013 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD | 2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD | |
| Styling | 73,8% | 84,2% | 72,5% | 83,8% | 82,5% | 70,4 |
| Accessories | 77,7% | 79,7% | 80,7% | 82,3% | 80,7% | 77,3 |
| Space and access | 79,3% | 78,7% | 85,7% | 76,3% | 79,3% | 85,3 |
| Comfort | 80% | 80,8% | 80,8% | 81,3% | 80,8% | 79,6 |
| Performance | 78,8% | 74,6% | 82,5% | 80,8% | 75,8% | 73,3 |
| Driving dynamics | 77,9% | 77,5% | 79,2% | 82,9% | 79,6% | 74,2 |
| Safety | 77,9% | 80% | 82,1% | 77,5% | 80,4% | 82,5 |
| General appreciation | 76,7% | 81,7% | 83,3% | 85% | 83,3% | 80,0 |