Honda CR-V

Honda's CR-V is affordable and functional. Rear-seat room and cargo space are also generous. Further, its compact dimensions and responsive handling make driving entertaining.

Honda made several notable mid-cycle updates to its popular sport utility for 2015. The CR-V gained an updated front and rear appearance, along with new wheels and various trim bits. The makeover also included a raft of new electronic safety features and added new standard equipment along with a 185-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This was matched with the CR-V's first continuously variable transmission (CVT) application.

The CVT works well in normal driving. Honda did a commendable job of masking the engine drone and rubber-band feel of some CVTs. If anything, this CVT does the opposite. It is so determined to keep revs down for fuel economy the CR-V can be sluggish at times. Additionally, some of Honda's traditional powertrain refinement is lost to noticeable vibration at idle and low engine speeds.