2012 Honda CR-V hold off new rivals?

the CR-V's styling is handsome and gives the impression the vehicle is bigger than it is. It's about an inch shorter than the previous version, but otherwise the same.

The new model's "presence" keeps you from feeling as if you bought the pee-wee model, and instead lets you revel in owning an SUV of apparent substance. Satisfying.

Mileage is up significantly, as much as four miles per gallon better, depending on model and equipment, resulting in a 31-mpg highway rating on the most fuel-efficient version, which looks good in ads. Good mpg gives a patina of social concern and engineering expertise, even if you don't hit the sticker numbers in your driving. (And, of course, Test Drive didn't.)

The interior, previously criticized as plain, even cheap, got enough upgrading to surfaces, layout and trim that it now seems fine. Won't wow you, but isn't a reason not to buy.

2012 Honda CR-V