The updates to the 2010 CR-V make for a wiser interior presentation. For instance, the center folding armrests for the driver and front passenger gain an inch in width compared to the predecessor, and the stow space behind the rear seat improves via a dual-deck cargo shelf (EX and EX-L versions). There’s one feature item that needs tweaking, though. The overhead sunglass storage zone includes as a back seat viewer (via a curved mirror). But getting the mirror to ‘catch’ in its lock position is tricky—anything beyond a very s-l-o-w push makes the ‘catch’ nearly impossible. Exterior wise, the CR-V’s styling alterations include a new grille, a re-shaped hood as well as new front and rear bumper designs. EX and EX-L trims get a standard 10-spoke alloy wheel, a replacement to the prior 7-spoke design.

CR-V’s 2.4-liter, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine boosts the horsepower from 166 to 180. Performance revisions include the engine compression ratio (from 9.7:1 to current 10.5:1), larger intake valves, and a higher flow-rate exhaust system. The engine mates to a 5-speed automatic transmission with grade logic control. CR-V employs a MacPherson front strut suspension layout and a multi-link rear suspension. The compact SUV has a 103.1-inch wheelbase. Storage space is plentiful with more than 34 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats. Estimated mpg for two-wheel-drive CR-V is 21 city/28 highway, while the estimated mpg for the real-time four-wheel drive is 21 city/27 highway. MSRP of the 4WD CR-V EX-L is $29,745.