2012 Honda CR-V

The $27,245 CR-V EX-L would be the best option for many shoppers as it has the most features. It builds on lower trims and adds desired amenities such as dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a seven-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. All 2012 CR-V models come with the same engine and FWD/AWD drivetrain options to choose from. 

Like before, the 2012 Honda CR-V is available for sale in three trim options namely LX, EX, and EX-L. The pricing of the all-new 2012 CR-V is in line with the previous model, making a strong value statement. The base CR-V LX starts just below $23,000 and the top-spec EX-L opens for just under $28,000. 

The EX-L trim is further offered with two packages, EX-L with Navigation which costs $1500 extra and the Rear Entertainment System adds $700. All CR-V models are powered by the familiar 2.4 L Inline-4 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. FWD is standard while AWD is a $1,250 option.

For comparison, used 2012 CR-V prices are slightly higher than its chief rival the Toyota RAV4 which starts at around $22,500 for the FWD model. However, the Honda CR-V outshines the RAV4 for a higher resale value in the compact SUV segment.

The 2012 CR-V's powertrain received minor tweaks to the auto shifter, coupled with a comprehensive ratio revamp for better fuel economy. The CR-V with front-wheel-drive delivers an EPA rating of 23 mpg in the city, and 31 on the highway. The AWD model is estimated at 22/30 mpg. These are among the best efficiency figures in the segment and combined with a 15.3-gallon fuel capacity, the CR-V can go up to just below 400 miles without a refill. 

The Honda CR-V is the most efficient among these machines, closely followed by the Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson. The Subaru Forester, however, lacks in the fuel efficiency department, possibly because of the 4-speed automatic transmission. All the models are similar in terms of range, as Subaru’s larger capacity fuel tank compensates for its lower fuel economy whereas all others come with a similar-sized fuel tank. 

"The 2012 Honda CR-V has a comfortable ride, as well as one of the best rear seat-folding arrangements we've seen; but its materials and trims fall short." - Thecarconnection.com

After the 2012 redesign, the all-new Honda CR-V’s interior has a more sophisticated overall look as compared to the older models. The major interior changes are highlighted by a smartly sculpted dash, restyled gauges, and new switchgear. Though the interior dimensions of the 2012 model are similar to the 2011 model, inside the cabin, updated front seats offer better comfort and support. The accommodating center console now comes with bigger cupholders and a much larger covered center stow bin that houses USB and auxiliary inputs as well as a 12-volt powerpoint. The interior is also roomy and there is an ample amount of space in both rows while the 2012 CR-V boasts the class-leading cargo capacity.

The base CR-V's seats are comfortable, supportive and come covered in cloth upholstery while the top-end trim gets leather upholstery. The dashboard is neat and nicely designed and is nice to look at and feels nice to touch. There is also plenty of cargo space in the CR-V, which is among the most in the segment. There are 37.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats which expands to 70.9 with the bench folded.

The Hyundai Tucson also comes with a high-quality cabin and lots of space while it lacks cargo capacity. The Nissan Rogue has a high-quality interior, but the second-row space is too tight and the Subaru comes with a low-quality interior.

The following are some of the most important interior features of the 2012 Honda CR-V- 

• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System
• Driver’s Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment and Power Lumbar Support 
• Leather-Trimmed Seats
• Heated Front Seats
• Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback
• Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Vanity Mirrors

How intuitive is the 2012 Honda CR-V’s infotainment unit?

The 2012 CR-V comes with a full-color multi-information display in the center console along with 4 speakers as standard. The mid-level trim gets 6 speakers whereas the higher-end EX-L trim comes with a 7-speaker unit along with a subwoofer. Navigation is an available feature for the EX-L trim and it also comes with voice command support when equipped.

The following are the prominent infotainment features of the Honda CR-V-

• 328-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 7 Speakers, Including a Subwoofer 
• Bluetooth Streaming Audio
• Pandora Internet Radio Compatibility
• XM Radio
• USB Audio Interface 
• MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack 
• MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA)
• Playback Capability

"Remaining true to the vision previewed in the recent CR-V Concept, the 2012 Honda CR-V maintains the same relative scale as the current model but boasts bolder and more aerodynamic bodywork set off by edgier front and rear fascia treatments." - kbb.com

The 2012 Honda CR-V looks bolder and more aerodynamic in the updated new attire. The new design is almost similar to the recent CR-V Concept. The crossover has become sleeker and looks larger than its predecessor, and has a more steeply raked windshield and slightly lower roofline. The base CR-V LX features 16-inch steel wheels and 215/70 all-season tires, while EX/EX-L trims have 225/65 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.

the new CR-V adds a large single-piece liftgate, and its significantly lower lift-over height than the previous model eases loading and unloading the cargo. The weird form factor has enabled Honda to provide more space on the inside, especially the increased second-row space and the massive boot are evidently the results of this risky move. 

When compared to the competition, you actually realize how beautiful the CR-V is. It is actually the better looking among all of these. The Hyundai Tucson and the Subaru Forester look outdated but okay, and the Nissan Rogue is just ugly and disappointing to look at, making the comparatively better-looking CR-V the actual best option. The Rogue, however, comes with the most ground clearance while also being the longest whereas the CR-V is the heaviest.

The following are the important exterior features of the Honda CR-V-

• One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
• Security System with Remote Entry
• Remote Entry only
• Roof Rails
• Fog Lights
• Heated body-colored folding power side mirrors with expanded view driver’s mirror
• Rear Privacy Glass

The 2012 Honda CR-V received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5-stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the CR-V a 2012 Top Safety Pick. Further, IIHS gave the 2012 CR-V its top score of Good for the moderate overlap front, side, rollover, and rear crash tests. The LX trim comes standard with a rear-view camera.

The following are some of the most important safety features in the 2012 Honda CR-V-

• Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA
• Traction Control 
• Brake Assist
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with 
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)

2012 Honda CR-V Vs. 2012 Nissan Rogue

The Honda CR-V and the Nissan Rogue may be neck to neck in terms of performance but with the current redesign, the Honda looks much more premium and modern. It also has slightly better fuel economy figures and being a lot more reliable, it is easier on the pocket.

The changes in the interior also add to the CR-V's appeal and abundant space in the rear makes it a better choice for families. Equipment levels are nearly similar but the Honda comes out on top in almost every other regard.

2012 Honda CR-V Vs. 2012 Hyundai Tucson

One of the trump cards up Hyundai's sleeve is that they price their cars very aggressively. This can be seen from the fact that the Hyundai Tucson manages to undercut the price of the Honda CR-V by $3000 despite offering nearly the same equipment levels.

While the Honda is much more fun to drive and also more powerful, it is also more fuel-efficient and reliable. With the current redesign, it also manages to have better interiors and safety features. Although Tucson manages to come very close in terms of interior space, it does not have the same cargo space as the Honda.

2012 Honda CR-V Vs. 2012 Subaru Forester

Although quite an oddball choice, the Subaru Forester comes with its set of advantages. To begin with, its all-wheel-drive transmission is much superior and shows the difference when you're about to take on a bit of treacherous terrain.

Subaru's automatic transmission dulls it down a bit and its fuel efficiency figures don't help it either. The Honda also manages to come with much better interiors and makes for the overall better pick for families.

The Honda CR-V is one of the best options in the segment offering a strong engine and capable handling. The 2012 CR-V also comes with impressive fuel economy figures and range along with a high-quality interior that is extremely spacious. Overall it is an amazing crossover to choose from as it offers everything expected from this segment.