CRaVe? No. Admire, Yes: The 2015 Honda CR-V Touring

The 2015 Honda CR-V Touring.

Been a while since our last-go round in a Honda CR-V.  Nearly three years, in fact.  The basics haven't changed much...what was once called a "cute-ute" is now a pioneer in the hottest segment in all cardom, the small crossover/SUV.

The CR-V is still powered by a 2.4-liter, 185 horsepower four-cylinder engine (now with i-VTEC).  The transmission has changed from a five-speed automatic to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and because of that change, the EPA mileage figures have improved.  What was 22 mpg city is now 26 and what was 30 highway is now 33.

But the big news for 2015 is a new top-of-the-line trim level.

2015 Honda CR-V Touring.

The CR-V Touring ladles on the leather and every upscale feature you could possibly ask for (see the list here) and wraps it all up for two prices...$31,645 for the 2WD model and $32,770 for the all-wheel drive, which is what we had.

2015 Honda CR-V Touring interior.

The environment is pleasant, to the level of blurring the lines a bit between Honda and its more upscale cousin Acura. The seats are comfy, the controls logical, and the infotainment and nav system is Honda's new and improved (but still not cutting-edge) version.  Best of all, despite being small, it has several storage places throughout the cabin...all deep and wide enough to be useful.

The CR-V Touring works because as the small crossover has become the hot spot in the market, there are enough buyers for all flavors, from the utilitarian base models that used to be the only way you could get a CR-V to people who want the small size, good utility and utter reliability that comes with the Honda name, but don't want to give up a single creature comfort. And since they're all standard, it's a one-price-fits-all option.  Our AWD model with $830 for destination and handling rang in at $33,600...a price we've seen on lesser small crossovers.  Nicely done, Honda.