The current Honda CR-V was all-new for the 2012 model year and now the popular compact crossover has received its mid-cycle update. The updated CR-V goes on sale tomorrow, as a 2015 model, and has a starting price of $24,150 with shipping. The updates consist of revised styling, a more potent engine, a new transmission and electronic driving aids.

We can clearly see that the 2015 CR-V features a design similar to that of the smaller HR-V, which is also set to be introduced for the 2015 model year. A strip of chrome runs along the lower section of the front grille and lines up with new LED daytime running lights that encircle each of the headlights.

The engine in the 2015 CR-V is a direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While power is largely unchanged from the previous model year, torque is up 11 percent. The new engine is also lighter than the one it replaces and is now matched with a CVT as standard. The previous five-speed auto is no longer offered.

The combo offers a slight improvement in fuel economy, with the base front-wheel-drive 2015 CR-V returning 27/34 mpg city/highway and 29 mpg combined. Add all-wheel drive and you’re looking at 26/33 mpg city/highway and 28 mpg combined.

Looking inside, the 2015 CR-V benefits from a new configurable center console, new rear console heat/air ventilation ducts, and an available 7-inch touchscreen display. There is also a host of electronic driving aids that form the Honda Sensing system.

Available across the range, Honda Sensing features LaneWatch, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning. Like rival systems, Honda Sensing relies on a windshield-mounted camera and radar network to monitor a vehicle’s surroundings.

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