2015 Honda CR-V features evolved tech-rich environment

Looking to the first generation CR-V, one can see how far CR-V developement has come in the past 15 years. Will the 2015 CR-V offer enough to keep it at #1 in North America?

Does 2015 Honda CR-V take small SUV developement to a new level? Other than a spy shot or two and speculation as to a new drivetrain, we have no idea as to what improvements will come to North America’s best selling SUV. Well, maybe a couple.

We can look to Japan for answers as to what improvements will come to North America with the release of the mid-cycle refreshed 2015 Honda CR-V SUV. Honda’s big on “Blue Skies for Our Children” and “Earth Dreams” engine technology, we anticipate both from CR-V.

However, we won’t know until Thursday what “Earth Dreams” i-VTEC will come standard in CR-V. looking to the 2014 CR-V, Civic and Honda Accord, we find a 2356 c.c. aluminum block and head 16 valve DOHC direct fuel injected 4 cylinder. Eco assist mode through variable timing, changing shift points and fuel management works the magic for CR-V. Will we see the same engine standard for 2015 CR-V, doubt it.

Remember, CR-V is a light truck platform and weighs considerably less than Accord. We could (conceivably)see a smaller more fuel efficient offering from Honda for CR-V. While we won’t see “Earth Dreams” diesel technology in North America, it’s conceivable that Honda’s developing a smaller displacement turbocharged or dual induction normally aspirated 4 cylinder gasoline engine for CR-V. We’ll know Thursday.

There’s a pretty strong and mildly substantiated rumor circulating the Honda sphere that CR-V will be equipped with CVT for 2015. It’s our belief that while the current 5 speed automatic is a good transmission, CVT ( constantly variable transmission) will be called on to increase CR-V city average mpg by no less than 3 mpg. That’s a tall order but Honda can do it.

Better personal connectivity and standard roadside assist

That’s what Honda promised earlier in the year standard, across the line. We anticipate 2015 CR-V to be the most personal communications connected and touch screen interactive CR-V in Honda history. Also, as promised by Honda, CR-V should come standard equipped with first year emergency roadside assistance.

Torque News readers would like to see a greater variety of colors available for CR-V, an electric lift gate, select shift ( on and off) all wheel drive and slightly better fuel economy. That’s it. Honda CR-V is the best selling small SUV in North America for the simple reason that owners like and recommend CR-V. Honda didn’t perform major surgery on CR-V for 2015, they didn’t have to.