Honda has released full details on its updated 2015 CR-V for the US market, with the big news being the heavily revised 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine that produces 11 percent more torque.

The four-cylinder gasoline unit continues to produce 185 hp, but peak torque is up from 163 lb-ft (220 Nm) to 181 lb-ft (245 Nm). Thanks to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) with G-design Shift, the engine returns increased EPA fuel economy ratings of 27/34/29 mpg (city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models and 26/33/28 mpg for the Real Time AWD models. Both ratings are improved by 4/3/3 mpg over 2014 models.

Honda says it has also updated the CR-V’s suspension design, with features such as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) contributing to the 2015 CR-V’s quality driving experience, especially on EX and above trims which feature wider front and rear track dimensions due to wider wheels (+0.5 inches).

Styling-wise, the 2015 Honda CR-V gets a refreshed exterior appearance, with most changes operated at the front, where the redesigned bumper features new fog lamps and a different grille, while the headlights gain LEDs. Changes at the rear end are limited to a redesigned bumper and chrome trim below the tailgate window. Other styling tweaks are the redesigned lateral mirrors and new alloy wheels.

Inside, the 2015 CR-V gets new standard features including a new configurable center console with armrest, sliding sunvisors and rear console ventilation ducts. New available features include a power tailgate, 10-way power and heated driver’s seat with memory, LED daytime running lights, and a 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface. Together with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Honda LaneWatch, these systems are part of the new Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistive technologies.

Also new for 2015 is a top-of-the-line Touring trim which includes the first Honda application of two advanced driver-assistive technologies, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), as well as the first CR-V adoption of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

The 2015 Honda CR-V goes on sale on October 1 with a starting price of $23,320, excluding a $830 destination charge.

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