Honda CRV gets technology, safety updates for 2015

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- It was back in the mid-90s that Honda helped usher in a new segment in the automotive world: the compact crossover SUV. In the years since, the segment has grown tremendously.

"They're comfortable, they're quiet. All of those things now you can check all the boxes that you might have done for a larger one in the past, and now you have it in a smaller package that's more affordable," said George Peterson, an analyst with AutoPacific.

For 2015, Honda has given the CRV a touch-up. The body is the same as it has been in recent years, but there are updates to the exterior trim and technological advances that Honda says is a major update.

"Technology evolves every day, every year. We want this vehicle to be the No. 1 vehicle on all the customers' shopping lists. We have to maintain the benchmark status," said James Jenkins, a Honda spokesman.

The new CRV leads the small SUV segment and the SUV category in general. Last year, Honda sold more than 300,000 cars in that model and more than 2 million in the past decade.

A recent study by Edmunds.com points out some interesting statistics about the compact SUV segment in general.

The website said 79 percent of people who purchase the compact SUV are coming from another type of vehicle.

And despite the image of a CRV being something for young families, almost half are purchased by people over the age of 55. Edmunds also pointed out that many of these cars have better-than-average resale value.

There really was nothing wrong with the previous year's model of the CRV. However, Honda wanted to make sure all of the latest technology was included in the vehicle to ensure it stays competitive in a very competitive category.

One of the biggest perks about the car is in its safety. All trim levels have a rear-view camera system and if you opt for the high-end limited trim, there's an optional collision mitigation braking system. The system can stop the car if a pedestrian is within its path.

Other standard upgrades include the engine and transmission, with improved performance and fuel efficiency.

Even though the CRV isn't completely revamped, the car has gotten enough updates that it will most likely hold onto its sales leadership.