Blue Mountain, ON – More efficient, more functional and more confident. That's how Honda describes their second-best selling vehicle – the 2015 CR-V. Now in it's fourth-generation, the CR-V crossover is going over an extensive refresh that has landed them Motor Trend's best SUV/Utility vehicle of the year award.

The CR-V has always been a top-seller due to its safety, reliability and competitive pricing. The latter seems to resonate with many consumers and brings them into the showroom, but it's the first two points that seal the deal.

The CR-V aims directly at younger families and they will be happy to know there has been some aggressive changes to the exterior. The changes are subtle, as the CR-V has always leaned more towards the conservative side, but some boldness never hurt anyone. The grille keeps the same form, but some of the horizontal chrome lines have been replaced with a subtle black line and honeycomb mesh design below. Depending on the trim chosen, the LED headlight design changes. Chrome might have been reduced from the grille, but it reappears as it stretches out into the tailgate.

Another glaring standout on the the EX-L and Touring trims are brand-new sporty and dynamic alloy wheel designs. The touring receives an 18-inch version, while the EX-Ls are 17-inches, but regardless of the size they look like nicely cut razor edges that put some character into the CR-V.

A lot of attention for the CR-V was focused on the interior. A start/stop button comes standard along with a rear view camera, an extended sliding sun visor and the Lane Watch safety feature. Not bad for a vehicle that starts at $25,990. And if you jump into a top-of-the-line Touring for $35,790, you will receive all of Honda's technological safety and driver aids, plus a power tailgate. Honda's calling their safety package, Honda Sensing and it includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System and the aforementioned Lane Watch.

The interior might be technologically enhanced, but it still stays conservative in nature. I really think they need to modernize the infotainment system that seems outdated in their chosen fonts, as well as sprucing up the interior with more vibrant colours or premium attractions. At least make it less manual from the seat and steering wheel adjustments to the folding down of the second row.

The refresh of the CR-V is a lot more than your typical lights and upholstery adjustments. They did away with their 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and replaced it with Honda's new Earth Dreams 2.4-litre i-VTEC that was first introduced in the Accord. Yes, the size of the engine is the same, but the new one uses direct injection and a double-arm chain system that helps to quicken acceleration and run the vehicle more smoothly. The 185 horses stay the same, but we see an 11 per cent increase in torque from 163 to 181.

Just when you thought those changes were enough, Honda has also said goodbye to their five-speed automatic transmission and has installed a sporty CVT that provides a more natural feel and saves money in your wallet with a better fuel economy rating. The all-wheel drive CR-V has been rated at 9.1L/100 km in the city and 7.2L/100 km on the highway, an improvement from 10.6 and 7.9, respectively. Unlike other CVTs, Honda's new one is quiet with very little lag.

While driving throughout Collingwood, the CR-V was composed and balanced throughout. I was surprised to see how direct its steering was while purposely taking some aggressive turns at a couple empty intersections. For a crossover that weighs 3,569 lbs. it handled like a smaller car, something that family folks who want to relive the past would appreciate.

The 2015 Honda CR-V stays pretty close to the same price as the outgoing model. When you factor in the improvements that were made to the engine, safety, technology, design, powertrain and fuel economy – it seems like a bargain. There are many bargains to be had in the segment and that's a big reason why Honda is making such a substantial refresh. It's not the most striking choice, but if you want a trusted and true hauler that will be good for the next six years or so, it's hard to go wrong with the CR-V. Jump to the Touring if you want to have an impressive suite of technology that will most likely be commonplace only a few years from now.