The rush is on to market new small crossover utilities, and rivals have pegged the Honda CR-V as the one to beat. No wonder, our long term CR-V is stylish, ultra-practical, and very fuel efficient for its class. With 6,700 miles on its 185-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, we’re returning 28.9 miles per gallon of regular. Also, while the CR-V is officially a compact, we find that misleading since it has more seat-down cargo space than our mid-size Jeep Grand Cherokee. We also have no wants yet for the CR-V but we’ll keep looking.

There are a lot of fine compact crossovers on the market as our recent comparison test showed. The winner of that shootout was the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V. Reasons included comfort, room, and features that promote versatility. After just over 2 months and 7200 miles on the odometer, efficiency is good at 25.9 miles per gallon of regular. By the way, that pretty much matches a key rival, the Mazda CX-5 that is also in our long term test fleet. There have been some complaints by car reviewers, including us that the new CR-V might not be new enough to stay on top. Still, it is nearly impossible to fault the total effort. There is a refinement to this 4th generation CR-V that its rivals lack. That alone will continue to make the Honda CR-V hard to beat.

Despite a slew of new compact crossovers in recent months, the Honda CR-V remains the industry benchmark and it’s easy to see why. Our long term CR-V delivers a near perfect balance of power, economy, comfort, and utility. Yes, we can nickpick a few things like the antiquated NAV system on our EX-L, and an interior wedded to hard plastics, but that’s about it. One notable improvement for this 4th Gen CR-V is a much better air conditioner that now easily handles triple digit temps. With just over 4 months and 10,500 miles under its tires, fuel economy is quite good at 25.5 miles per gallon of regular. And that’s with a 5-speed automatic transmission, one less gear than most rivals. We find the energy of the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter I4 to be more than adequate with a decent reserve for passing. So, the Honda CR-V undramatically rides on, waiting for other compact crossovers to take their best shot.

As to sales of the Honda CR-V, since its redesign a year ago it has outsold all of the rest of Honda’s utilities combined. While critics, including us, predicted a tough time for CR-V against so many great new rivals, the public still sees it as the compact crossover to beat. After 5 months and nearly 12,500 largely urban miles, the energetic 185-horsepower 2.4-liter I4 is spitting out decent fuel economy of 24.8 miles per gallon of regular, although it has dropped since last report. Out on the highway we’ve seen 30 and above frequently. And, this 4th generation CR-V is indeed great for vacations with a smooth ride and more cargo room than some mid-size SUVs. Our staff really loves the smart folding rear seats. Add a touch screen to the navigation system and the CR-V would be almost perfect. And, obviously, more buyers than ever tend to agree that the CR-V fits their needs the same way.

Our attitude about this 2012 Honda CR-V has actually brightened since we first tested it a year ago. While there are a lot of new compact crossover competitors, many with flashier styling and high tech hardware, the CR-V continues to soldier on doing many things better than any rival. Like ride which is smooth, controlled, and confident, even over serious bumps at interstate speeds. Or the incredibly easy to fold split second row seat. Why can’t every one design a seat system like this? Then there is mileage. While not quite as good as some; 25.4 MPG after 7 months and 15,000 miles, it is top drawer in power as the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter I4 leaves plenty in reserve for passing. We do have one fault. The windshield washers are not working. Yes, it has fluid. So, a trip to the dealer is called for.

Our recent trip south for winter testing once again put our Honda CR-V on the open road. Filled with people and gear, we continue to be impressed with how well this compact crossover does everything well. And, that includes fuel economy which after over 22,000 miles and 8 months stands at 25.7 miles per gallon of regular.

The 185-horsepower 2.4-liter I4 leaves plenty in reserve for passing, although we are noticing a bit more valve noise than when new. The windshield washers are working again. The pump motor failed. Other than that, our CR-V has been fault free.

Seats are very comfortable and for a compact crossover there is little want for more room, front, back, or in the cargo bay.

If Honda ever enters the 21-century with their navigation system, the current one is cumbersome to use, the Honda CRV will approach crossover perfection.

Our 2012 Honda CR-V has turned out to be a real workhorse. Whether it’s hauling crews to shoots, or kids and pets to vacations, it’s always on the go. No wonder after 10 months we’ve already topped 24,000 miles.

A high point has been the CR-V’s combination of robust power and fine fuel economy. 26.9 miles per gallon of regular so far.

Very few low points. One minor one is the left foot dead pedal pad has come unglued from the carpet.

The CR-V is a good value too. Our loaded EX-L with Navigation costs less than most comparably equipped rivals. And, we’re amazed at how much cargo it holds. Its available all-wheel drive system digs right in with completely invisible operation. Clearly the Honda CR-V deserves its class benchmark status.

When we’re asked which compact utility to buy, the Honda CR-V is always a top suggestion. There are other small crossovers that have an edge in economy, features, or styling. But, none covers the essentials with more quality and value than the CR-V.

As it leaves us, this 2012 EX-L with Nav CR-V has been extremely reliable and consistent over 12 months and nearly 28,000 miles.

 Our only fault was the left foot dead pedal pad came unglued. The CR-V’s cargo bay is larger than some mid-size utes, and the second row seat is a snap to fold.

The smooth if slightly noisy 2.4-liter I4 engine has a broad power band, and returned a good test average of 26.5 miles per gallon of regular. The all-wheel drive system worked seamlessly too. Indeed, both on and off-pavement  performance proved excellent.

As we say about a lot of Honda products, the CR-V may not be the best in any one area, yet it does everything well above average.