The 2013 Honda CR-V carries a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 185 horsepower and 163 foot-pounds of torque.

One of the first of the now-popular class of vehicles known as crossovers, the compact Honda CR-V deservedly has always been a star in its niche, even as the competition grew.

Introduced originally for 1997, the CR-V last year entered its fourth generation, with an all-new design that gave it a sleeker, less boxy exterior; a more refined interior; and some new technology to help it keep up with the tech-savvy buyers to whom the CR-V consistently appeals.

For 2013, prices begin at $22,795 for the base front-wheel-drive LX version, and run as high as $30,295 for the top-of-the-line EX-L version with all-wheel drive and the navigation package. The "L" designation stands for "leather."

In between are the LX all-wheel-drive version and a variety of EX (no leather) and EX-L models, with either two- or four-wheel drive.

Our tester was the top model, the EX-L all-wheel drive with the built-in navigation system. This model was equipped with everything one can buy on the CR-V except the rear-seat entertainment system, which apparently is not available on models that include the nav system.

There’s also an upscale version of the CR-V sold under the Acura name — the RDX. It has its own unique exterior and interior styling, but essentially is just a fancier CR-V underneath, although it is about five inches longer. It ranges from $34,320-$39,420, and also comes with either front- or all-wheel-drive.

The CR-V has room for up to five passengers. No third row has ever been offered in this model, although its biggest competitor, the Toyota RAV4, did have a small third-row seat in its previous generation; it lost that feature with a complete redesign for 2013.

Other competitors in this burgeoning class include the Ford Escape, which was also redesigned for 2013 and now looks a lot like the CR-V; Nissan Rogue; Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport; Subaru Forester; the new Subaru XV Crosstrek; Subaru Outback; Buick Encore; Kia Sportage; Hyundai Tucson; Jeep Patriot and Compass; Mazda CX-5; Volkswagen Tiguan; Chevrolet Equinox; and GMC Terrain.

Even with all of that competition, the CR-V holds its own in the market. Although sales are off slightly so far this year from last year’s totals, Honda sold 281,652 of the CR-V during 2012, a 29 percent increase from 2011. That outpaced the RAV4 by more than 100,000 sales and made the CR-V one of the nation’s best-selling vehicles for the year.

The CR-V also garnered some accolades, such as making Kelley Blue Book’s list of "Top 10 Family Cars," among others.

Its popularity is based on a variety of attributes, including comfort, safety, reliability and even its fuel economy — 23 mpg city/31 highway for the front-drive models and 22/30 for the all-wheel drives.

It’s not best in class for mileage, though. Mazda claims 26/35 with the manual-transmission version of its CX-5, and 26/32 with the automatic version. Still, the CR-V’s fuel economy is comparable to most of its competitors, even though its standard five-speed automatic transmission is getting a bit dated; most vehicles in this class have a six-speed, which generally gives slightly better highway mileage.

Under the hood of all CR-V models is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 185 horsepower and 163 foot-pounds of torque. We found it to have plenty of power for this vehicle, even with a couple of people in the back seat and some luggage in the rear.

We gave it a run on some hills, too, and the CR-V never felt underpowered, although the cruise control didn’t hold the speed on the uphill runs as precisely as I expected — it dropped as much as 5 mph at times.

Among standard equipment are leather seats/steering wheel/shift knob; heated front seats (10-way power-adjustable for the driver); a power tilt/slide sunroof; a rearview camera built into the voice-activated navigation system; a premium audio system with seven speakers (including subwoofer); power windows/mirrors/door locks with remote; and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Honda says the new exterior design was intended to give the CR-V a more aggressive look, but to me it’s actually softer than before, with lines that seem to flow. It’s remarkably similar in appearance to both the Escape and RAV4.

There is a new horizontal three-bar grille and deep-set multi-reflector headlights, bolder fender flares and a lower rear roofline with a liftgate that tilts slightly forward at the top.

Inside, the CR-V is now more carlike, and the seats are lower than before. Outward visibility is still excellent, though.

As longtime CR-V owners, we noticed how quiet the newest generation is, even at high freeway speeds. Honda attributes that to a more-rigid body structure, improved suspension isolation, more insulation, and better aerodynamics—including underbody covers and a rear spoiler.

During our test, we averaged about 27 mpg in a mix of highway and city driving — with the highway miles about 70 percent of the total. That was using the provided ECON mode, which sets transmission shift points to optimize fuel economy rather than provide jackrabbit starts.

Safety features include electronic stability control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags with rollover sensor, and front seat-mounted side air bags.

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2013 HONDA CR-V:

—The package: Compact, five-door, five-passenger, four-cylinder powered, front- or all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicle.

—Highlights: The CR-V entered its fourth generation for 2012, with a new, sleeker body design and more-refined interior. It’s roomy, pleasant to drive, and has adequate power with its four-cylinder engine.

—Negatives: No engine upgrade offered for more power; five-speed automatic transmission is outdated; no manual gearbox available for better fuel economy.

—Engines: 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder.

—Transmission: Five-speed automatic.

—Power/torque: 185 horsepower/163 pound-feet.

—Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.

—Length: 178.3 inches.

—Curb weight range: 3,305-3,490 pounds.

—Cargo volume: 37.2 cubic feet (rear seat in place); 70.9 cubic feet (rear seat folded down).

—EPA fuel economy: 23 mpg city/31 highway (front drive); 22/30 (all-wheel drive).

—Base price: $22,795

—Price as tested: $30,295

—On the Road rating: 8.7 (of a possible 10).

All prices exclude destination charge.

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