2013 Honda CR-V vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The 2013 Honda CR-V stands as one of the best configured, most refined, and safest vehicles in its class, although with its most recent redesign it's faded to the back of the pack in driving enjoyment.

The Toyota RAV4 hasn't been redesigned or refreshed in many, many years, and it still offers four-cylinder or V-6 engines, plus an available third-row seat; especially with the V-6 (but even with the four), it feels sprightly compared to the CR-V, though its styling is now very dated.

The Ford Escape is all-new this year, with a rakish profile and smooth, arched roofline, plus a lineup of four-cylinder engines, including turbo fours, and more of an emphasis on style, performance, and handling.

On the other hand, the Escape isn't as boxy and practical in that way as the previous version was.

The Chevrolet Equinox comes with a fuel-efficient direct-injection engine and six-speed automatic transmission; it's also quiet and refined inside, but it's not quite as space-efficient or versatile as the Honda.

Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are a bit smaller than the CR-V but not all that much more fuel-efficient; they're not nearly as spacious inside, either, but they drive with more small-car verve.