With SUV rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and recently revealed Hyundai Santa Fe adopting ever bolder styling, the conservatively-styled Honda CR-V is going to find it tough to leave an impression on its family-oriented shoppers.

Thankfully, the latest refresh to the car does much to raise its appeal.

Updated looks

The new Honda CR-V now not only sports new front and back bumpers, which pair with LED head lights, daytime driving lights, and taillights, the last of which also now come smoked on the seven-seater variant.

Combined with the now trapezoidal exhausts ends, the familiar family SUV from Honda has grown to look not just smarter, but dare I say a little more sinister as well.

Shoppers that opt for this seven-seater variant of the CR-V will additionally get roof rails and 18-inch rims (as opposed to the 17-inch items on the five-seater) which do well to add to the SUV's road presence.

Improved tech

Also new with this update is the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance functions. Here, however, the upgrade is less successful.

Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and the Road Departure Mitigation system all work well, however, it is pretty much a coin toss as to whether the Lane Keep Assist System is able to detect lane markings and keep you centered within your lane.

Honda's Lanewatch system is still present in this updated car, making it a breeze to filter over to the left, or to check just how much space you have in tight multi-storeys.

The 7.0-inch Touchscreen Display Audio in the Honda CR-V also retains the same software as before, and is now starting to look dated next to the newer graphics present in the current Honda Accord.

As comfortable as ever

Nonetheless, I don't think any of the above points should dissuade you from making a purchase, for the Honda CR-V is still one pleasant thing to steer.

Take control over the steering wheel yourself and you will find it suitably weighted for a family SUV. The car also has excellent seats, with well-shaped bolsters that are sufficiently soft and cushy, but still do a good job of holding you in when tackling corners.

Ride quality is also well-judged for a car designed to serve family-ferrying duties. Large humps and the like are simply cushioned over with minimal fuss.

Insulation from road and wind noise in the Honda CR-V is excellent. Engine drone meanwhile, is tolerable when the CR-V is driven gently, but mash the accelerator pedal and the 1.5-litre unit will let out an agricultural note at a rather high volume.

Drivetrain responsiveness at initial take-off can be a little dull, but you are offered the option to engage sport mode should you find yourself running late on the school run.

And still plenty practical as well

Space for those seated in the third row may be stingy, but the CR-V's strong air-conditioning fans do a good job of alleviating any claustrophobia.

And those that frequently have small children in tow will also find the car's convenience features such as the hands-free tailgate and the Walk Away Auto Lock very handy.

A deep centre console cubby offers plenty of storage space for all your accessories when on the go. 

Still mighty competitive

If you're looking for a modest and discreetly-styled SUV, this updated Honda CR-V will continue to appeal as a comfortable vehicle for all your family's recreational adventures.

Looking for your next seven-seater SUV? Don't forget to check out these alternatives:

The Toyota RAV4 delivers on spaciousness and appealing design

Or there's also the boldly styled and fuel-sipping Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

And there's also the Mazda CX-5, with its premium cabin and sleek, aggressive looks

With SUV rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and recently revealed Hyundai Santa Fe adopting ever bolder styling, the conservatively-styled Honda CR-V is going to find it tough to leave an impression on its family-oriented shoppers.

Thankfully, the latest refresh to the car does much to raise its appeal.

Updated looks

The new Honda CR-V now not only sports new front and back bumpers, which pair with LED head lights, daytime driving lights, and taillights, the last of which also now come smoked on the seven-seater variant.

Combined with the now trapezoidal exhausts ends, the familiar family SUV from Honda has grown to look not just smarter, but dare I say a little more sinister as well.

Shoppers that opt for this seven-seater variant of the CR-V will additionally get roof rails and 18-inch rims (as opposed to the 17-inch items on the five-seater) which do well to add to the SUV's road presence.

Improved tech

Also new with this update is the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance functions. Here, however, the upgrade is less successful.

Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and the Road Departure Mitigation system all work well, however, it is pretty much a coin toss as to whether the Lane Keep Assist System is able to detect lane markings and keep you centered within your lane.

Honda's Lanewatch system is still present in this updated car, making it a breeze to filter over to the left, or to check just how much space you have in tight multi-storeys.

The 7.0-inch Touchscreen Display Audio in the Honda CR-V also retains the same software as before, and is now starting to look dated next to the newer graphics present in the current Honda Accord.

As comfortable as ever

Nonetheless, I don't think any of the above points should dissuade you from making a purchase, for the Honda CR-V is still one pleasant thing to steer.

Take control over the steering wheel yourself and you will find it suitably weighted for a family SUV. The car also has excellent seats, with well-shaped bolsters that are sufficiently soft and cushy, but still do a good job of holding you in when tackling corners.

Ride quality is also well-judged for a car designed to serve family-ferrying duties. Large humps and the like are simply cushioned over with minimal fuss.

Insulation from road and wind noise in the Honda CR-V is excellent. Engine drone meanwhile, is tolerable when the CR-V is driven gently, but mash the accelerator pedal and the 1.5-litre unit will let out an agricultural note at a rather high volume.

Drivetrain responsiveness at initial take-off can be a little dull, but you are offered the option to engage sport mode should you find yourself running late on the school run.

And still plenty practical as well

Space for those seated in the third row may be stingy, but the CR-V's strong air-conditioning fans do a good job of alleviating any claustrophobia.

And those that frequently have small children in tow will also find the car's convenience features such as the hands-free tailgate and the Walk Away Auto Lock very handy.

A deep centre console cubby offers plenty of storage space for all your accessories when on the go. 

Still mighty competitive

If you're looking for a modest and discreetly-styled SUV, this updated Honda CR-V will continue to appeal as a comfortable vehicle for all your family's recreational adventures.

Looking for your next seven-seater SUV? Don't forget to check out these alternatives:

The Toyota RAV4 delivers on spaciousness and appealing design

Or there's also the boldly styled and fuel-sipping Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

And there's also the Mazda CX-5, with its premium cabin and sleek, aggressive looks