The Honda CR-V has been the best-selling entry-SUV since its launch in 1995 as the Comfortable Runabout Vehicle. It debuted as a small SUV that met the need for a daily driver that could go off road while satisfying varied lifestyles. CR-V has since been upgraded to add elegance, sportiness, state-of-the-art tech and entertainment, more power and better fuel economy.

Last redesigned for 2012, the 2017 CR-V begins its fifth generation with a new chassis, more aggressive styling, and an available turbocharged engine.

New for 2017 are more than 60 changes that have been made to the CR-V’s body to increase safety performance through better energy absorption; enhance dynamic performance with increased body stiffness; and improve noise, vibration and harshness. North American-built, the new CR-V is produced at three plants -- East Liberty, Ohio; Alliston, Ontario, Canada; and Greensburg Indiana -- and its engines are manufactured in Anna, Ohio and in Alliston, Ontario.

The new CR-V styling heads in a fresh direction with an aggressive attitude, thanks to crisper and sharper front-end design elements, aggressive stylized headlights surrounded by a wing-shaped LED DRL array on all models, and wide, muscular fenders. The long hood, longer wheelbase, short rear overhang and new dual exhaust outlets give the 2017 CR-V a more sophisticated and athletic presence.

The CR-V's new windswept front end appearance includes signature Honda LED headlights (Touring trim), a Honda-first Active Shutter Grille system that lowers aerodynamic drag, uprated aluminum alloy wheel sizes to 17 or 18 inches on all trims, narrower A-pillars for improved visibility, and sporty dual exhaust.

The revised CR-V is higher and longer, with a wider stance, as the compact SUV gains 1.2 inches in length over the previous generation and now measures 180.6 inches in length, 66.5 inches in height (a gain of 1.4 inches), and 73.0 inches in width (up 1.4 inches) on a 104.7-inch wheelbase, an increase of 1.6 inches. Curbweight comes in at 3421 for my test vehicle, taking off about 130 lbs. from a similar Gen-4 model I tested two years ago.

The 2017 CR-V in EX and higher trims are powered by CR-V's first-ever turbocharged engine, a 1.5-liter DOHC, Direct-Injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine with dual Valve Timing Control, delivering refined and responsive performance across the engine's full operating range. Combined with the CR-V's more aerodynamic body, models equipped with the new turbocharged powerplant have the highest EPA fuel economy ratings in the compact SUV class (non-hybrid).

CR-V LX trims are powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC direct-injected i-VTEC engine with Variable Timing Control. Both engines are mated to a smooth shifting and sporty continuously variable transmission with Honda G-Shift control logic. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 184 hp and 180 lbs.-ft. of torque, and the 1.5-liter turbo is rated at 190hp and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque. In AWD, the 2.5 is EPA rated at 25/city, 31/highway and 27/combined mpg. My test turbo, rated at 27/city, 33/highway and 29/combined in AWD, averaged 28.1mpg in mixed-use driving.

On the highway, acceleration is predictable, with sure passing power, but on the track, CR-V lumbered through a zero-to-60mph sprint in 9.1 seconds during a 17.0-second quarter-mile. The MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear, both with stabilizer bars provide a family-friendly riding experience and steering is responsive for the niche, with minor understeer.

The 2017 CR-V raises the bar for interior refinement, utility and premium features in the compact SUV class. Spacious inside, the quiet cabin is accommodating, filled with electronics and comfort items and is thoughtfully laid out. Passenger volume is up by 1.8 cu.ft. to 105.9 cu. ft. Interior room measures 40.1 inches of front headroom and 39.2 in row two – slight gains over last year; Legroom is 41.3 inches in front and 40.4 inches for the second seats – more than 2 inches of increased rear seat room, and shoulder room measures 57.9 and 55.6 – an inch less than last year.

The fifth-generation CR-V incorporates premium active safety, passive safety and driver-assistive features, including Honda Sensing™ technology, now offered as standard equipment on EX and higher trims. Utilizing Honda's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ body structure, the 2017 CR-V targets the highest available collision safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the IIHS, including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with Honda Sensing.

CR-V is offered in four trim packages in both AWD and 2WD. The Base LX starts at $24,045 and the EX trim I tested starts at $26,695 for the 2WD -- and you gain the Turbo engine, Honda Sensing™, Smart Entry and a 7-inch display audio touchscreen. EX-L starts at $29,195 gaining leather inside, a power liftgate, power seats and auto-rearview mirror. The top-of-the-line Touring trim starts at $32,395 in 2WD and picks up a hand-free access power tailgate, full LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and satellite-linked navigation. My EX in AWD (for $1500 more) based at $28,195. Body side molding added $225, roof rails were $399, running boards were $549, splash guard set added $104, back-up sensors added $528 and destination and handling charges were $940, for a sticker-as-tested of $30,515.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Scheduled for a full makeover for 2019, Toyota’s three-row family SUV, the Highlander, nears the end of its third generation, which debuted in 2014. In January 2001, Highlander became the first car-based midsize SUV or midsize crossover available in North America, and it has been a solid seller for Toyota ever since.

Fast-forward to 2017, Highlander has earned a solid rep for being the right size for family use, with good economy for the niche and easy maneuverability for in-town and soft-road utility.

This year’s edition is 1.35 inches longer for improved dynamics; the top engine gains 25 horsepower and 15 lbs.-ft. of torque; sportier styling has refreshed the SE trim; the hybrid line-up has been expanded to four grades and Highlander adds more safety features to gain it an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ ranking – qualifying for the award with standard equipment.

The Highland exterior has been tweaked with revised front and rear styling and enhanced interior convenience and comfort. Up front, the grille is larger and bolder and the new LED taillights are crisp and lithe. And the interior has been enhanced in the areas of convenience and comfort.

Safetywise, Highlander is among numerous Toyotas employing the innovative Toyota Safety Sense™ P driver-assist technology as standard. Using millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to detect a preceding pedestrian, a preceding vehicle, and visible lane markers in the surrounding area, TSS-P can help the driver identify obstacles and automatically apply braking if necessary to help mitigate or avoid collisions in certain conditions. TSS-P includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams.

Sophisticated and dynamic, Highlander features a progressive silhouette, a low roofline for improved aerodynamics, and sculptured side-door panels. Dimensions for Highlander measure 192.5 inches long, 75.8 inches wide and 68.1 inches high on a 109.8-inch wheelbase, to offer 8.0 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 5000 lbs., with a curbweight in Limited trim of 4495 lbs.

The 2017 Highlander is available in 4-cylinder and V-6 powertrain configurations. The 2.7-liter 4-cylinder is mated to a 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with FWD, and with intelligence (ECT-i), sequential shift mode and snow mode. The system provides 185hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque for an EPA estimate of 20mpg/city, 24mpg/highway and 22/combined.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is rated at 295hp and 263 lbs.-ft- of torque, coupled with a Direct Shift – 8AT, 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence in either FWD or AWD, for an EPA fuel rating of 20mpg/city, 26mpg/highway and 22mpg/combined for AWD.

My test Highlander Limited’s 3.5-liter finished a week of mixed-use driving in wintry conditions, with an average of 21.9mpg. Acceleration and performance were confident and responsive at speed and off the line, as tests polished off a zero-to-60mpg dash in 7.7 seconds while completing 16-second quarter-mile.

Independent MacPherson front struts with an L-shaped lower arm and a stabilizer bar, worked with a trailing arm double wishbone rear, Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive, optimized electric power steering and enhanced fine tuning of springs and shocks to demonstrate solid grip, handling and a road-smoothing experience.

Inside, the quiet cabin seats seven with 39.5 inches of front headroom (with moonroof), 39.6 in row two and 35.9 inches in row three; leg room is 44.2, 38.4 and a child-worthy 27.7 in row three, with shoulder room of 59.3, 59.6 and 55.0. And the Limited trim cabin is packed with infotainment and amenities upgraded with Entune™ Premium JBL®Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. Blue LED ambient lighting around the dash and doors adds a touch of high-tech elegance, and comfortable second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a 4-way power passenger seat and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors set the luxury tone for driver and passengers.

Available in LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum trims, as well as four Hybrid trims starting at $36,270, the gas-version Highlander starts at $30,630 for the base model and tops out with the Limited Platinum starting at $46,260, My test Limited based at a $43,140 starting price that included the Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) package, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Assist Sonar, Integrated Backup Camera, Smart Key System+ Liftgate with Push Button Start, Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel, Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel, Heated/Ventilated Front Seats, Perforated Leather-Trimmed Front- and Second-Row Seats, Seating for Seven With Second-Row Captain's Chairs and 60/40 Split Third-Row Seats, Multi-Information Display, Roll-Top Center Console, Soft-Touch In-Dash Shelf, Three-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Entune™ Premium JBL®Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, Height-Adjustable Power Liftgate and Flip-Up Rear Hatch, Chromtec® Roof Rails and a Moonroof.

Ooh La La Rouge Mica (Red) paint was matched to a Black Perforated Leather interior. Body Side moldings added $209, Door Edge Guards added $125, Roof Rack Cross Bars added $350, Running Boards added $599, Carpet Floor Mats added $129 (but I would opt for the all-weather floor liner package at $249 instead), Remote Engine Starter added $499. With Delivery, Processing and Handling fees of $960, my test 2017 Toyota Highlander Limited stickered at $46,011.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

The 2017 Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals run June 23-25 and perfectly blends decades of GM history with amazing modern day Chevrolet production. With all brands falling under the General Motors umbrella invited to show at the event, this year’s show is already seeing an upswing in vendor and show car interest. In fact, to date, show car registration is up nearly 50% over this same time last year and with Chevrolet committing to the event recently as well, that makes this year’s event one not to miss!

Event tickets are for sale in advance and that type of ticket might just be what’s needed to accommodate the masses for 2017. Booked and confirmed is the first-ever Camaro, serving as the perfect complement to the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Camaro. Not to be outdone, the Firebird celebrates 50 years as well with both brands well represented on the National Parts Depot Showfield. Via Camaro Central and Firebird Central, the two 50th displays will host hundreds of cars specific to the two brands and include special guests, seminars, parts, accessories and more.

Along with the two special anniversaries, Chevrolet weekend also plays host to a car that stole the show at last fall’s SEMA show. Direct from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, guests will want to see the famed V12 Camaro…and hear it too! Speaking of things to hear, Bruce Larson is back after a year away to present Nitrofest and this year, he has some company. Alongside the heart-pounding activity is another that’ll make a little noise and wow guests; the 38 Special Wheel Stander truck. Are we done making noise and going fast? Nope! The need for speed is further satisfied with a special race car display, autocross and autocross rides via UMI Performance and the always popular burnout contest.

Additional weekend features include the GM Custom Showcase, the Solid Lifter Showroom and the GM Muscle Car Showdown. The custom showcase focuses on some of the best touring show cars in the country and includes early rods to modern customs and more. For Solid Lifter fans, the group from Supercar Workshop brings to Carlisle a collection of ultra-rare Yenkos, COPOs and more. There’s also a display planned for Building T that spotlights Pace Cars.

From the swap meet to the massive midway to the showfield itself, the 2017 Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals have a little something for everyone. As mentioned above, advanced tickets are available for sale online now. Tickets are good for a single day or three-days or instead of that, register for the show. A three-day showfield pass allows for on-site parking, a judged showfield plus the driver AND a guest gain access to the event. All the details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Bigger is indeed better and with the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals, guests get the best of the automotive world, literally and figuratively. The 2017 offering runs May 19-21 and this year, Korean cars take center stage. With a showfield parked by country of origin, the 82-acre around the world adventure has something for everyone. From drifting to autocross, burnouts and beauty, seminars, parts shopping and more, Import & Performance weekend isn’t just about classic cars, it’s about classy cars.

One of the best parts about 2017 at Carlisle is that guests may be featured on national TV. Via enthusiast and host Joey Limongelli, Velocity Channel cameras will be onsite filming an all-new show called Legends of Design. The show will highlight the tasteful automotive designs of the import world throughout the years and guests just might find their 15 minutes of fame because of it. Special displays are always a draw too and on-site, guests will see ones dedicated to wagons of the import and performance world, luxury cars and even trucks. There’s also a race prepared vehicle display which is a nice compliment to the autocross and drifting that keeps guests going fast all weekend.

Of course, there are awards available, not just for those showing, but for those who attend as spectators. eJudged.com hosts drive through judging for registered showfield members, while the Passport Program offers all guests a chance to walk the grounds and tour the automotive world, all while getting their special passport booklet stamped. In the end, they’ll get an award too via prizes donated from local businesses.

Aside from the cars and those who show them, this event would be nothing without its passionate base of vendors. From kit car vendors to those selling pieces, parts and collectibles geared to the import lovers, enthusiasts of this show should know that there is no better place to show a car, build a car or find pieces for a car than the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals.

Complete event details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com. There, specific event activities are listed, there are links to register a car, become a vendor, buy single day or full weekend passes, hotel information and so much more.

Is it possible to make the world’s largest all-Ford event even bigger? In short, yes…yes, it is! The 2017 Carlisle Ford Nationals promise even more cars, more people and more excitement as part of the show that runs June 2-4. Presented this year by Meguiar’s, Ford weekend will pack the National Parts Depot Showfield with 100+ years of automotive history. In addition to the cars and trucks on display, Ford Motor Company brings some of its top products (and people) to Carlisle as well.

Where does one start when trying to talk about what the Carlisle Ford Nationals weekend is all about? Should it be the FREE test drives as part of the ride and drive experience at the Carlisle Expo Center? Should it be the massive showfield that hosts nearly 3,300 cars and trucks? How about the massive swap meet and Manufactures Midway area where thousands of original parts and aftermarket accessories are available for Fords of all eras? What about the special displays or even the downtown Ford parade and street party? See, there isn’t just one thing that draws over 50,000 people to Carlisle; it’s ALL things that draw people to Carlisle.

2017 features multiple displays and brand showcases that make this year’s show extra special. Taking center stage will two 100-year features; one focused on Ford Trucks, the other on Lincoln. Ford weekend also spotlights 60 years of the Edsel as well as 50 years for the GT500 and Cougar. As part of the Cougar fun, guests can see the first-ever Cougar produced. There’s even an E and F code reunion too.

The product walk-arounds from Ford are unmatched as well, with some of the most important people in the company talking to guests about what went into the cars and trucks that are on display or coming onto the market in the coming months and maybe best of all, Ford product experts will be positioned within the Ford Performance Garage taking care of installs, all with the car owner enjoys the show.

Even more aspects of Ford weekend will be announced in the coming weeks and months via the Carlisle Events social media channels and at www.CarlisleEvents.com. While on the web, there are links available to register for the show, buy single day or weekend passes, register to become a vendor and more. It all gets underway June 2 in America’s Automotive Hometown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.