Honda is keeping the technical details of the 2015 CR-V a secret until September 30, but it’s clear from the lone photo that the utility will be receiving a styling makeover. The update of Honda’s class-leading small SUV gives up the triple chrome horizontal bars, bringing the CR-V’s face in line with Honda’s latest models like the new Fit and Civic. Instead, the grille now consists of a large black bar, logo embedded, connecting the headlights.

Redesigned headlights appear to be projector beam units. Framing the headlights are what look to be LED driving lights, bridged by the chrome edges of the grille. The overall effect is an attractive outline of brightwork that encircles the entire headlight-grille unit.

The lower bumper has been retouched as well, and now features a matte dark gray skid plate-esque division overlaying black cladding surrounding the lower section. Sleeker, redesigned fog lamps take on a unique shape filling in windswept bezels. Finally, the side-view mirrors have sprouted integrated turn signals. Similar tweaks are expected out back.

As indicated by our spy shots, the interior of the CR-V won’t change much, but expect to see a few improvements.

Under hood we hear the 2015 CR-V could borrow the direct-injection 2.4L four-cylinder from the Accord. Horsepower would stay the same at 185, but the addition of DI could push the CR-V from 163 lb-ft of torque to 181 lb-ft. A CVT would replace the CR-V’s current five-speed auto.

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