I drove Honda's $43,000 CR-V Hybrid. It's one of the finest compact SUVs money can buy.

• The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact SUVs in the US and Honda's best-selling model.
• I was impressed by the CR-V's refined hybrid powertrain, quiet ride, and excellent cabin ergonomics.
• I also feel the CR-V's cabin could feel more upscale and is missing some tech content.

The CR-V, or Comfortable Runabout Vehicle, was Honda's first homegrown SUV when it debuted in 1997. Before then, the Japanese automaker had been selling rebranded sport utilities from Isuzu and Land Rover.