CARLSBAD, Calif. — A dirt trace through a canyon carved by Agua Hedionda Creek as it meanders to the California coast near Carlsbad consists of trails running up or down banks on packed but sandy loam.

Loose dirt and chat on a grade can be a challenge to traction even for a vehicle that applies the engine’s torque to all wheels, although our runs on the Carlsbad trails in the redesigned 2012 CR-V 5-door crossover utility vehicle from Honda demonstrate that this compact-class wagon packs enough guts and gear to conquer even an off-pavement course.

It takes some convincing for one driver, however, because from the outset high atop the trailhead our view beyond the steering wheel reveals nothing more than thin air as the route descends into the creekbed.

Pull the shifter lever down to the lowest gear, then ease into the throttle and allow the vehicle to roll onto the slope while an intelligent traction system disburses powertrain torque between front and rear wheels to check wheel slippage and hold all tires on the grade.

Our CR-V moves steadily down the trail and into the rutted ravine — then also climbs slopes without protest.

These maneuvers at Carlsbad clearly reveal that the sophisticated all-wheel-drive (AWD) mechanism in Honda’s CUV can maintain a firm grip even on a dicy surface like dirt.

For less challenging conditions such as dry pavement, all power applies to the front wheels that also steer the wagon. Two-wheel-drive versions also direct all of the engine’s power to the front wheels.

CR-V for 2012 represents the fourth generation of Honda’s smooth-riding and comfortable vehicle that drives and rides like a car and functions like a miniature minivan.

Foundation for the CR-V is a unit-body platform which shows the extensive use of high-tensile steel. The platform merges chassis and superstructure to forge a single framework that’s extremely strong and rigid. It has a low center of gravity and a wide-track tread to enhance vehicle stability when set to motion.

Compared to its 2011 predecessor, the 2012 CR-V has the same wheelbase length of 103.1 inches but the body runs about 0.8 inches shorter in overall length and its roofline dips lower by at least an inch.

Body styling is sleeker and stronger. There’s a low hood line to enhance forward visibility for the driver, a three-bar horizontal grille tucked between corner headlamp clusters and a lower valance that emulates a skid plate.

Fender blisters bulge around front wheels to forge a forceful stance, as the roofline arches over the cabin and strips of flank windows get black-capped pillars. At the rear long red lamps define edges of a top-hinged tailgate, which curves down and fits snugly against the bottom bumper.

Dramatic styling continues in a spacious cabin filled with creative designs, extensive safety equipment and downright fancy features.

The layout consists of bucket seats and center console in front of a bench seat for three and a bay in back measuring to 37.2 cubic feet for cargo and sports equipment. The bench seatback splits 60/40 and sections fold forward to virtually double the rear storage space.

Working in favor of a dynamic vehicle is CR-V’s independent suspension — tuned MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link design in back — with 16-inch steel wheels on base trim or 17-inch alloys for all other editions.

There’s a computer-managed vehicle stability control system aboard labeled Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), along with a four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) coupled to electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic brake assist (BA) units.

The front-wheel-drive (FWD) powertrain for CR-V consists of a four-cylinder engine linked to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

The dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) 2.4-liter in-line-four is made from aluminum with a drive-by-wire throttle and Honda’s i-VTEC (variable value timing and lift electronic control) valvetrain.

The four-pack plant develops 185 hp at 7000 rpm and torque of 163 lb-ft at 4400 rpm. It also earns good fuel-burn scores with EPA mileage estimates rising to 31 mpg.
Honda builds the new CR-V in three grades — LX, EX and EX-L, and each can be rigged with FWD or AWD traction.

Note, though, that the absence of protective undercarriage plates and a lockable differential with low-gear range signify that CR-V’s four-wheeling intent is directed at improving traction on rain-slick pavement or in winter weather.

The 2012 CR-V LX trim stocks standard equipment like air conditioning, cruise control, power controls for windows and door locks and mirrors, a keyless entry device, tilting/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, automatic headlamps, a rearview camera, color multi-information display, Bluetooth phone connection and a 4-speaker audio kit with AM/FM/CD/USB and Pandora interface.

CR-V EX trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps and sunroof, retractable cargo cover and a 6-speaker audio. The EX-L edition goes further with leather-clad seats, 8-way power for the driver’s bucket, heated front seats, a twin-zone automatic climate system and 7-speaker premium sound system. Add-on equipment packages include a navigation system and a rear entertainment system with DVD player.

Honda creates a precise MSRP list for 2012 CR-V models beginning at $22,295 for the LX FWD and $23,545 for LX AWD.

2012 HONDA CR-V CROSSOVER SUV SPECIFICATIONS

• Description: Compact 5-door Crossover SUV
• Model options:
  • CR-V LX
  • CR-V EX
  • CR-V EX-L
  • CR-V EX-L/RES
  • CR-V EX-L/NAV
• Wheelbase: 103.1 inches
• Overall length: 178.3 inches
• Engine size: DOHC 2.4-L I4/i-VTEC
• Transmissions/speeds: Auto/5
• Rear/front drive:
  • 2WD/FWD
  • 4WD/AWD
• Steering: EPS/rack and pinion
• Braking: Power 4-disc, ABS/EBD/BA/TCS/VSA/TPMS
• Air bags: 2 (front), 2 (side), 4 (side curtain)
• EPA mileage est. city/hwy.:
  • FWD:     23/31 mpg
  • AWD:     22/30 mpg
• MSRP, est.:
  • $22,295: CR-V LX FWD
  • $23,545: CR-V LX AWD
  • $24,395: CR-V EX FWD
  • $25,645: CR-V EX AWD
  • $27,045: CR-V EX-L FWD
  • $28,295: CR-V EX-L AWD
  • $27,745: CR-V EX-L FWD/RES
  • $28,995: CR-V EX-L AWD/RES
  • $28,545: CR-V EX-L FWD/NAV
  • $29,795: CR-V EX-L AWD/NAV