Based on Honda's Global Compact Platform (which also serves as the underpinnings for the Civic and upcoming Model-X lines), the CR-V's torsional stiffness has been improved 50%, while bending rigidity has improved by 30%. The 4 wheel double wishbone suspension has been replaced by a Toe Control Link MacPherson Strut setup in the front, and a reactive link double wishbone setup for the rear. The braking system has been upgraded to a 4-wheel disc system, with ventilated 11.1" rotors for the front, and solid 11.1" discs in the rear (vs. drum brakes on the previous model).

Together, these pieces contribute to quite a rewarding driving experience. The chassis stiffening measures have really paid off - there's absolutely no perceptible body flex or shake over any road surfaces. The suspension does a great job of soaking up road irregularities while keeping the ride motions well under control. This is in contrast to many other SUVs I've driven which have softer suspension tuning. This soft tuning results in a smooth ride on smooth roads, but poor control of body motions over irregular surfaces. The CR-V's overall ride quality is tuned with a tilt towards sportiness/responsiveness, but it is in no way jarring or uncomfortable. Another benefit to this suspension tuning is the responsive handling. It is excellent for an SUV, and even quite good by car standards. The CR-V responds to steering inputs instantly and with very little sense of body roll or inertial resistance. I hustled it through some fairly technical curves on nearby mountain roads and came away quite impressed with how easy and enjoyable it was to fling through the corners. The ultimate cornering ability is certainly limited by the all-season tires and the high roll center, but you can still have fun within those bounds. Up until that point, the handling is quite neutral, but once you exceed the traction limits you quickly progress into understeer. At 34.1 feet, the turning diameter is quite tidy. This makes it handy when parking in tight spaces or pulling u-turns.

The brakes felt strong and offered good feedback, with perhaps a touch too much audible feedback. The example I drove may have had slightly warped rotors - I didn't feel any vibration, but I could hear a bit of a warbling, gritty sound when applying the brakes. At any rate, the brakes were capable of hauling the vehicle down from highway speeds to a stop with little drama. They also proved competent in scrubbing off speed during spirited mountain descents.

Overall, I found the chassis to be quite competent, with the only killjoy being the high center of gravity.