The car is very refined, and the build quality is excellent.
I traded in my 2008 RAV4 for this. Both were 125kw 2.4L engines. I loved the RAV, and it was a really good car, but I just wanted a change after 3 years.
The CR-V is definitely smaller that the RAV. However, the turning circle of the CR-V is not as good as the RAV. Inside the CR-V is smaller as well, but the fit and finish is of a higher grade than the RAV. The stereo and all the switches and interior lighting give it a premium feel.
The RAV had a 4 speed auto and the CR-V has a 5 speed auto. The gearbox in the CR-V is much more responsive than the RAV. The gearbox is really good for an auto. The upshifts and downshifts are smooth and quick.
I was always pretty impressed with the handling of the RAV. It was quite good considering it was a soft roader, and had some amount of body roll, which is expected in a car like this. However, the CR-V's handling is so much better. There is very little body roll. The suspension is also firmer, but not uncomfortable. I'm hoping to go on a road trip and drive it on some twisties, to see how it really handles. I remember the RAV being a bit of an effort on the twisties, with the constant under steer making it a lot of work.
On the downside, the car comes with same Bridgestones that the RAV came with. They are horrible and noisy. I changed the RAV's around 40,000 km to these Kuhmos, which were much better. So, eventually I think this will also happen to the CR-V.