Honda CR-V

Overview: Is the Honda CR-V a Good Compact SUV?

Combining car-like handling with SUV space, the perennially popular Honda CR-V continues redefining small compact expectations. The two-row SUV, family-friendly CR-V employs four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains sending power to a front wheel drive (FWD) or all wheel drive (AWD) system. Plentiful standard features reinforce its reputation for value, while excellent resale value and reliability cement its status as one of America’s best-selling SUVs. Other new Hondas to consider are the Civic, Accord, Passport, and Ridgeline.

The Honda CR-V helped usher in the wave of compact crossover SUVs when it arrived on American shores in 1997. However, this overview covers more recent model years:

• Honda CR-V 3rd Generation: 2007–2011
• Honda CR-V 4th Generation: 2012–2016
• Honda CR-V 5th Generation: 2017–2022
• Honda CR-V 3rd Generation: 2023–Current

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Honda CR-V cars for sale.

Find a used Honda CR-V near me.

Related: Honda CR-V Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

Key Features:

The Honda CR-V offers:

• Five-door compact crossover SUV body style
• Inline four-cylinder (I4) engines (gasoline or hybrid)
• Manual, automatic, or continuously variable transmission (CVT) (varying by year)
• Front wheel drive (FWD/2WD) or all wheel drive (AWD)

Trims

The CR-V lineup for most years spans LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring grades. Honda also offers the SE (or Special Edition) trim for the final year of each generation. Newer editions of the Honda CR-V Hybrid come badged as the Sport, Sport-L, and Sport Touring.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Honda leaves three-row transportation to the larger Pilot SUVs and the Odyssey minivans you’ll find at a Honda dealer. Yet, the two-row CR-V offers ample space for five and their gear. Older base CR-Vs focus on essential equipment like air conditioning and a radio. However, higher trims and newer editions have all the premium features expected in today’s automobiles: leather seats, a hands-free liftgate, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Honda Sense advanced driver-assist technologies.

How It Drives

Rapid acceleration is not a strong point for a CR-V powertrain, even with engines enhanced with VTEC engineering (powertrain technology used in the Acura NSX supercar). Instead, this compact crossover is about providing adequate quickness for highway merging while offering competent and confidence-inspiring handling. Available all wheel drive (AWD) makes the CR-V even more capable. Excellent Honda CRV fuel economy is another benefit. In addition, the 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the sixth generation makes 190 horsepower and is reasonably peppy.

Safety

The fourth and fifth generations of the Honda CR-V received a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The third generation performs almost as well, with four- or five-star rankings on overall and specific NHTSA tests. The sixth-generation CR-V hasn’t yet been evaluated.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, third-generation Honda CR-V reviews average a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, with owners highlighting reliability and value as the crossover’s best traits. Scores drop to 4.0-4.1 for the fourth and fifth generation while still praising the same attributes (reliability and value). There is insufficient feedback on the sixth generation to provide an accurate rating.

Learn More: How Long Do Honda CR-Vs Last? The Scoop On Its Longevity

FAQs

Which is bigger, HR-V or CR-V?

The compact CR-V significantly outsizes the subcompact HR-V in terms of backseat room, cargo space, and overall interior dimensions.

What are common CR-V problems?

There are no widespread mechanical issues with the CR-V. However, carcomplaints.com reports that the 2014, 2015, and 2017 model years are prone to engine issues, like oil dilution (gasoline contaminates the engine oil).

Is CR-V bigger than Tucson?

Comparing newer models, the Honda CRV dimensions on the exterior are larger than the Hyundai Tucson. However, the CR-V and Tucson have similar interior measurements. Prefer a passenger car with two doors? American Honda sold the Accord Coupe and Civic Coupe, which are available as used vehicles.

Does CR-V have good mileage?

Yes, the CR-V delivers very good real-world MPG. Editions with gas engines easily deliver 30 mpg on the highway, while the Honda CRV Hybrid approaches 40 mpg on the open road.

Check out a used Honda CR-V for sale.