Introduced for the 1997 model year, the Honda CR-V has become one of the mainstays of the Honda lineup and one of the most popular SUVs in the world. Initially based on the same platform as the Honda Civic, the CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that delivers a spacious interior despite its small size, giving you an amazing vehicle that works well for singles, couples, new families, and just about anyone else.
Depending on who you ask, the name stands for either “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle” or “Compact Recreational Vehicle”—but whatever it means, the only thing we know is that it stands for reliability, bold performance, and a stunning design that has us coming back for more year after year.
When it first hit the road here in the US in the late 1990s, the CR-V only had a single trim level available and was powered by a 2.0L I-4 engine that delivered 126 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque. A lot has changed with the CR-V since then as it has been through numerous updates and generations: a second generation for the CR-V launched with the 2002 model, followed by a facelift in 2005, and a third generation for the 2007 model year.
Honda has followed a similar pattern in the decades since its initial release, with a facelift a few years after a redesign, then an all-new generation a couple of years after that. With each update and new generation, the CR-V simply gets better, bringing gorgeous design, sophisticated performance, and innovative features year after year.
With the launch of the fifth-generation CR-V for the 2017 model year, Honda shifted it to their new global platform, also used with their popular Civic; this has allowed Honda’s designers and engineers to focus on making a single model available in a variety of markets. (Previously, they developed different versions of some of their vehicles for different countries.)
We can see the impact of this renewed focus on the models that have hit the road since then, bringing reinvigorated style and remarkable designs with them to ensure the CR-V remains one of the best vehicles out there. It is no surprise that the CR-V has become Honda’s best-selling model overall, nor that it is the second-best-selling SUV in the world.
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Rolling into 2025, the Honda CR-V continues to be a sporty and reliable compact SUV. Performance is as good as ever with a standard turbocharged engine that delivers a great driving experience day after day. The EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway that you get with this starting engine is already impressive for an SUV, but Honda goes even further by giving you a hybrid option.[b] Choosing one of the Sport trims gets you the hybrid engine and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.[b] This is the perfect way to enjoy everything the CR-V has to offer while staying on the road longer between stops for gas.
Inside, the 2025 Honda CR-V remains a beautiful combination of comfort and innovative technology. The standard LX trim includes convenience features like automatic climate control to keep everyone comfortable on the road. Available options take things further with dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a heated 10-way power front seat, and much more. The 2025 CR-V comes with a seven-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and a seven-inch infotainment display standard. Available upgrades include a nine-inch infotainment screen, a Bose 12-speaker sound system, a wireless charging pad, and more fantastic tech.
The 2025 Honda CR-V is also an incredibly safe vehicle thanks to Honda Sensing Technologies coming standard on every trim. This includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Brake Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow. You also get a Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Traffic Jam Assist, Driver Attention Monitor, and more. Honda even lets you take safety further with a number of available options like front and rear Parking Sensors, a Blind Spot Information System, and Cross Traffic Monitor. No matter which CR-V trim you choose, it can help keep you and your family safe; the available options simply go the extra mile.
With the launch of an all-new generation for the 2023 model year, the 2024 Honda CR-V does not have a massive list of changes, though there are some finer points worth exploring. For one thing, the CR-V continues to look absolutely stunning thanks to a rugged design and long wheelbase that provides it with a wide and powerful stance.
This crossover can handle anything life throws at you, plus you can choose available features like roof rails and a hands-free power tailgate to make things even easier. To take the look of your CR-V even further, check out the HPD package that includes a tailgate spoiler, unique decals and emblems, and fender flares for an added touch of style.
For 2024, Honda introduces a new Sport-L Hybrid trim to give you more options for the perfect SUV with an available hybrid engine; this trim acts as a middle-way between the Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims that were already available, giving you leather upholstery, power-adjustable passenger seating, and a wireless charging pad inside.
You get the larger 9.0-inch infotainment display with the Sport-L trim—rather than the 7.0-inch screen found on the Sport Hybrid—and an eight-speaker sound system. Ultimately, the Sport Touring is still the highest expression of hybrid CR-V design, but this additional trim gives you an exciting new option designed to take your driving experience further.
For the 2023 model year, Honda launches an all-new sixth generation for the CR-V, proving once again that even one of the best crossover SUVs on the road can keep getting better. First and foremost, this new generation comes with a complete redesign that looks absolutely stunning and is larger than previous models, though it has not changed its size class.
The bigger design allows for greater space inside, which affords more legroom for your passengers, and Honda has made it so the rear seats even have a recline function. A 1.5L turbocharged engine remains standard on the CR-V since the 2020 update, but it has been tuned for sportier performance; the 2.0L hybrid powertrain is still available with boosted horsepower and remarkable efficiency.
The increased cabin space is not all that has changed with the CR-V’s interior, as you will find a more stylish and refined experience once you get inside the sixth-generation model. The dashboard features gorgeous details like honeycomb-textured inserts and soft-touch materials throughout, providing you with a sophisticated ride that you are sure to look forward to each day.
A 7.0-inch digital display can be found with the analog speedometer, which provides you with information that is easy to keep an eye on while driving. A 7.0-inch infotainment screen is now standard on all models, while a gorgeous 9.0-inch infotainment display is available on higher trims, providing you with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. You can also get a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system for an unbelievable audio experience.
While not the start of an all-new generation, the 2020 Honda CR-V features a gorgeous facelift and refresh that reinvigorates and rejuvenates this remarkable crossover, making it better than ever before. The first thing you will probably notice about this updated CR-V is the redesigned front fascia and new upper grille, lending this crossover a bold overall look that is undeniably strong and refined.
Revised side skirts on the 2020 CR-V feature chrome inserts, which you will also find on the new rear bumper—plus, you get redesigned 18-inch wheels with larger 19-inch wheels on certain models. Just as exciting, this update also introduces a hybrid powertrain for the CR-V: a 2.0L I-4 with a pair of electric motors to deliver exceptional power and fuel efficiency.
The 2.4L engine that was standard in previous years has been dropped completely with the 2020 update, making the 1.5L turbocharged engine the new standard, offering superior performance and a great overall driving experience. Inside the updated model, you will find a refreshed interior that remains stylish and highly functional, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
One of the most exciting features of this update is that the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies is now standard on every model. This means great systems like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control can be found on every 2020 Honda CR-V.
For the 2017 model year, Honda completely redesigned the CR-V and launched its fifth generation, bringing this extraordinary compact crossover to an all-new level. You will find two different engines available for the 2017 Honda CR-V, giving you two fantastic picks to enjoy: either a standard 2.4L I-4 that offers 184 hp or a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 with 190 hp and boosted performance.
Both engines offer a fun drive, particularly since the continuously variable transmission they're paired with is one of the best on the market, ensuring smooth acceleration that is sure to put a smile on your face. Ride quality and handling are exceptional with the 2017 model, plus you get to enjoy terrific fuel economy that lets you go longer between stops for gas.
Inside the 2017 CR-V, you will find a spacious and well-appointed interior that welcomes you and rewards you every time you get behind the wheel. Soft-touch materials abound, providing the CR-V with a luxurious and sophisticated feel, along with impressive accents and details across every trim level designed to elevate the overall look of the CR-V’s interior.
It's quite spacious inside, giving you plenty of room for your passengers and any cargo you need to bring with you. This two-row model is perfect for a small family or group of friends. A 5.0-inch infotainment system is standard, though higher trims come with a larger 7.0-inch screen; after some complaints about previous models planning too far ahead of modern technology's capabilities, the 2017 CR-V features a volume knob to go with its touchscreen controls.