About CR-V
The Honda CR-V arrived in Japan in 1995 and in America two years later, built on Civic underpinnings with a plastic picnic table hidden in the cargo floor in early versions. It became one of the founding fathers of the compact crossover segment and, eventually, Honda's best-selling vehicle in America. Its formula of generous interior space, easy driving, strong fuel economy and Honda reliability has made it a default choice for families, commuters and retirees alike.
Over six generations the CR-V has grown roomier and more refined. The fifth generation brought a turbocharged engine, criticized for oil-dilution issues in cold climates, and a hybrid. The sixth generation, launched for 2023, is larger and more upscale, with the hybrid now the mainstream choice and a rugged TrailSport trim added. Honda also built a CR-V e:FCEV in Ohio, a plug-in hybrid that runs on hydrogen fuel cells, sold in small numbers in California.
The CR-V is assembled in Ohio, Indiana and Canada for North America and in several other countries for global markets. Its rivals include the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue and Ford Escape. Reports point to a next-generation model in development with an updated hybrid system. Follow redesign news, recalls, reliability rankings, comparison tests, used-market values and the ever-close sales race with the RAV4.