Here Are The Honda CR-V Years To Avoid [2025]

It was the Japanese automaker’s response to the Toyota RAV4 that the Honda CR-V was launched as one of the first small crossover SUVs. Before the RAV4 debuted in Japan in 1994, Toyota had worked on it for almost half a decade, but Honda had developed similar ideas for years. In the 1980s, Honda introduced the Civic station wagon, an unconventional and popular hybrid of a proto-crossover and tiny minivan that became the Civic CR-V.

In late 1995, CR-V first appeared in Japan about 18 months after the RAV4. In 1997, it was introduced to the United States. CR-V was usually referred to as a small SUV back then, since the word crossover had not yet entered vehicular lexicon. Honda and Toyota, however, favored unibody construction and car-based mechanical components over the conventional body-on-frame layout of most SUVs. The original Honda CR-V rode on a version of the Civic’s chassis that was beefed up.

A car-like ride and handling characteristics were achieved with this decision due to better interior space utilization and, most importantly, a more efficient use of interior space. CR-V is known for combining comfort, versatility, reliability, and value in a way that no other vehicle in its class does. A compact crossover vehicle like this is ideal for small families, commuters, and weekend adventurers who need a vehicle that is both efficient and affordable and offers much more space and utility than a sedan does. Since then, crossover vehicles have dominated new car sales.

In Honda’s lineup, the CR-V sits above the HR-V, but below the Passport and Pilot, Honda’s two-row midsize models. In addition to four-cylinder engines, all CR-Vs have been available as either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The hybrid CR-V was added by Honda for the first time in 2020, and then redesigned in 2023 with hybrid power emphasized on top trim levels.

In addition to tech upgrades, styling improvements, and comfort enhancements, this CR-V offers the same level of safety tech as previous models. A number of features come standard, including lane-keeping assistance, road-departure mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and adaptive cruise control. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) regularly awards it with its “Top Safety Pick” designation.

Today, consumers can choose from a wide range of compact crossovers, including the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, or Chevrolet Equinox. There are many reasons to like the CR-V, including its reliability, safety, and economic efficiency. Although it offers plenty of features, especially on the top trims, it doesn’t drive like a sports car or look like a vintage car.

In order to give you an overview of each CR-V generation, along with some recommendations about what to watch for and what to expect, we’ve compiled this guide.

The Basics Of What Honda CR-V Years To Avoid

In addition to reviewing owner-submitted reports, we also review official recalls issued by the manufacturer each year. As part of our coverage, we also cover technical service bulletins (TSB), which some refer to as secret recalls (but do not have the legal implications of official recalls). An automaker provides TSBs for instructions on fixing a specific problem.

It could involve instructions for performing specific repairs, changes to maintenance procedures, or corrections of misinformation. The auto industry typically issues dozens of TSBs per model year, which is common for a particular year to have many of them. 

Honda CR-V Generations

Sixth Generation (2023-Present)

In 2023, Honda completely redesigned the CR-V and made it more attractive, emphasizing hybrid power. While the CR-V’s top trims remain diesel-only, all top trims are powered by a 1.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower. In addition to their updated drivetrain, which can return up to 40 mpg combined, these hybrids have more features than the previous hybrids, a 204-horsepower system and a 247-pound-feet of torque. AWD is also an optional $1,500 option on Honda’s Sport Touring trim, except for the top version.

Along with its more distinctive wrapper, the sixth-generation CR-V also boasts a bigger interior. There are 41 inches of rear legroom in this model, just a marginal increase over the previous model, and a significant increase over rival models like the Toyota RAV4 or Mazda CX-5. In addition, there is marginally more cargo space behind the rear seats, with 39.3 cubic feet, and 76.5 when they are folded.

There are some newly-standard features as well, such as traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control, which are all standard safety features in Hondas. In 2023, the new CR-V earned the “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS, and in 2024, it earned the “Top Safety Pick” rating. In spite of its basic infotainment system, the CR-V remains an easy vehicle to operate and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on top trims.

Although these CR-Vs are still very new, they have friendly new vehicle prices for the overall package, but they have only just begun arriving on used car lots. For a gas-powered low-trim model, you can expect to pay a minimum of $25,000 and probably up to $32,000 on average. Most hybrids will cost $36,000 to $42,000, even more than gas-powered vehicles. There is a very good chance that those prices are very close to what brand new ones cost, so it might be a good idea to consider that option instead.

Fifth Generation (2017-2022)

With the 2017 model year, Honda debuts its fifth generation of the compact crossover CR-V. There were a number of highlights, including bold (and sometimes controversial) styling that made its predecessor appear drab by comparison, increased dimensions that added extra rear legroom, and chassis adjustments designed to improve handling, braking, and ride quality. There are four trim options available: LX, EX, EX-L, or Touring, and buyers can choose between FWD and AWD capabilities.

There was still the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (now rated at 182 horsepower) as part of the LX base model, but few people chose this model. In contrast, all other CR-V trims featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 190 horsepower and an estimated 34 mpg on the highway. In addition to the Honda Sensing safety suite, the 2017 Honda CR-V features a physical volume knob for improving touchscreen audio system usability.

A major refresh and the first hybrid CR-V model were introduced in 2020. There were no noteworthy changes for 2018 or 2019. However, the 2.4-liter engine, which is seldom ordered anyway, was phased out entirely despite the styling not changing much. A new color option was available, as well as Honda Sensing, which was standard on all models.

 Compared to the turbocharged 1.5, the new hybrid could reach up to 38 mpg combined with its 2.0-liter engine and two electric motors.

CR-Vs from 2017 to 2019 have more problems than CR-Vs from other years, but they remain a decent used vehicle. In this era, every gas-powered CR-V should sell for less than $30,000. However, earlier models will sell for less than that, about $16,000 to $21,000 for a decent example. It’s more expensive for 2020 and newer models, but even the top 2022 Touring AWD model is available for $25,000.

It is not possible to obtain a used CR-V hybrid for the same price as a gas version in 2020-2022, but they are considerably less expensive than the ones made in 2023 and 2024. A decent example with less than 70,000 miles on the odometer can be had for as little as $20,000. However, most examples go for around $26,000 to $35,000.

Fourth Generation (2012-2016)

With the 2012 model year, Honda introduced yet another redesign for its CR-V. It was slightly smaller than its predecessor on the outside, but the 2012 CR-V offered more cargo and passenger space inside. There is 185 horsepower and 30 mpg highway fuel economy in this next generation, which is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a five-speed automatic transmission.

A navigation system is optional for the EX-L trim level, while a rear entertainment system (RES) is optional for the LX trim level. Honda also redesigned its flat-folding rear seat for the 2012 CR-V, which replaces the fold-and-tumble design of previous models.

In typical Honda fashion, the CR-V was nearly unchanged for a couple of years before undergoing a revision midway through its life. In most measurements, the engine gained 3-4 mpg thanks to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that was designed to improve fuel economy while keeping the same size.

Besides styling enhancements, the Touring trim level includes LED daytime running lights and a power tailgate, as well as available new amenities including an infotainment system with touch screen. This is Honda’s first vehicle with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which include adaptive cruise control with lane keeping, forward automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The Touring trim was the only one equipped with these features in this generation. A number of upgrades were made to the CR-V as part of the introduction of the CR-V SE model in 2016.

Except for the 2015-2016 Touring, these fourth-generation models are fairly basic. However, that model offers advanced safety features that are worth paying more for. In spite of their lack of excitement, all of these vehicles are highly reliable, but their prices vary considerably depending on their mileage and condition. The hard part is finding these models with under 70,000 miles compared to the newer fifth-gen versions, and really nice ones cost between $14,000 and $20,000.

However, they have a long lifespan, and examples with 60,000 to 130,000 miles are available for anywhere between $8,000 and $15,000. The years listed above are all solid, reliable options for the long term.

Third Generation (2007-2011)

For 2007, Honda CR-V received a new design, rolling with a curvaceous exterior. In spite of its appearance, this fifth-generation CR-V provided a bit more cargo space, and mechanical and structural parts from its predecessor were reused under the skin.

There has been a change from the side-opening tailgate and the exterior-mounted spare tire that had been a tradition on all CR-Vs to a top-hinged lift gate and a spare under the cargo floor. There was no room for a removable picnic table or the five-speed manual transmission this time.

CR-Vs from this generation are equipped only with five-speed automatic transmissions. An upgraded 2.4-liter engine with 166 horsepower now generates 27 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. In 2007, Honda CR-V trim levels included the LX, EX, and top-of-the-line EX-L, with varying levels of luxury. The trim designations are less meaningful today than they were back then, because the top trim levels were not equipped with sophisticated driver-assist gear, and some luxury features, such as Bluetooth connectivity or USB ports will no longer be available.

A few minor changes were made to the CR-V in 2010, but for the most part, Honda left the model unchanged. Furthermore, an updated 2.4-liter engine with 180 horsepower was added to the 2010 Honda CR-V. For 2011, Honda introduced the CR-V SE as the final model of its third generation. A few minor upgrades differentiated this SE from other trims, but they weren’t worth the additional money.

All CR-Vs from this era are fairly reliable, though 2007 and 2008 models have less reliability than earlier and later models. It is more common for people to complain about the interior quality and features than mechanical issues. The CR-V has become harder to find in recent years, but some examples with fewer than 100,000 miles are still available for $7,000 to $11,000. There are even models with 140,000 miles available for less if that won’t work for your budget. Due to its evolutionary styling, the CR-V is reliable and cheap to run, and it still looks pretty modern.

Second Generation (2002-2006)

In 2002, Honda introduced its second-generation CR-V, which was completely redesigned. The larger 2002 Honda CR-V included five-passenger seating and arguably more conventional styling, plus a variety of safety features, though some features were still only available on higher trim levels. As well as having vertical taillights and a rear picnic table, it carried on CR-V tradition.

The EPA rated Honda’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder as 26 mpg on the highway, replacing the first generation’s less powerful engine with a 160-horsepower 2.4-liter with Honda’s intelligent variable valve timing and lift electronic control. Honda offered the 2002 CR-V as a front-wheel-drive or a rear-wheel-drive (known as Real Time 4WD by Honda) vehicle, as well as a manual or automatic transmission in the LX or EX trim levels. An automatic CR-V is much more common than a manual one, but manual CR-Vs are much nicer to drive.

After a few years of little change, the CR-V received a mild refresh in 2005 and a new SE trim was introduced. Furthermore, antilock brakes were added to the list of standard safety features (which many competitors had already implemented). Originally, there was a four-speed automatic transmission, but it was replaced by a five-speed automatic transmission. The second-generation CR-V was no longer produced in 2006, its final year of production.

In addition to gaining more than three inches of legroom in the back seat, the second-generation CR-V offers much more space for passengers. Additionally, even though they’re basic by today’s standards, they look and feel more luxurious. These vehicles are very good low-cost transportation and have an excellent repair record.

In good condition, low-mileage examples start at around $5,000 and rise to about $12,000, although you might not want to spend quite that much on one this old as the fourth-generation models aren’t much more expensive.

First Generation (1997-2001)

The Honda CR-V was Honda’s first home-grown SUV, launched in late 1995 in Japan. Soon after its debut, it hit the market as a 1997 model and made its North American debut at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show. CR-V is tightly based on the Civic, which was Honda’s first all-wheel-drive vehicle. Its shape and scope are very similar to that of the Civic “tall wagon” of the 1980s.

When Honda first introduced the compact SUV, it sold only the LX trim. The automaker soon added the EX trim and additional options. After the EX model was introduced, 15-inch wheels and anti-lock brakes became standard equipment, a feature not passed on to the rest of the lineup for a long time.

There was only one engine available for the CR-V, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 120 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. There was only a four-speed automatic transmission at first, but Honda introduced a five-speed manual in 1998. There were more automatic cars on the road, but a fair number of buyers chose manuals for slightly better fuel economy (about 21 mpg combined, which isn’t great). The 1997 CR-V was only available with AWD, but from 1998 onward, it could be had with either front-drive or AWD.

In 1999, the CR-V underwent an update globally, but in the United States it remained in its previous form. There was a Honda CR-V Special Edition released for North America in 2000 that featured leather upholstery, navigation, and other upscale features.

CR-Vs from the first generation are now (surprisingly) starting to attract collectors, and if you’re looking for such a specialized machine, you may find a few right-hand-drive Japanese versions from the 1990s. There are still plenty of high-mileage CR-Vs on the market for less than $2,500, but most original CR-Vs sell for between $6,000 and $9,000. Though these are almost three decades old, they still offer a lot of good, cheap transportation. Their long lifespan, durability, and affordability make them a smart investment.

Honda CR-V Pros and Cons

Pros:

• A solid value for all generations
• Reliability record of stellar quality
• Cargo area and cabin are spacious

Cons:

• Driving isn’t that exciting
• There is nothing fancy about base models
• Comparatively more expensive

Are Honda CR-Vs typically reliable?

There is no doubt that the Honda CR-V is a reliable vehicle. Some model years may not be affected by this. A reliable CR-V will be more likely to be found if you steer clear of particular CR-V years.

How much does a used Honda CR-V typically cost?

Depending on the model, condition, mileage, and equipment of a used Honda CR-V, the price can vary significantly. It costs about $8,000 for an older example, like a 2009 CR-V with 150,000 miles. It is important to note, however, that the cost of a newer CR-V is significantly higher. As a result of market demand, a 2020 Honda CR-V has an average asking price of $29,850, a 25% premium over the 2017 model.

Is the Honda CR-V a good car to purchase?

You can find the Honda CR-V almost everywhere on the road; it is one of the most popular vehicles on the road. That’s why it’s one of the best vehicles out there. If you intend to buy a used Honda CR-V, however, do your homework first.

Conclusion

It has been a reliable vehicle for the majority of its lifespan, and minor issues have been few and far between. There are a few CR-V model years, such as the 2021, 2019, and 2006, that are among the best due to the absence of major problems that could shorten the SUV’s life expectancy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Honda CR-V years are the best?

While CR-Vs built from 2013 to 2016 and those built from 2020 to present have good reliability records, models built from 2013 to 2016 and those built from 2020 to present have the best records for which good data is available. J.D Power and Consumer Reports consistently rank them above average or “Great,” although CarComplaints.com receives a lot of complaints regarding 2015 models. In general, CR-Vs are reliable, and even very old first-generation models are hard to find fault with.

What are the worst Honda CR-V years?

As the 2017 to 2019 CR-Vs received more negative feedback across the board than most others, it appears quality and reliability have suffered. Several electrical and engine problems have been noted, as well as issues with the HVAC system. There are more complaints about 2017 CR-Vs on crowd-sourced sites such as CarComplaints than ever before. The reliability of 2007-2009 models is also lower than average among older models. Despite the CR-V’s famed reliability, maintenance is sometimes neglected because of its high reliability.

Is a used Honda CR-V a good deal?

That’s right. There are a few advantages to buying a CR-V over other compact crossover SUVs: they have a high reliability record and are generally long-lasting and low-maintenance vehicles. Resale values of these cars increase over time due to their quality and fuel economy, which helps offset some of their higher costs over time.