The Honda CR-V (also sold as the Honda Breeze in China since 2019) is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda since 1995. Initial models of the CR-V were built using the same platform as the Civic.

Honda began producing the CR-V in Sayama, Japan, and Swindon, United Kingdom, for worldwide markets, adding North American manufacturing sites in East Liberty, Ohio, United States, in 2007; El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico, in late 2007 (ended in early 2017); Alliston, Ontario, Canada, in 2012; and Greensburg, Indiana, United States, in February 2017. The CR-V is also produced in Wuhan for the Chinese market by Dongfeng Honda, and also marketed as the Breeze in China for the version produced at Guangzhou by Guangqi Honda.

Honda states "CR-V" stands for "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle," while the term "Compact Recreational Vehicle" is used in a British car review article that was republished by Honda, associating the model name with the Sports Utility Vehicle abbreviation of SU-V.

As of 2022, the CR-V is positioned between the smaller ZR-V (marketed as HR-V in North America) – which the CR-V shares platform with – and the larger North American market Passport/Pilot or the Chinese market Avancier/UR-V. It is currently Honda's best-selling vehicle in the world, and the second best-selling SUV globally in 2020.

First generation (1995)

The first generation CR-V or RD1 was Honda's first in-house designed sport utility vehicle by Hiroyuki Kawase. When the CR-V was introduced in Japan in October 1995 it was sold only at Honda Verno and Honda Primo dealerships and exceeded Japanese government's compact car regulations regarding exterior dimensions (maximum width of 1,700 mm (66.9 in), therefore incurred a more expensive annual road tax obligation. For the North American market, it was displayed at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale in February 1997.

Upon introduction, the model had only one trim level, which would later be known as the LX model trim; it was powered by the 2.0-litre straight-four B20B producing 126 hp (94 kW) at 5400 rpm and 133 lb⋅ft (180 N⋅m) of torque at 4800 rpm. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the Integra's 1.8 L engine, but internally the engine had a larger 84 mm (3.3 in) bore vs 81 mm (3.2 in) for the Integra, to add the extra displacement needed to produce more torque. The engine used a one-piece cylinder sleeve construction unique from any other B-series engine. The chassis and suspension was largely similar to the 4th-Gen Honda Civic Shuttle (Wagon) with a unibody design with fully independent suspension. The vehicle's suspension was double-wishbone, while the rear used a trailing arm-based multilink system. Inside, the rear seats were able to fold down, and a picnic table was stowed in the rear floor area. All models featured plastic cladding covering the front bumper, rear bumper, and fender wells. In most countries, CR-Vs had a chrome grille; however, in the United States, the grille was made out of the same black plastic as the bumpers. The EX included anti-lock brakes and 15-inch alloy wheels over the LX trim. Drivetrain options were front-wheel drive or Honda's Real Time AWD.

Indonesian market CR-V was released in 1999 as a locally assembled model. Honda customized the model for sale to include a face-to-face third-row seating, making it a seven-seater vehicle to take advantage of the tax regulations in the country. The rear foglamp was also reconfigured as a fourth and fifth brake light.

Facelift

In 1999, for the 2000 model year, the European, Australian and Asian CR-V models featured more drastic changes. Exterior alterations included a new front bumper, smoothed off rear bumper, and a smaller plastic radio antenna on the rear of the roof. "Nighthawk Black" was added to the list of paint choices, while "Passion Orange" disappeared. New dark blue pearl and red pearl shades replaced the former solid red and metallic blue hues. European models received an enlarged Honda emblem on the front grille, and a new metallic yellow paint in certain markets.

The engine was changed to the 2.0 L B20Z engine, producing 147 hp (110 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 133 lb⋅ft (180 N⋅m) of torque at 4,500 rpm. This improved performance for the 3,200 lb (1,500 kg) vehicle. Fuel economy of 23 mpg_‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg_‑imp) city/28 mpg_‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg_‑imp) highway (US) and price were not affected by the increase in power, which was the result of a higher compression ratio (9.6:1 compared to the B20B's 8.8:1), a new intake manifold, and slightly higher lift on the intake valves. This 16 percent increase in power resulted to a faster 0-60 mph of 8.6 seconds on the 5-speed manual 4wd.

In 2000, an SE (Special Edition) model was introduced in North America. The SE featured body-coloured bumpers and side moldings, a body-coloured hard spare tire cover, leather upholstery, CD/cassette audio deck, rear privacy glass, and chrome grille accent. Until 2001, the CR-V sold more than any other vehicle in its class. The North American models also received new exterior colours including Naples Gold Metallic and Taffeta White. Electron Blue was introduced in 2000 to replace Submarine Blue Pearl, while Satin Silver Metallic replaced Sebring Silver Metallic in 2001. However, that year, sales of the Ford Escape and its clone, the Mazda Tribute, surpassed those of the CR-V.

The Australian higher specification model was called the "Sport". It was added at the time of the first facelift and included body-coloured bumpers, mirrors, door handles, and hard rear spare wheel cover. It also included alloy wheels, roof rails, and a large glass sunroof. The CR-V became the country's best-selling SUV in 2000, outselling the Toyota Land Cruiser for the first time.

Safety

The 1997–2001 model tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was the LX model with standard driver and passenger airbags. The car's structure received an acceptable rating, and the overall car received a marginal rating — as the dummy's left leg would have been broken. In addition to this lower body injury, the dummy's head went through the airbag which may have caused a minor concussion. The chest was well protected.

Models equipped with an automatic transmission now had an overdrive cancel button that allowed the driver to lock the transmission in the first three gears to provide power for passing and climbing grades along with providing hill assist when stationary, known as "Grade Logic." The pattern of the cloth on the seats was also redesigned, and the head restraints earned an acceptable rating from the IIHS for whiplash protection.

Engines

Second generation (2001)

The second generation CR-V, which went on sale on November 12, 2001 was a full redesign, based on the seventh generation Civic, and powered by the K24A1 engine, or the K20A4 engine in South East Asia. Southeast Asian models produced 150 hp (112 kW) of power and 190 N⋅m (140 lbf⋅ft) while the North American versions of the new engine produced 160 hp (119 kW) and 219 N⋅m (162 lbf⋅ft) of torque. Per new SAE regulations, the same North American K24A1 engine is now rated at 156 hp (116 kW) and 160 lb⋅ft (217 N⋅m). The new CR-V retained the fuel economy of the previous model because of the i-VTEC system. The new chassis had increased torsional and bending rigidity, the suspension included front toe control link MacPherson struts and a rear reactive-link double wishbone; the compact rear suspension increased cargo space to 72 cu ft (2,000 L). The second generation CR-V was Car and Driver magazine's Best Small SUV for 2002 and 2003.

Second generation CR-Vs in countries outside of North America were again offered in both "low specification" and "high specification" variants, with the latter featuring body-coloured bumpers and fittings. It also now did not require the glass hatch to be opened before the swinging door. Changes between model years 2002, 2003, and 2004 were minor, involving an enlargement of the centre compartment bin and the addition of a front passenger door power lock in the latter two years respectively. The Honda FR-V was based upon the second generation CR-V.

In China, a clone from Shuanghuan Auto, called the Laibao S-RV, became a centre of a design rights controversy, because the latter appeared to be a blatant copy of Honda's design.

Facelift

In 2004, for the 2005 model year, the CR-V received a mid-cycle refresh. New 16-inch wheels replaced the previous 15-inch versions. Changes included new taillights and headlights with clear indicators and two separate H1 bulbs for low beams and high beams, the previous setup used H4 single bulb for both low and high beams. The taillights now used clear lenses instead of amber for the turning indicators. The grille was also changed; it had two horizontal bars instead of one. The front bumper design was slightly changed, it now has round fog lights compared to the previous trapezium fog lights and in addition to the lower grill there are two horizontal bars instead of one. The rear bumper reflectors were longer and narrower.

On the inside of the car, the EX trim received standard upgrades which included steering wheel-mounted audio controls, an outside temperature monitor and also an electric sunroof. The stereo system was also XM Satellite Radio ready in US-market vehicles. All CR-V models also received redesigned rear seat headrests, intended to improve rear visibility.

Mechanically, the 2005 model was also changed. A drive-by-wire throttle was implemented for all CR-Vs. The all-wheel drive system's engagement threshold was altered for improved response. US market models were equipped with a five-speed automatic, as opposed to the previous four-speed automatic.

In the United States and Canada, all 2005 MY and later CR-Vs have anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and Vehicle Stability Assist, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors for all occupants.

In Australia, the MY05 facelift went on sale in late 2004. Base models made do with only dual airbags and ABS as standard equipment, while the Sport came equipped with side airbags for the first time. Curtain airbags were unavailable on any model, until the next generation.

Following the tradition of adding a trim level above the EX during the refresh like the first generation CR-V, Honda added the SE trim level for the 2005 CR-V. The CR-V SE featured painted bumpers, body side molding, and hard, body-coloured spare tire cover. Honda introduced leather seats for the first time to the CR-V with this trim, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and front seats.

Australia

This iteration of CR-V arrived in Australia in January 2002, and initially came in separate guises, consisting that of the "Base" & "Sport". The "CR-V" (or "Base"), consisted of, but not limited of, dual front airbags, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, as well as a CD player. Building upon "CR-V" specification, The Sport added ABS, Cruise Control, a sunroof, 15 inch alloy wheels, front foglights, as well as body coloured bumpers and mirrors. Consistently selling very well within the Medium SUV segment within the previous generation, amassing over 40,000 units between 1997 and 2001, the second generation continued its success, with it becoming the best selling SUV in 2002, selling over 12,000 units.

Several "Special Edition" models were released, beginning in 2003. The "Winter Classic" & "Sport Winter Classic" were sold in Winter/Spring 2003. Building upon the "Base", Winter Classic added alloy wheels, side steps, as well as a tow bar, while the Sport Winter Classic gained roof racks, nudge bar and foglights, however, did without the towbar. Later within this iteration, in 2005, an SE model was launched, featuring rear parking sensors, nudge bar and 16' alloy wheels. It was sold between October and November 2005. Running throughout 2006, the CR-V "Extra" brought with it 16 inch alloy wheels and side airbags.

Philippines

In the Philippines, the second-generation CR-V was released in 2002. The vehicle was reconfigured to seat 10 people, with 3 in front, 4 in the second row, and 3 in the third row to take advantage of the tax regulations in the country at the time which allows a 10-seater vehicle to be classified as a "mass transport van", therefore exempt from excise tax. The 10-seater configuration also allowed the vehicle to compete with Asian utility vehicles (AUV), while 5-seater and 8-seater variants are also available. It was produced locally at the factory in Santa Rosa, Laguna with 63 percent of local content. In its 4-year production run, Honda sold 20,886 units of the second-generation CR-V in the Philippines.

Engines

Third generation (2006)

The third generation CR-V went on sale in the U.S. in late September 2006 for the 2007 model year. Portions of the body structure, drivetrain, and suspension were carried over from the previous model, while both interior and exterior styling elements were changed significantly. The CR-V now featured a rear liftgate and bottom-side spare tire mount rather than a side-opening rear door and door-mounted spare.

The third generation CR-V is powered by Honda's standard K-series 2.4 L inline-four engine. In North American markets, this engine's power is rated at 166 hp (124 kW) at 5,800 rpm and 161 lb⋅ft (218 N⋅m) at 4,200 rpm. A 2.2 L i-CTDI diesel engine was offered in the European and Asian markets. The European market CR-V had the R20A 2.0 L gasoline engine, based on the Honda R-series i-VTEC SOHC engine found in the Honda Civic, as opposed to the previous CR-V offering the K20A.

Facelift

In 2009 for the 2010 model year in North America, the CR-V received design, powertrain and equipment changes. Changes included a redesigned front fascia with a new horizontal-slat chrome grille and honeycomb-designed lower front grille, new front bumper, and revised tail lights. The rear bumper was redesigned, as well as new alloy wheels. The interior received minor changes, including seat fabrics, as well as wider driver and front-passenger armrests. The audio head unit controls were altered and the information display backlighting in the gauges was changed to blue, instead of the previous black.

Engine

Fourth generation (2011)

The CR-V Concept debuted at the Orange County International Auto Show in September 2011, the production 2012 CR-V debuted at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The CR-V went on sale in the U.S. on 15 December 2011.

It is powered by a 2.4-litre i-VTEC inline-four engine that puts out 185 hp and 163 pound-feet (220 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm along with an all-new Real-Time all-wheel-drive (AWD) with intelligent control system. All North American CR-Vs come equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Facelift

The facelifted 2015 model year CR-V went on sale during October 2014. The CR-V uses the direct injected Earth Dreams engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) combination first introduced on the ninth generation Accord, EPA estimated fuel economy is improved +4/+3/+3 mpg (city/highway/combined). The structure has been modified to improve crash performance, particularly in the IIHS's small offset crash test. The suspension shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars and lower control arms are also revised to improve ride performance, while a reduced 15.6:1 steering gear ratio and larger brake booster gives it a sportier feel.

Engines

Fifth generation (2016)

The fifth generation CR-V was unveiled on 13 October 2016 in Detroit. Sales began in the U.S. on 21 December 2016 as a 2017 model year. It uses the same Honda compact global platform introduced on the tenth generation Civic. Honda began producing the CR-V at East Liberty, Ohio (ELP) in November 2016 and at Greensburg, Indiana (HMIN) during February 2017. It is available with an optional 7-seater variant in markets other than North America.

In October 2019, Guangqi Honda in China began marketed the model with a different styling as the Honda Breeze (Chinese: 皓影; pinyin: Hàoyǐng) which was sold alongside the international facelift version CR-V produced by Dongfeng Honda.

Facelift

Honda unveiled a refreshed CR-V in September 2019 for the 2020 model year, initially for the North American market. For the first time in North America, the refreshed model introduced a hybrid powertrain as an option. Additionally, the CR-V's suite of advanced safety features are standard on every trim level, meaning even the most affordable CR-V provides adaptive cruise control and the latest crash prevention technology.

Sixth generation (2022)

The sixth-generation CR-V was introduced on 12 July 2022. The prototype design and production process was done in Ontario, Canada before being shared worldwide. Mass production of the sixth-generation CR-V kicked off at Honda's Canadian plant in Ontario in late September 2022, with U.S. plants starting its production few days later.

The sixth-generation CR-V is 69 mm (2.7 in) inches longer, with a 40 mm (1.6 in) longer wheelbase. The second-row seats received 15 mm (0.6 in) more legroom and can also recline up to 10.5 degrees. Similar to the eleventh-generation Civic, Honda opted for a longer hood for visual reasons by moving the A-pillars rearward by 119 mm (4.7 in). The base of the A-pillars has also been moved 71 mm (2.8 in) outward and sit 35.6 mm (1.4 in) lower than the previous CR-V.

Mechanical revisions compared to the preceding generation include a stiffer front subframe and repositioned steering rack to improve feel and accuracy. The rear subframe also gets stiffened to support the re-tuned multi-link suspension which features a 15 percent higher spring rate for the upper spring mount. The optional all-wheel drive system (marketed as Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System), is capable of sending 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels for improved traction in slippery conditions such as in snow and mud.

Three electrified versions of the CR-V are available globally, which are e:HEV power-split hybrid (marketed simply as Hybrid in North America), e:PHEV plug-in hybrid, and e:FCEV plug-in hybrid fuel cell. The e:HEV/Hybrid was available since the model's introduction, which uses a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and e-CVT working with one or two electric motors and a 1.06 kWh lithium-ion battery for a total system output of 152 kW (204 hp; 207 PS).

The CR-V e:PHEV debuted in China in April 2023, and has been exported to Europe. It is supplemented with a larger 17.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. The CR-V e:FCEV was introduced as a low-volume model in the U.S. and Japan in February 2024. A diesel engine option, previously available for the outgoing CR-V in some markets such as Europe, Thailand and the Philippines is no longer available.

Unlike previous generations, the model is not offered in Japan (except for the low-volume CR-V e:FCEV since 2024) due to low sales of the fifth-generation model, and it was indirectly replaced by the smaller ZR-V.

CR-V e:FCEV

Honda introduced the CR-V e:FCEV in February 2024 in the U.S. It is a plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell version of the CR-V that is equipped with an electric motor, two high-pressure hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) and a 17.7 kWh battery with plug-in charging capability. It was also launched in Japan as the only version of the CR-V sold in the country, imported from the Ohio assembly plant in the U.S. This model began production on 5 June 2024.

Markets

North America

The sixth-generation CR-V went on sale in September 2022 for the 2023 model year in the U.S. The U.S. model initially offered in EX, EX-L, Sport, and Sport Touring trim levels, which the hybrid powertrain is standard on the Sport and Sport Touring trims. All variants are available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, except the Sport Touring which is all-wheel drive only. The LX trim was later introduced in the 2023 model year as the base model of CR-V in the U.S. For the 2024 model year, a Sport-L hybrid trim was added whose price slots under the Sport Touring.

The Canadian model is offered in LX, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims, with the Touring having the hybrid powertrain. The Canadian Sport trim is largely identical to the U.S. gas-only EX albeit for cosmetic differences. All variants come standard with all-wheel drive, although the base LX is also offered with front-wheel drive. For the 2024 model year, a EX-L hybrid trim (identical to the U.S. Sport-L) was added whose price slots under the Sport Touring. For the 2025 model year, the gas-only EX-L trim has been dropped.

Mexico

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched in Mexico on 3 December 2022, with three variants: Turbo, Turbo Plus, and Touring. It is powered only by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and Honda Sensing is standard only for the range topper Touring. In April 2023, the CR-V Hybrid Touring variant was released in Mexico.

China

The sixth-generation CR-V is produced and sold in China by Dongfeng Honda. The plant that produces the sixth-generation CR-V for Dongfeng Honda is also responsible for the CR-V hybrid and PHEV models sold in more than 20 European countries including United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland, Greece, and Portugal. A variant with a different front and rear fascia is produced and sold by GAC Honda as the second-generation Honda Breeze, which was launched on 13 December 2022.

Thailand

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched in Thailand on 20 March 2023, two days prior to the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show. It is available in E, ES 4WD, EL 4WD, e:HEV ES and e:HEV RS 4WD.

Taiwan

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched in Taiwan on 19 July 2023, with three variants: VTi-S, S, and Prestige. It is powered only by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and Honda Sensing standard on all variants.

Europe

For the European market, the sixth-generation CR-V was unveiled in Germany on 12 May 2023. Following Honda’s commitment to only offer electrified models in Europe, it is only available with the e:HEV hybrid and e:PHEV plug-in hybrid powertrains. It went on sale later in the UK on 10 August 2023. Available in Elegance and Advance grades, the latter is offered with the 2.0L e:PHEV plug-in hybrid powertrain as an option.

Indonesia

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched at the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 10 August 2023. It is available in two grades: 1.5 Turbo and 2.0 RS e:HEV. Unlike previous models, this generation is imported from Thailand instead of being assembled locally.

Brunei

In Brunei, the sixth-generation CR-V was launched on 24 August 2023. It is available in a single variant which is powered with a 1.5L Turbo mated to a CVT and Honda Sensing becomes standard.

Australia

The sixth-generation CR-V went on sale in Australia on 1 September 2023, imported from Thailand, in four grades: X, L, LX, and RS. It is powered by either a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, or the 2.0 e:HEV hybrid powertrain exclusive for the range-topper RS. The 7-seater version available for the X and LX grades, and an AWD option for the L and LX grades.

Philippines

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched in the Philippines on 13 September 2023. It is available in three grades: 1.5 Turbo V, 1.5 Turbo VX and 2.0 RS e:HEV. Honda Sensing is standard for all grades.

New Zealand

The sixth-generation CR-V went on sale in New Zealand in October 2023, in three variants: Sport AWD, Sport 7 (7-seater), and RS. It is powered by either a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, or the 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain exclusive for the range-topper RS.

Vietnam

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched in Vietnam on 25 October 2023, in four variants: 1.5 G, 1.5 L, 1.5 L AWD and 2.0 RS e:HEV. Similar to Southeast Asian markets, the Vietnamese-spec CR-V is offered in two seating configurations: 7-seater for petrol models and 5-seater for e:HEV model. The petrol versions are assembled locally in Honda Cars Vietnam factory in Vĩnh Phúc, while the e:HEV version is imported from Thailand. Honda Sensing is standard for all grades.

Middle East

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched in the Middle Eastern markets on 15 November 2023, it is powered by the 1.5-turbo engine mated to a CVT. It is offered in four grades; DX, EX, LX, and Touring. Honda Sensing is standard for all grades.

Malaysia

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched in Malaysia on 14 December 2023, in three variants: S, E and V AWD, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Additionally, the 2.0 e:HEV RS grade was released a month later. Honda Sensing is standard for all variants.

Singapore

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched in Singapore on 11 January 2024, it is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, available in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations.

South Africa

The sixth-generation CR-V was launched in South Africa on 9 February 2024, in two grades: Executive and Exclusive, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Both grades come in 7-seater configuration.

Safety

In July 2023, the vehicle was tested for automotive safety by ASEAN NCAP, scored five stars out of a possible five. It is also currently holding the 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

Sales

Other markets

References

External links

• Official website

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