Background and Identification

Manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda, the Honda CR-V is a compact crossover between the Honda Civic platform and an SUV build, unveiled in 1995. “CR-V” stands for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle.” As mid-range utility vehicle, the Honda CR-V has been the best selling crossover in the United States.

The five-passenger compact utility vehicle was introduced in North American in 1997. Initially, the CR-V was only available as a four-wheel drive model, powered by a 126-horsepower 2.0 liter four cylinder engine. Until now, there have been five generations of the Honda CR-V.

Technical Specifications

First Generation (1996-2001)

  • Honda’s first in-house sports utility vehicle
  • Designer: Hiroyuki Kawase
  • Engine:
    • 2.0 L B20B I4
    • 2.0 L B20Z I4
  • Transmission:
    • 5-speed SBXM AWD manual
    • 5-speed SKH FWD manual
    • MDMA 4-speed automatic
    • MDLA 4-speed automatic

Second Generation (2002-2006)

  • Full redesign, based on the seventh generation Honda Civic
  • Designer: Mitsuhiro Honda
  • Engine:
    • 2.0 L K20A1 I4
    • 2.0 L K20A4 I4
    • 2.2 L N22A2 turbodiesel I4
    • 2.4 L K24A1 I4
  • Transmission:
    • 5-speed manual
    • 4-speed automatic
    • 5-speed automatic

Third Generation (2006-2011)

  • Unlike its predecessors, the third generation Honda CR-V models feature a rear lift gate rather than a side opening rear door and no longer has a spare tire mounted on the rear door
  • Designer: Daisuke Sawai
  • Engine:
    • 2.0 L R20A I4
    • 2.2 L N22A turbodiesel I4
    • 2.4 L K24Z I4
  • Transmission:
    • 6-speed manual
    • 5-speed automatic

Fourth Generation (2011-2016)

  • Designer: Manabu Konaka
  • Engine:
    • 2.0 L R20A I4
    • 2.4 L K24Z I4
    • 2.4 L K24W I4
    • 1.6 L i-DTEC I4 (Europe)
    • 2.2 L i-DTEC I4
  • Transmission:
    • 6-speed manual
    • 5-speed automatic
    • 9-speed automatic (Europe, diesel)

Fifth Generation (2017-2022)

  • Uses the same compact global platform introduced on the tenth generation of the Civic
  • Engine:
    • 2.4 L K24W I4 (2017-2019)
    • 1.5 L L15B7 I4 (turbo)
    • 2.0 L R20A I4
    • 2.0 L LFA1 i-VTEC I4 PGM-Fi DOHC i-VTEC + 2 Electric Motors
    • 1.6 L N16 i-DTEC I4 (turbo-diesel)
  • Transmission:
    • CVT
    • 9-speed ZF automatic (diesel)

Sixth Generation (2023–Present)

Additional Information

Honda CR-V Official Website

Honda CR-V Wikipedia