HondaCR-V
A practical, reliable compact SUV that is easy to live with every day.
Hybrid AvailableIIHS AwardUpdated Jul 2026
Photo via Pexels
Verdict · July 2026
The Honda CR-V is one of the most complete compact SUVs you can buy, and the newest generation improves on nearly everything that mattered before. The Hybrid trims are the ones to get. They deliver strong real-world fuel economy without giving up power or cargo space, and Honda's full suite of safety features comes standard across every trim.
Inside, the CR-V feels more grown up than before, with better materials, more usable technology, and enough room for a family and their gear. It drives calmly and predictably rather than excitingly, which suits most buyers looking for an SUV they can rely on for years.
There are a few things to watch for. The non-hybrid turbo engine has a known history of oil dilution, especially on short trips in cold weather, so staying on top of oil changes matters if you choose that version. The transmission can feel hesitant under hard acceleration, and the infotainment system occasionally lags on higher-mileage examples.
None of that changes the bigger picture. The CR-V remains one of the easiest SUVs to own long term, with strong resale value and a reputation for running well past 150,000 miles (241,000 km) on basic maintenance. For most buyers, the Hybrid is the clear choice: comfortable, efficient, and dependable without asking you to compromise on much at all.
There are a few things to watch for. The non-hybrid turbo engine has a known history of oil dilution, especially on short trips in cold weather, so staying on top of oil changes matters if you choose that version. The transmission can feel hesitant under hard acceleration, and the infotainment system occasionally lags on higher-mileage examples.
None of that changes the bigger picture. The CR-V remains one of the easiest SUVs to own long term, with strong resale value and a reputation for running well past 150,000 miles (241,000 km) on basic maintenance. For most buyers, the Hybrid is the clear choice: comfortable, efficient, and dependable without asking you to compromise on much at all.
7.0
Tech / Software
8.0
Range & Efficiency
8.0
Build Quality
8.0
Value for Money
9.0
Daily Usability
8.0
Overall
Ben Wachtel
Senior Editor, Cars Unpacked · July 2026Model History & Which to Buy
What generations has the Honda CR-V had?
2023-Present
Sixth Generation
Pros
- More refined interior with better materials
- Improved hybrid powertrain efficiency and smoothness
- More cargo space than prior generation
- Standard Honda Sensing safety suite
- Sharper, more mature exterior styling
Cons
- Touchscreen still lags some rivals in responsiveness
- Base engine can feel underpowered when loaded
- Road noise more noticeable at highway speeds
- No plug-in hybrid option offered in the US
Best for long term ownership right now2023-2026 (sixth gen)
This generation has posted some of the highest reliability scores in the CR-V's history, and it keeps racking up Top Safety Pick awards. The hybrid takes a big share of sales in this generation, which tells you where demand is heading.
2017-2022
Fifth Generation
Pros
- Introduced turbocharged engine and hybrid option
- Roomy, family-friendly cabin
- Strong reliability track record
- Competitive fuel economy for the segment
Cons
- Some early turbo models had oil dilution issues
- Infotainment system felt dated
- Base trim lacked some expected tech features
Model years to be cautious about2017-2019
This is when the 1.5L turbo engine arrived, and it came with real oil dilution problems, especially from short trip driving. It's a known issue, not just internet noise, so get an oil analysis or at least a full maintenance history before buying one of these.
Better bet if you still want a turbo2020-2022
Honda gave the CR-V a real refresh here, phasing out the old naturally aspirated engine, making Honda Sensing standard, and adding the first CR-V Hybrid. These years are noticeably more reliable than the 2017-2019 run.
2012-2016
Fourth Generation
Pros
- Simple, dependable naturally aspirated engine
- Excellent resale value
- Easy to maintain and repair
Cons
- Lower fuel economy than later generations
- Fewer advanced safety features available
- Interior technology fell behind competitors by end of cycle
Best used value2015-2016
This was the tail end of the fourth generation after Honda fixed the early CVT mapping complaints that showed up when the CVT first replaced the old automatic in 2015. These years get consistently good reliability marks and are old enough to be affordable used.
Safety, Reliability & Efficiency
Verified Jul 2026How safe and reliable is the Honda CR-V?
Press, YouTube & Community
Curated SourcesWhat do reviewers say about the Honda CR-V?
Autoblog
Publication · Autoblog, 2024 Honda CR-V Review
After extensive testing including a comparison-test win, Autoblog named the 2024 CR-V its top pick in the compact SUV class, saying it does everything well and finally looks good doing it. The reviewers particularly liked the hybrid powertrain's simulated shift feel and recommended the Sport, Sport-L, or Sport Touring trims to get it.
Class-leading pick, especially in hybrid Sport trimsCar and Driver
Publication · Car and Driver, 2026 10Best Trucks and SUVs feature (current CR-V)
Car and Driver kept the CR-V on its 10Best list for a fourth straight year, praising its quiet highway manners, roomy back seat, class-leading cargo capacity, strong hybrid fuel economy, and handling that outshines most rivals without hurting ride comfort. They also liked the straightforward infotainment layout and physical climate knobs.
Repeat 10Best winner praised for all-around polishEdmunds
Publication · Edmunds, 2024 Honda CR-V Expert Review and Road Test
★★★★½
Edmunds testers scored the 2024 CR-V 8.1 out of 10 after road and track evaluation, highlighting its spacious cabin, smooth ride, and strong tech features as reasons for its popularity, while suggesting the hybrid model for buyers prioritizing fuel economy.
Well-rounded small SUV standout, hybrid recommendedConsumer Reports
Expert · Consumer Reports, 2024 Honda CR-V Road Test Report
Consumer Reports' engineers found the redesigned CR-V's ride and controls improved and cargo space slightly larger, but were let down that acceleration and fuel economy actually regressed versus the prior generation due to added size and weight. They concluded the positives still outweigh the negatives, keeping it near the top of its class.
Improved comfort offset by slower acceleration and worse economyYouTube Reviews
CarExpert · · April 30, 2026
Honda CR-V review (inc. 0-100 & braking): Is the NEW CR-V a big step forward?
Paul Maric tests the revised Honda CR-V, looking at its added tech and value while questioning whether it can keep pace with a surge of Chinese rivals, including 0-100 km/h and braking test data.
CarExpert · · April 29, 2024
This SUV Is A Good Buy For Families (Honda CR-V 2024 Review)
A detailed review and test of the seven-seat version of the 2024 Honda CR-V, covering interior room, boot space, safety and pricing.
CarExpert · · October 17, 2023
Much Improved, But Better Than A RAV4? (Honda CR-V 2024 Review)
First review and test of the Honda CR-V in VTi LX AWD trim, covering the turbo engine, handling, ride quality and interior, comparing it against the Toyota RAV4.
carwow · · October 18, 2023
New Honda CR-V Review: the best CR-V yet
A review noting that the Honda CR-V has firmly established itself as a competent and sensible family SUV since the mid-1990s, examining what the latest generation offers.
carwow · · October 24, 2023
New Honda CR-V review: Better than VW & Skoda?
This review examines whether the Honda CR-V, a longtime global bestseller, can still compete against serious UK rivals like the VW Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq, weighing its practicality against its price.
Known Problems & Fixes
Forum + NHTSA DataWhat common problems does the Honda CR-V have?
Forum Sentiment Pulse
CRVownersclub.com (Honda CR-V Owners Club Forums)
1.5L Turbo Engine Oil Dilution
A long-running, heavily debated thread series where owners of 2017-2020 CR-Vs with the 1.5T engine reported gasoline mixing into engine oil, with some finding oil levels overfilled by a quart or more and a persistent gas smell even after Honda's software fix; while Honda and some owners say later fixes and revised ECU tuning resolved the issue, a vocal contingent remains skeptical and frustrated that dealers dismiss it as 'normal.'
15% Positive60% Negative
CRVownersclub.com (Honda CR-V Owners Club Forums)
Hybrid vs. Gas (1.5T) Powertrain Choice
Owners debating whether to buy the CR-V Hybrid over the turbo gas model generally report satisfaction with either choice, with hybrid owners citing strong real-world MPG and quietness and 1.5T owners praising highway fuel economy and cargo space, making it more a friendly 'depends on your driving' debate than a real complaint thread.
70% Positive5% Negative
TrueDelta owner reviews / forums
Overall Reliability and Long-Term Ownership
Long-time owners across model years frequently describe the CR-V as dependable and low-maintenance, with some citing trouble-free driving for years and high mileage with only routine service, though a minority report serious transmission shuddering and jerky shifting complaints on certain model years (notably 2015) that soured their experience.
65% Positive20% Negative
Stats, Drag Races & Fun
How does the Honda CR-V perform?
LX 2024 Model Year
8s
0–60 mph
0–100 km/h: 9.5s
190hp
Horsepower
142 kW / 193 PS
179lb-ft
Torque
243 Nm
112mph
Top Speed
180 km/h
EX 2024 Model Year
7.9s
0–60 mph
0–100 km/h: 9.4s
190hp
Horsepower
142 kW / 193 PS
179lb-ft
Torque
243 Nm
112mph
Top Speed
180 km/h
EX-L 2024 Model Year
7.9s
0–60 mph
0–100 km/h: 9.4s
190hp
Horsepower
142 kW / 193 PS
179lb-ft
Torque
243 Nm
112mph
Top Speed
180 km/h
Sport Hybrid 2024 Model Year
7.5s
0–60 mph
0–100 km/h: 8s
204hp
Horsepower
152 kW / 207 PS
247lb-ft
Torque
335 Nm
112mph
Top Speed
180 km/h
Sport-L Hybrid 2024 Model Year
7.5s
0–60 mph
0–100 km/h: 8s
204hp
Horsepower
152 kW / 207 PS
247lb-ft
Torque
335 Nm
112mph
Top Speed
180 km/h
Sport Touring Hybrid 2024 Model Year
7.4s
0–60 mph
0–100 km/h: 7.9s
204hp
Horsepower
152 kW / 207 PS
247lb-ft
Torque
335 Nm
112mph
Top Speed
180 km/h
Races
CR-V Hybrid Sport AWD vs Odyssey V6 (1/8 Mile) · 2026 CR-V Hybrid Sport AWD
2026 Honda Odyssey V6 WINS
CR-V
10.28s
2026 Honda Odyssey V6
10.02s
CR-V vs RAV4 Instrumented Test (0-60 mph) · 2026 Honda CR-V
2026 Toyota RAV4 WINS
CR-V
8s
2026 Toyota RAV4
7.5s
Who Is It For?
Who is the Honda CR-V best for?
Family Use
9
Spacious second row, large cargo area, and top-tier safety ratings make it excellent for families.
Daily Commuting
9
Hybrid trims sip fuel in stop-and-go traffic; even gas trims are competitive.
Off-Roading
3
AWD system is tuned for slippery pavement and light snow, not trails.
First-Time Buyers
7
Reliable and easy to live with, though pricing sits above some rivals.
Retirees/Empty Nesters
8
Comfortable ride, easy entry/exit, and strong resale value.
Where & Why People Buy
Market IntelligenceWhere is the Honda CR-V most popular?
Top Markets
🇺🇸
United States
It's Honda's top seller here and one of the best selling vehicles in the whole country, only trailing the RAV4 and F-150 in 2024. Buyers lean on it for the reliability reputation, strong resale value, and standard safety suite.
🇨🇳
China
The locally built CR-V has historically been one of Honda's core products in China, peaking near 250,000 units a year before recent softening as local EV brands took share.
🇨🇦
Canada
Canada is also built domestically at Honda's Ontario plant, and the hybrid version does especially well there, with hybrid share topping 60 percent of CR-V sales in 2025.
🇮🇩
Indonesia and Southeast Asia
Smaller volume here compared to the US or China, but the CR-V still sells as a step-up SUV in a market where Honda's cheaper HR-V and BR-V dominate the volume side.
Who's Buying
The practical family upgrader
Coming from a sedan or a smaller crossover, they want more cargo room and rear seat space without jumping to a three row SUV. The CR-V's reputation for holding its value and being cheap to maintain seals the deal.
The safety and reliability first shopper
Usually cross-shopping the RAV4 or Forester, this buyer cares most about crash test results and long term dependability. Every CR-V trim comes with Honda Sensing standard, which matters a lot to this group.
The commuter chasing fuel savings
Interested specifically in the hybrid trims, this buyer is coming out of a smaller gas only car or an aging SUV and wants better mpg without going full EV.
The used car value hunter
Shopping the resale market, they know Honda SUVs tend to fetch more money used than rivals, so they're comparing specific model years carefully to avoid known trouble spots while still getting a Honda badge.
New & Used
How much does it cost to buy and own a Honda CR-V?
LX
- Price level (vs siblings)Low
- Vs competing carsAverage
- 0–60 mph8s
- 0–100 km/h9.5s
EX
- Price level (vs siblings)Medium
- Vs competing carsAverage
- 0–60 mph7.9s
- 0–100 km/h9.4s
EX-L
- Price level (vs siblings)Medium
- Vs competing carsAverage
- 0–60 mph7.9s
- 0–100 km/h9.4s
Sport Hybrid
- Price level (vs siblings)Medium
- Vs competing carsBelow Average
- 0–60 mph7.5s
- 0–100 km/h8s
MOST POPULAR
Sport-L Hybrid
- Price level (vs siblings)Medium
- Vs competing carsAverage
- 0–60 mph7.5s
- 0–100 km/h8s
Sport Touring Hybrid
- Price level (vs siblings)High
- Vs competing carsAbove Average
- 0–60 mph7.4s
- 0–100 km/h7.9s
Ownership Costs
Gas
Low
Maintenance
Low
Depreciation
Low
Insurance
Medium
By Trim Level
What features and specs does the Honda CR-V offer?
| Feature | LX | EX | EX-L | Sport Hybrid | Sport-L Hybrid | Sport Touring Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 0–60 mph | 8s | 7.9s | 7.9s | 7.5s | 7.5s | 7.4s |
| 0–100 km/h | 9.5s | 9.4s | 9.4s | 8s | 8s | 7.9s |
| Horsepower | 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS) | 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS) | 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS) | 204 hp (152 kW / 207 PS) | 204 hp (152 kW / 207 PS) | 204 hp (152 kW / 207 PS) |
| Top Speed | 112 mph (180 km/h) | 112 mph (180 km/h) | 112 mph (180 km/h) | 112 mph (180 km/h) | 112 mph (180 km/h) | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
| AWD | ✘ RWD only | ✘ RWD only | ✘ RWD only | ✘ RWD only | ✘ RWD only | ✘ RWD only |
| Supercharging | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Honda Sensing suite standard | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| 17-inch alloy wheels | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Cloth upholstery | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Available AWD | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Power moonroof | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Heated front seats | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |