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Photo of a Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V

A cargo floor that became a picnic table: the original CR-V made practicality its party trick.1

Researched October 26, 2026 from 37 sources

Also called

  • The BeastDevelopment codename of the CR-V Hybrid Racer, which hides a 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 IndyCar hybrid power unit under CR-V bodywork.2

At a glance

0150300
118–212 hpPower
07.515
7.4–10.9 s0–60 mph
0125250
156–209 km/hTop speed
0200400
180–350 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,442–1,639 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.13467111213

Engine
Gasoline: 1.5–2.4 L I4; diesel: 1.6–2.2 L I4; hybrids; hydrogen e:FCEV6810
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive3
Gearbox
5/6-speed manual; 4/5/9-speed automatic; CVT; hybrid eCVT310
Built at
Sayama, Japan; Swindon, UK; East Liberty/Greensburg, USA; Alliston, Canada310

The story

CR-V means Comfortable Runabout Vehicle: Honda built the Civic-based original to drive like a car, with Real Time 4WD, seats that formed a bed and a cargo-floor picnic table.134

1995: Japan gets a Civic-based SUV19951997: America meets the 126-hp CR-V19972002: 2.4 liters, i-VTEC and 160 hp20022007: Liftgate in, external spare out20072015: Europe gets a nine-speed diesel20152017: A 190-hp turbo joins the family20172023: Two motors move side by side20232024: Plug-in hydrogen reaches California20242025: 15 million sold worldwide2025 Honda CR-V (first generation) (RD1 / RD2 / RD3): 1995–2001RD1 / RD2 / RD3Honda CR-V (second generation) (RD4 / RD5 / RD6 / RD7 / RD8 / RD9): 2001–2006Honda CR-V (third generation) (RE1–RE7): 2006–2012RE1–RE7Honda CR-V (fourth generation) (RM1–RM4 / RE5–RE6): 2011–2018RM1–RM4 / RE5–RE6Honda CR-V (fifth generation) (RW1–RW8 / RT5–RT6 / RY1–RY2): 2016–2023Honda CR-V (sixth generation): 2022–present 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones134567891012141521
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1995–2001Honda CR-V (first generation) (RD1 / RD2 / RD3)
2001–2006Honda CR-V (second generation) (RD4 / RD5 / RD6 / RD7 / RD8 / RD9)
2006–2012Honda CR-V (third generation) (RE1–RE7)
2011–2018Honda CR-V (fourth generation) (RM1–RM4 / RE5–RE6)
2016–2023Honda CR-V (fifth generation) (RW1–RW8 / RT5–RT6 / RY1–RY2)
2022–presentHonda CR-V (sixth generation)
1995Japan gets a Civic-based SUV
1997America meets the 126-hp CR-V
20022.4 liters, i-VTEC and 160 hp
2007Liftgate in, external spare out
2015Europe gets a nine-speed diesel
2017A 190-hp turbo joins the family
2023Two motors move side by side
2024Plug-in hydrogen reaches California
202515 million sold worldwide
  1. 1995

    Japan gets a Civic-based SUV

    Japan's October debut starts a new Honda SUV family on Civic foundations.3

  2. 1997

    America meets the 126-hp CR-V

    The 2.0-liter B20B reaches the U.S. with Real Time 4WD and a cargo floor that unfolds into a picnic table.13

  3. 2002

    2.4 liters, i-VTEC and 160 hp

    The second generation expands cabin space; its new 2.4-liter four makes 160 hp, with manual or automatic gearboxes and front- or all-wheel drive.15

  4. 2007

    Liftgate in, external spare out

    The U.S. third generation swaps the side-hinged tailgate for a top-hinged liftgate and starts U.S. production at East Liberty, Ohio.1

  5. 2015

    Europe gets a nine-speed diesel

    The European 4WD 1.6 i-DTEC replaces the 2.2-liter diesel with 158 hp and 350 Nm; a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic is offered.67

  6. 2017

    A 190-hp turbo joins the family

    For the fifth-generation CR-V, EX and higher trims gain a 1.5-liter turbo; production also expands to Greensburg, Indiana.1

  7. 2023

    Two motors move side by side

    The sixth-generation hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four with side-by-side motors, producing 204 hp ISO net and 335 Nm.1

  8. 2024

    Plug-in hydrogen reaches California

    America's first production plug-in hydrogen vehicle, the 2025 CR-V e:FCEV, reaches California on July 9 with a 435-km EPA range.8

  9. 2025

    15 million sold worldwide

    By October, cumulative global CR-V sales reach 15 million, 30 years after the model's debut.9

Every generation

  • Honda CR-V (first generation)
    RD1 / RD2 / RD31995–2001
  • Honda CR-V (second generation)
    RD4 / RD5 / RD6 / RD7 / RD8 / RD92001–2006
  • Honda CR-V (third generation)
    RE1–RE72006–2012
  • Honda CR-V (fourth generation)
    RM1–RM4 / RE5–RE62011–2018
  • Honda CR-V (fifth generation)
    RW1–RW8 / RT5–RT6 / RY1–RY22016–2023
  • Honda CR-V (sixth generation)
    Honda CR-V (sixth generation)2022–present

Power over the years

From 126 hp to 212 hp in 23 years.

0100200300 20002005201020152020 hp 1997 · 126 hp · 1997–1998 2.0 L1999 · 146 hp · 1999 2.0 L; higher compression2002 · 160 hp · 2002 2.4 L i-VTEC2007 · 166 hp · 2007–2009 2.4 L2010 · 180 hp · 2010–2011 2.4 L2012 · 185 hp · 2012–2014 2.4 L2015 · 118 hp · European 1.6 i-DTEC 2WD2015 · 158 hp · European 1.6 i-DTEC 4WD2017 · 190 hp · 2017 1.5 L turbo2020 · 212 hp · 2020 Hybrid (202 hp ISO net)2023 · 190 hp · 2023 1.5 L VTEC Turbo; CVT2023 · 204 hp · 2023 Hybrid (ISO net) 212 hp 2020 Hybrid (202 hp ISO net) 126 hp 1997–1998 2.0 L
16
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
19971261997–1998 2.0 L
19991461999 2.0 L; higher compression
20021602002 2.4 L i-VTEC
20071662007–2009 2.4 L
20101802010–2011 2.4 L
20121852012–2014 2.4 L
2015118European 1.6 i-DTEC 2WD
2015158European 1.6 i-DTEC 4WD
20171902017 1.5 L turbo
20202122020 Hybrid (202 hp ISO net)
20231902023 1.5 L VTEC Turbo; CVT
20232042023 Hybrid (ISO net)

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • LX (first generation)

    Standard

    LX (first generation)

    1997–2001

  • EX (first generation)

    Standard

    EX (first generation)

  • 1.5 Turbo / 1.6 i-DTEC / Hybrid (fifth generation)

    Standard

    1.5 Turbo / 1.6 i-DTEC / Hybrid (fifth generation)

    2016–2023

  • Standard

    TrailSport Hybrid (U.S.)

    2026

    204 hp
  • e:PHEV (sixth generation, Europe)

    Standard

    e:PHEV (sixth generation, Europe)

  • Special

    SE (North America)

    2000–2001

    146 hp

  • Special

    SE (second generation)

    2005

  • Special

    EX Black Edition / e:HEV EX Black Edition (Japan)

    2020

  • Special

    e:FCEV (California)

    2025

    174 hp

  • Limited

    Mugen Limited Edition (Malaysia)

    2019

How to spot one

Look for

  • Tall, high-mounted taillights are a family signature across all six generations.1
  • First two generations: rear-door spare wheel and a side-opening tailgate.521
  • Sixth generation: a long hood and a large, upright grille.14

Year by year

  1. 2005 (second generation)

    16-inch wheels, clear rear indicators and a two-bar grille; SE adds painted bumpers, side moldings and a matching hard spare cover.1318

  2. 2007 (third generation)

    The spare moves underneath and a top-hinged liftgate replaces the side-opening tailgate; the body becomes more curvaceous.1

  3. 2010 (U.S.)

    A horizontal chrome-slat grille and honeycomb lower grille mark the facelift; EX and EX-L get 17-inch split-spoke alloys.21

  4. 2015 (Europe)

    New headlights, grille, fog lights, skid plate and front bumper; LED rear lamps and a revised tailgate and rear bumper complete the facelift.67

  5. 2020 (North America)

    Fifth generation gains a new grille and chrome side-skirt/rear-bumper inserts; Touring gets 19-inch wheels, Hybrid a blue-edged H.10

  6. 2023

    Sixth-generation shape brings a long hood, door-mounted mirrors and an upright grille; the vertical taillights become all-LED.14

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Honda CR-V
    CR-V
    Photo of a 2019 Honda Breeze (China)
    2019 Honda Breeze (China)

    2019 Honda Breeze (China)

    The CR-V relative has flatter taillights without vertical sections, plus a broad chrome grille bar between jewel-eye headlights.22

Against its rivals

  • Toyota RAV4 (4-door manual)

    CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 (4-door manual)

    Full-throttle noise lower is better

    CR-V77 dB
    Toyota RAV4 (4-door manual)86 dB
    4

  • CR-V vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2WD Excel)

    Cargo, seats up

    CR-V497 L
    Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (2WD Excel)580 L
    24
  • Mazda CX-5 (redesigned gasoline model)

    CR-V vs Mazda CX-5 (redesigned gasoline model)

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    CR-V8.4 s
    Mazda CX-5 (redesigned gasoline model)8.8 s
    13

Prices

Value today $2.8K–$12.5K1528

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $2,800–$12,500 1997 · $19,695 · US AWD base1997 · $20,695 · US AWD, as tested2025 · $50,000 · California e:FCEV MSRP, lease only2026 · $32,315 · US LX 2WD, incl. destination2026 · $36,795 · US EX-L 2WD, incl. destination2026 · $37,025 · US Sport Hybrid 2WD, incl. dest.2026 · $40,195 · US TrailSport Hybrid, incl. dest.2026 · $41,620 · US Sport-L Hybrid AWD, incl. dest.2026 · $43,645 · US Sport Touring Hybrid, incl. dest.2026 · $38,805 · US EX-L AWD, as tested 1997 · $19,695 · US base price, 1997 model year 2024 · $14,255 · 1998 EX 4WD, 35k miles, BaT2024 · $20,000 · 2005 EX 4WD 5-speed, 67k miles, BaT2025 · $8,600 · 2004 LX, 24k miles, BaT2026 · $17,250 · 2006 SE 4WD, 42k miles, BaT2026 · $25,750 · 2016 Touring AWD, 8k miles, BaT $25.8K BaT, 2026
14813153234353637
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1997Launch price$19,695US base price, 1997 model year
1997Price when new$19,695US AWD base
1997Price when new$20,695US AWD, as tested
2025Price when new$50,000California e:FCEV MSRP, lease only
2026Price when new$32,315US LX 2WD, incl. destination
2026Price when new$36,795US EX-L 2WD, incl. destination
2026Price when new$37,025US Sport Hybrid 2WD, incl. dest.
2026Price when new$40,195US TrailSport Hybrid, incl. dest.
2026Price when new$41,620US Sport-L Hybrid AWD, incl. dest.
2026Price when new$43,645US Sport Touring Hybrid, incl. dest.
2026Price when new$38,805US EX-L AWD, as tested
2024Auction sale$14,2551998 EX 4WD, 35k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$20,0002005 EX 4WD 5-speed, 67k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,6002004 LX, 24k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$17,2502006 SE 4WD, 42k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$25,7502016 Touring AWD, 8k miles, BaT
2026Value today$2,800–$12,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “15 million CR-Vs by October 2025”
    • “The Beast wore an IndyCar drivetrain”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 37 sources
  1. Honda CR-V Timeline and Milestones hondanews.com
  2. Honda Performance Development Unveils CR-V Hybrid Racer: “An INDYCAR Wolf in CR-V Clothing” hondanews.com
  3. Honda CR-V - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Tested: 1997 Honda CR-V Launches Honda into the SUV Race caranddriver.com
  5. 2002-06 Honda CR-V | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  6. Honda CR-V (fourth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. Honda Reveals Three New Earth Dreams Technology Engines at Paris Motor Show | Honda Global Corporate Website global.honda
  8. All-New 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Lease Pricing Announced; Includes Generous Hydrogen Fuel Credits hondanews.com
  9. 2026年CR-Vのデザイナーインタビュー｜Interview｜Honda Design｜Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  10. Honda CR-V (fifth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  11. 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Long-Term Road Test: 40,000-Mile Wrap-Up caranddriver.com
  12. Used Honda CR-V (Mk5, 2018-2023) buyer's guide: a fine all-rounder, but it's not cheap | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  13. 2026 Honda CR-V First Test: The Gas-Powered CR-V Has Good Vibes, but Is the Hybrid Better? motortrend.com
  14. 2023 Honda CR-V Press Kit hondanews.com
  15. Rugged, Electrified and Refreshed: Best-Selling Honda CR-V Gains New TrailSport Hybrid Trim and More Standard Tech as 2026 Lineup Arriving in Dealers Now hondanews.com
  16. 2023 Honda CR-V Press Kit – Honda Malta honda.com.mt
  17. F.Y.I. - Honda CR-V SUV SE Package Available ASAP, Customers R.S.V.P., P.D.Q. hondanews.com
  18. 2005 Honda CR-V Overview hondanews.com
  19. 「CR-V」をマイナーモデルチェンジし発売 | Honda 企業情報サイト global.honda
  20. No.1 Non-National SUV, Honda CR-V Now With Mugen Limited Edition | Press Release | Honda Malaysia honda.com.my
  21. Honda CR-V (third generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Honda Breeze introduced in China - restyled CR-V with Accord face; 1.5T and i-MMD hybrid; from RM106k - paultan.org paultan.org
  23. Used Honda CR-V (Mk4, 2012-2017) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  24. Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  25. 2025 Official Pikes Peak Race Results - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb ppihc.org
  26. Update Notice (1.59) - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  27. Los Angeles's 'CR-Vs and Coffee' Might Be the Most Wholesome Car Meet Ever roadandtrack.com
  28. 1997-01 Honda CR-V | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  29. Honda CR-V 2002-2006: problems, fuel economy, pros and cons, 4WD system samarins.com
  30. Statement by Honda Canada Inc. Regarding Safety Recall: 2007-11 Honda CR-V hondanews.ca
  31. Statement Regarding Irregularly High Oil Levels in Certain Honda Vehicles - UPDATE #3 hondanews.ca
  32. No Reserve: 24k-Mile 2004 Honda CR-V LX for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,600 on September 17, 2025 (Lot #210,359) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Price, Value, Ratings & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  34. No Reserve: 42k-Mile 2006 Honda CR-V 4WD SE for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,250 on June 12, 2026 (Lot #247,458) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 8k-Mile 2016 Honda CR-V Touring AWD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,750 on May 26, 2026 (Lot #244,468) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 35k-Mile 1998 Honda CR-V EX 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,255 on November 4, 2024 (Lot #169,420) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 2005 Honda CR-V 4WD EX 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,000 on June 21, 2024 (Lot #151,629) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • hondanews.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • global.honda
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • honda.com.mt
  • honda.com.my
  • paultan.org
  • ppihc.org
  • gran-turismo.com
  • roadandtrack.com
  • samarins.com

Photo credits

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