Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda since 1995 and introduced in the North American market in 1997. It uses the Honda Civic platform with an SUV body design. The CR-V is Honda's mid-range utility vehicle, slotting between the smaller Honda HR-V and the larger North American market Honda Pilot. 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.
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 ; 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 the Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company, a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Corporation.
First generation (1996–2001)
The first generation CR-V was Honda's first in-house designed sport utility vehicle by Hiroyuki Kawase. The CR-V was introduced in Japan at Honda Verno dealerships only and was regarded as a luxury vehicle in Japan due to the exterior width dimensions exceeding Japanese Government dimension regulations. 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-liter straight-four B20B producing at 5400rpm and of torque at 4800rpm. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the Integra's 1.8L engine, but internally the engine had a larger bore 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 was a unibody design with a four-wheel double wishbone suspension. 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 15inch alloy wheels over the LX trim. Drivetrain options were front-wheel drive or Honda's Real Time AWD.
Facelift
In 1999, 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 2.0L B20Z engine, producing at 6200rpm and of torque at 4500rpm. This improved performance for the vehicle. Fuel economy of city/ highway and price were not affected by the increase in power, which was the result of a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold, and slightly higher lift on the intake valves.
In 2000, a Special Edition model was introduced in North America. The SE featured body-colored bumpers and side moldings, a body-colored hard spare tire cover, leather upholstery, CD/cassette audio deck, rear privacy glass, a Navtech navigation system, 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 colors 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-colored 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 was the LX model with standard driver and passenger airbags. Even though the car's structure received an acceptable rating, 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, 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.
Second generation (2002–2006)
The second generation CR-V was a full redesign, based on the seventh generation Civic, and powered by the K24A1 engine. Southeast Asian models produced of power and while the North American versions of the new engine produced and of torque. Per new SAE regulations, the same North American K24A1 engine is now rated at and. 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. 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-colored 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 center compartment bin and the addition of a front passenger door power lock in the latter two years respectively.It is reported that in late 2003, Honda took legal action against Shuanghuan of China accusing its Laibao SRV of copying the CR-V's exterior design. Production for the Laibao SRV started in 2007 and ended in 2010. Another manufacturer from China made their copy called the Tianqi Meiya TM6480A.
Facelift
In 2005, 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 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. All CR-V models also had revised rear seat headrests, which had been redesigned to reduce rear view blockage.
Mechanically, the 2005 model was also changed. A major change included a drive-by-wire throttle for all CR-Vs. The all-wheel drive system was improved; it had been tuned to activate faster in low traction situations. 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-colored spare tire cover. For a more luxurious experience, Honda added a leather interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 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", 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, whilst 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.
The following table lists its sales throughout its tenure
| Year | Australia |
| 2002 | |
| 2003 | 9,736 |
| 2004 | >8,078 |
| 2005 | 8,844 |
| 2006 | |
| 2007 |
Third generation (2007–2011)
The third generation CR-V went on sale in the U.S. in late September 2006 for the 2007 model year. Unlike preceding models, it features a rear liftgate rather than a side-opening rear door and no longer has the spare tire mounted on the rear door.The third generation CR-V is powered by Honda's standard K-series 2.4L inline-four engine. In North American markets, this engine's power is rated at at 5,800rpm and at 4,200rpm. A 2.2L i-CTDI diesel engine was offered in the European and Asian markets. The European market CR-V had the R20A 2.0L 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
For the 2010 model year, the CR-V received style, 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 five split-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels for EX and EX-L models. 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. A USB audio input became standard in the EX-L trim while hands-free Bluetooth connectivity was exclusive to the EX-L trim equipped with navigation system. In 2011, a mid-level SE trim debuted with a 6-disc CD changer and 17-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels that came from the pre-facelift EX and EX-L trims.Fourth generation (2011–2016)
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 with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline-four engine that puts out 185hp and 163 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm along with an all-new Real-Time all-wheel-drive 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 transmission combination first introduced on the ninth generation Accord, EPA estimated fuel economy is improved +4/+3/+3 mpg. 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.Fifth generation (2017–present)
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 in November 2016 and at Greensburg, Indiana during February 2017. The driver's seat adds a 4-way power lumbar option. The fifth generation of CR-V is available in 5-seater and 7-seater variant.The base engine is an Earth Dreams 2.4-liter I-4 engine with, a turbocharged 1.5-liter I-4 with is offered. The turbocharged engine delivers peak torque at 2,000rpm-5,000rpm whereas the naturally-aspirated engine delivers its peak torque at 3,900rpm. U.S. and Canada models are only available with continuously variable transmission. For the 2020 model year, Honda has made the 1.5-liter engine standard on all CR-V trim levels sold in the United States.
The Honda Sensing package, which includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking and Lane Keeping Assist, are standard on EX and above trims; the package was formerly reserved to the Touring trim prior to the fifth generation release. New safety features introduced include: Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, replacing the LaneWatch system from the previous generation CR-V, and Auto High Beam headlights. Honda Sensing is standard on all CR-V trim levels for 2020 and adds traffic sign recognition.
LED daytime running lights, 18" alloy wheels and electronic parking brake with a new auto-hold feature are available. Additional, new features include a power lift-gate, active grille shutter system to reduce aerodynamic drag, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay on a 7-inch touch screen display with volume knob, 7-inch TFT instrument display and LED headlights.
The fifth generation CR-V was also launched in Thailand on 24 March 2017 and in Indonesia on 27 April 2017 at the 25th Indonesia International Motor Show. Indonesian models went on sale on 17 June 2017. The Indonesian model top trim is equipped with 5-spoke 18-inch Modulo alloy wheels not seen in other markets. The ASEAN models are available with a 1.6-liter Honda i-DTEC turbodiesel option paired to a ZF 9HP transversely-mounted 9-speed automatic transmission. The i-DTEC turbodiesel engine has been revised from having a single variable-nozzle turbocharger in the earlier version to having two turbochargers - one for low RPMs and the other for high RPMs - to minimise turbo lag. It uses an aluminum cylinder head paired to an open-deck cylinder block, with shorter and thinner piston skirts to reduce mechanical friction to levels comparable to a gasoline engine. It was named the 2018 Motor Trend SUV of the Year.
In the Philippines, the 1.6-liter i-DTEC diesel engine manages 120 PS and 300 Nm of torque.
The CR-V Hybrid was unveiled at the 2017 Auto Shanghai in China during April 2017.
The fifth generation CR-V was also launched in Japan on 30 August 2018 and went on sale on the following day, making it the return of the CR-V for the Japanese domestic market after a two-year hiatus since the fourth generation CR-V was discontinued there in August 2016. It was previously displayed on 27 October 2017 at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, announced on 29 September 2017.
In 2017, Honda Malaysia launched the fifth generation CR-V with four trim levels. The basic trim is 2.0-liter i-VTEC, the second trim is 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC engine , The third trim is 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC engine and The top model trim is 1.5-liter turbocharged premium with VTEC engine. The CR-V is pretty comprehensively equipped, even at base model level. Standard equipment across the entire range includes auto LED headlights and LED DRLs and fog lamps, black combination leather seats, walk-away auto door locking, smart keyless entry with push-start ignition, paddle shifters, dual-zone air-conditioning and rear AC vents. All the CR-V variants also come equipped with an eight-speaker, seven-inch Advanced Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and hands-free telephone connectivity along with two front USB and HDMI ports. The 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine can generate 154 PS at 6,500 rpm and 189 Nm at 4,300 rpm, good enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 11.3 seconds and a 193 km/h top speed. The 1.5-liter turbocharged VTEC engine can generate 193 PS at 5,600 rpm and 243 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm, Performance numbers include a 0-100 km/h time of 8.8 seconds for the Turbo 2WD and Turbo Premium 2WD, and 9.2 seconds for the Turbo 4WD, with all having the same 200 km/h top speed. The 2.0-liter trim come with 17-inch alloy wheels and all the three 1.5-liter turbocharged trim come with 18-inch alloy wheels. The 1.5L Turbo Premium 2WD adds on auto high beam, active cornering lights and a height-adjustable powered tailgate, which can be programmed to open to a certain height for ease of use. The range-topping CR-V 1.5L Turbo Premium is the first Honda to be sold here with the Honda Sensing package, which utilises a millimetre wave radar in the grille and a monocular camera positioned at the top of the windscreen to provide a number of new active safety features. After two years launch of the new fifth generation Honda CR-V, Honda Malaysia just launch the fifth generation Honda CR-V Mugen Limited Edition with only 300 units available based on the 1.5L Turbocharged variant.
Facelift
Honda unveiled a refreshed CR-V on 18 September 2019. The refreshed model will be the first CR-V to be sold in North America with a hybrid powertrain. The CR-V Hybrid will feature a 2.0L Atkinson-Cycle I4 gasoline engine with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist System. The vehicle will be assembled at Honda's Greensburg, Indiana assembly plant and the powertrain will be assembled in Anna, Ohio. The previously-available 2.4L naturally-aspirated I4 gasoline engine that powered the base LX trim has been dropped from the CR-V lineup for 2020, as all CR-V models will now be powered by the 190-horsepower, 1.5L turbocharged I4 gasoline engine. All CR-V's use a CVT and are available with FWD or Honda's Real Time 4WD system. The gasoline-only CR-V went on sale at Honda dealerships across North America starting in late fall 2019, while the CR-V Hybrid will go on sale in early 2020 and compete with other models such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid.Other changes for the 2020 CR-V include larger nineteen-inch alloy wheels on top-line Touring models, redesigned eighteen-inch alloy wheels for EX and EX-L trims, a revised front fascia with a new upper grille, revised side skirts with chrome inserts, a new rear bumper with chrome insert, a pushbutton-controlled CVT for CR-V Hybrid models, LED front fog lamps on most models, new exterior color options and standard "Honda Sensing" driver assistance technology for all models. The 2020 CR-V starts out at $25,150 for the base model LX, and can cost as much as $36,050 for the Hybrid Touring trim.
The Chinese market variant with different front and rear fascias is called the Honda Breeze, which is produced and sold by Guangqi Honda and was launched on 18 October 2019.