The Honda CR-V is a great used option for those who want something practical, efficient, and reliable. Being one of the best selling vehicles on the US market, there's tons of options to pick from. We’ll be breaking down the different generations and some standout years within them.
Key takeaways
- If you’re wanting an older model that still comes with some great features, then you can look for a 2014 Touring, it comes with modern tech.
- The most reliable Honda CR-V model years will be in the fifth generation. While the sixth generation does come with great features, the fifth generation has already proven itself.
- If you want the most mileage, then you can look for a current generation hybrid. Getting nearly 30 more miles of total range.
Sixth generation (2023-Present)
Going on sale in late 2022, the sixth generation CR-V came in 4 trims. The trims are the EX, EX-L, Sport, and Sport Touring. If you find a Sport, or Sport Touring model, you’ll find that it comes with a hybrid powertrain. The mileage you can expect from the hybrid powertrain is 40 MPG, getting 560 miles on one tank.
If hybrids aren’t your thing, there’s the 1.5L engine to look for. This offers more power, but does offer less mileage, making you have to trade off. While the mileage is lower, it is still good. This comes with 30 MPG, getting 420 miles on one tank.
Some new trims joined the lineup for later year models. These were the LX, and the Sport-L. This added even more options to pick from, making it easier to get what you want. Other than that, the CR-V sees some extra length, giving ever so slightly more legroom. This year also offers two infotainment screens, the smaller one being 7-inches, with the larger one being 9-inches.
Fifth Generation (2017-2022)
When this generation hit the market, it came with a ton of features that improved the safety of the vehicle. These features were adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and lane keeping assist. These features are standard on EX trims and above.
Thanks to these features, the CR-V had a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS for 2017. While other models from this generation were safe, they weren’t able to capture the same rating, and only had a Top Safety Pick rating. This still made for an incredibly safe vehicle.
For the 2020 models, Honda unveiled the hybrid models. This hybrid model shared similar numbers to the most recent iterations. This model can get 38 MPG combined, with a total range of 532 miles.
Being that a new powertrain was added, they decided to drop the 2.4L engine. This year brought their suite of safety features to every level of CR-V, giving adaptive cruise control and the best crash prevention technology.
Fourth Generation (2012-2016)
Hitting the roads in 2012, there wasn't anything too special to come out of this generation. This generation was powered by a 2.4L I4 that made 185 horsepower. While most models will be FWD, you may be able to find some that are AWD.
While the earlier year models from this generation were equipped with an automatic transmission, the 2014 facelift brought a CVT with it. Some other changes from this year are revised suspension shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, and lower control arms. This was done to improve ride performance.
A new Touring trim joins the family. This came with some of the best features at the time. If you do find one from this era, you’ll be treated to forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Some other features that you can find are power tailgate, a power seat, and side mirror memory. All of these features work together to make the Touring trim a gem from this generation.
Should I get a used CR-V in 2025?
Yes, you should. The CR-V has proven that it takes safety, and efficiency in mind, and continues to only be getting better. If you’re in the market for a used CR-V, then come see us at a Jarrett location, we’ll be happy to help!