The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV, formerly a compact SUV manufactured by Honda since 1995. It uses the Honda Civic platform in an SUV body. The CR-V is Honda's mid-range utility vehicle, slotting between the smaller HR-V and the larger Pilot. Honda states "CR-V†stands for "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle"; the expansion "Compact Recreational Vehicle" also appears in independent press republished by Honda.
Honda began producing the CR-V in Sayama, Japan, and Swindon, UK, for worldwide markets, adding North American manufacturing sites in East Liberty, Ohio, in 2007; El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico, in late 2007 (ended in early 2017); Alliston, Ontario, Canada, in 2012; and Greensburg, Indiana in February 2017. The CR-V also is produced in Wuhan (Hubei province) for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Honda Automobile Company, a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Corporation.
First generation (until 2001)
Introduced in Japan in 1995 as a concept, the CR-V (Chassis Code RD1-RD3) 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 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 L straight-four B20B producing 126 hp (94 kW) at 5400 rpm and 133 lb·ft (180 N·m) of torque at 4800 rpm. Outer dimensions for this engine would be identical to the Integra's 1.8 L engine, but internally the engine had a larger 84 mm (3.3 in) bore to add the extra displacement needed to produce more torque. The engine utilized 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. A common external trait that was visible with this generation was 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. A major difference between the LX and EX trims was that the EX had anti-lock brakes and 15 inch alloy wheels while the LX did not. Drivetrain options were front-wheel drive or Honda's Real Time AWD.
Facelift
Although the body style remained the same as the first generation, an update was made from 1999 to 2001 in response to criticism that the original engine lacked enough power for a vehicle of its weight â€" 3,200 lb (1,500 kg). The engine was changed to the 2.0 L B20Z engine, producing 147 hp (110 kW) at 6200 rpm and 133 lb·ft (180 N·m) of torque at 4500 rpm. Fuel economy of 23 mpgâ€'US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpgâ€'imp) city/28 mpgâ€'US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpgâ€'imp) highway (US) and price were not affected by the increase in power, which was the result of a higher compression ratio (9.6:1 compared to the B20B's 8.8:1), a new intake manifold, and slightly higher lift on the intake valves.
Safety
The 1997â€"2001 model tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 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. Its head went through the airbag which would 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. 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.
The 1999 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.
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 Landcruiser for the first time.
Second generation (2002â€"2006)
The bigger and heavier second generation CR-V (Chassis Code RD4-RD8) was a full redesign, based on the seventh generation Civic, and powered by the K24A1 engine. North American versions of the new engine produced 160 hp (120 kW) and 162 lb·ft (220 N·m) of torque. Per new SAE regulations, the same engine is now rated at 156 hp (116 kW) and 160 lb·ft (220 N·m). Despite the power increase, the new CR-V retained the fuel economy of the previous model, thanks in part to the engine's i-VTEC system. The newly developed chassis had increased torsional and bending rigidity, while the new suspension possessed front toe control link MacPherson struts and a rear reactive-link double wishbone; the compact rear suspension increased cargo space to 72 cu ft (2,000 l). 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. The success of the CR-V prompted Honda to introduce an entry-level SUV, the Element.
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. Another manufacturer from China made a copy called the Tianqi Meiya TM6480A.
Facelift
In 2005, the CR-V received a mid-cycle refresh. The 2005 CR-V was now equipped with 16Â inch wheels, the earlier models had 15Â inch wheels. Visual changes included new taillights and headlights with clear indicators. The new headlights now have 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 rectangle 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 and an outside temperature monitor. The stereo system was also XM Satellite Radio ready (USA but not Canada). 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.
Third generation (2007â€"2011)
The third generation CR-V went on sale in the US in late September 2006, as the 2007 model year. The third generation CR-V was launched 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 the latest version of Honda's standard K-series 2.4 L inline-four engine, similar variants of which can also be found in the current-generation Honda Accord and Honda Element. In North American markets, this engine's power is rated at 166 hp (124 kW) at 5,800 rpm and 161 lb·ft (218 N·m) at 4,200 rpm. A 2.2 L i-CTDI diesel engine is offered in the European and Asian markets. The European market CR-V offers a new R20A 2.0 L petrol 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. The exterior changes included a redesigned front fascia with a new horizontal-slat chrome grille and honeycomb-designed lower front grille, new front bumper, and revised taillights. 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 (2012â€"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 December 15, 2011.
It is powered with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline-four engine puts out 185Â hp and 163 pound-feet (220Nm ) of torque at 4,400 rpm along with an all-new Real-Time all-wheel-drive (AWD) with intelligent control system. All North American Honda 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 (CVT) transmission combination first introduced on the ninth generation Accord, EPA estimated fuel economy is improved +4/+3/+3 mpg (city/highway/combined). 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 (2017â€"present)
The fifth generation CR-V was unveiled in October 2016 in Detroit. Sales began on December 21, 2016 as a 2017 model year. It utilizes the same Honda compact global platform introduced on the 10th generation Civic.
The base (LX) trim is powered by an Earth Dreams 2.4-liter I-4 engine with 184Â hp (137Â kW), premium trims are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 with 190Â hp (140Â kW). Despite the similar power outputs, the turbocharged engine delivers peak torque at 2,000rpm-5,000rpm whereas the naturally-aspirated engine delivers its peak torque at 3,900rpm.
The body utilizes 56.5% high strength steel, a total of 37.2% are either of 780, 980 or 1,500Â MPa yield strength types.
The "Honda Sensing" package, which includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), are standard on EX and above trims; the package was formerly reserved to the Touring trim prior to the 5th gen release. New safety features include Blind Spot Information (BSI) with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), replacing the LaneWatch system from the previous generation CR-V, and Auto High Beam (HSS) headlights.
LED daytime-running lights, 18" Alloy Wheels, and electronic parking brake with a new auto-hold feature, are now standard on EX and up trim levels. Additional, new features include a power lift-gate, active grille shutter system to reduce aerodynamic drag, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay on an updated 7-inch touch screen display with volume knob, 7-inch TFT instrument display and LED headlights.
Honda began producing the CR-V at Greensburg, Indiana (HMIN) during February 2017.
The fifth generation CR-V was also launched in Thailand on March 24, 2017, and in Indonesia on April 27, 2017 at the 2017 Indonesia International Motor Show. Indonesian models went on sale on June 17, 2017. The ASEAN models (excluding Indonesia and Malaysia) are available with a 1.6-liter Honda i-DTEC turbodiesel option (producing 160 horsepower and 350Nm of torque) 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 minimize 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 petrol engine.
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 October 27, 2017 at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, announced on September 29, 2017, making it the return of the CR-V for the Japanese Domestic Market after a one-year hiatus since the fourth generation CR-V was discontinued there in August 2016.
Engines
Safety
Sales
References
External links
- CR-V at Honda Worldwide
- CR-V New Zealand Model
- CR-V Australia Model
- CR-V UK & IRELAND Model