Life With the Honda CR-V: What Do Owners Really Think?

It’s hard to go a day without spotting a Honda CR-V in a parking lot or on the highway, so it’s no surprise that the compact SUV is Honda’s runaway best-seller. The CR-V’s rivals include compact SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4. Though it likely won’t turn any heads, this quintessential small family vehicle has a long list of redeeming qualities.

Related: What’s the Best Compact SUV of 2019?

Cars.com’s expert evaluation of the current generation found the CR-V boasts a large cargo area, spacious backseat row and impressive fuel economy, but it isn’t without its flaws. We found it to have a firm ride, cumbersome multimedia and sluggish off-the-line acceleration. To see if everyday CR-V drivers agree, we sifted through Cars.com user reviews of the current-gen (2017-present) CR-V to find common trends of pros and cons.

If a Honda CR-V is on your list of prospects, check out the details on its powertrain, performance and features below, and get impressions straight from our users’ mouths (or keyboards).

Honda CR-V Powertrains

The five-seat compact SUV has offered three engine options over the course of the current generation’s five model years on sale. Most gas-only models are powered by a 190-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission; earlier in the generation, Honda also offered a normally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder on lower trim levels. All trim levels can be had with front- or all-wheel drive.

In 2020, Honda introduced a hybrid model with electric motor assist and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for a combined 212 hp. The hybrid works with a continuously variable-style automatic and comes in AWD only.

Through the years, the 2017-21 CR-V’s EPA-estimated mileage has ranged from 27-30 mpg; hybrid models clock in at 38 mpg combined.

CR-V Raves and Rants

CR-V owners report enjoying the vehicle’s roomy interior, comfort and ease of ingress. Common complaints include glitchy technology, sluggish acceleration and an oil delusion defect in 2017-19 models. (Comments have been edited for clarity.)

Rave: Room to Stretch and Stow

The CR-V led the pack in both cargo and rear-seat space in our 2019 Compact SUV Challenge. “The CR-V had the most cargo volume by our measurements — without compromising passenger legroom,” said Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder.

Cars.com users tend to agree, touting the SUV’s expansive passenger and cargo space.

• “The car is comfortable with plenty of legroom. The back storage accommodates our wheelchair, which is a big plus. We only miss a heated steering wheel, but climate adjustments are very adaptable. The ease of opening the back tailgate makes it easy to store everything.” — Cars.com consumer review for CR-V; Minneapolis
• “We bought a new 2019 CR-V in November 2019, and while we liked it from the start; my wife and I have liked it even more since then! It handles very nicely, is pretty smooth on the road, has a lot of features, offers plenty of space for taller people, and is incredible on gas mileage (about 30 mpg after 2.5 months). ” — 2019 CR-V; Indianapolis
• “Compared the CR-V to different Subaru competitors; the CR-V seems to have a much better second row and better cargo space. It seems smaller and more maneuverable than a Forester or Outback and with fewer blind spots.” — 2020 CR-V; Mendota Heights, Minn.

Rave: It’s Accommodating

Comfort is a top priority for a family vehicle, and owners find the CR-V not only comfortable to drive, but also easy on ingress and egress. The ease of getting in and out of a vehicle is especially important for older drivers, shorter ones or those with physical limitations; indeed, Cars.com editors have highlighted the rear side doors, which open nearly 90 degrees.

• “It’s smooth, handles great and is quiet. Easy to get in and out of, as well. I have two stress fractures in my knee, so the CR-V is easy to get in and out. My Honda Accord was difficult to get in and out. Great trade, Accord for the CR-V.” — 2021 CR-V; Garner, N.C.
• “I was in the market for a small SUV because my compact Honda was just not easy to get in and out of anymore due to a hip injury. Getting in and out of the vehicle is effortless. I also love the features that help save gas, like auto engine shut-off. Lane assist is very helpful when going on road trips.” — 2020 CR-V; Alexandria, Va.
• “This car made it easy for me to get in it since I am short. Being short, I could adjust my driving seat perfectly. It is nice and roomy, too.” — 2021 CR-V; Coxsackie, N.Y.
• “This SUV met all of my needs. It’s very spacious and comfortable riding as a driver or a passenger. Great on gas, quality, cost of ownership.” — 2021 CR-V; Baton Rouge, La.

Rant: Finicky Tech

Some CR-V owners have just one complaint about their SUV — the multimedia system is not user-friendly. In our expert review of the 2019 CR-V, we came to a similar conclusion. The 7-inch touchscreen, standard on all but the base trim, is small compared to the screens in rival SUVs, and nearby touch-sensitive controls don’t help its case. We also found the system’s menus too complex and the phone connectivity less than reliable.

•   “This is a small SUV, but it has some great features. For instance, the rear doors open all the way, something you normally only see on an SUV with three-row seating. There are useful electronic safety features, but HondaLink and Apple [Car]Play are quirky.” — 2019 CR-V; Fairfield, Conn.
• “This CR-V is the EX-L model and has a number of improvements over my previously owned 2016 CR-V EX-L. Besides improved styling, the comfort level has really improved, with better seats and a much better ride. Road handling has improved, as well. There is a slight improvement with the addition of a volume knob on the infotainment system, but the system itself remains not so user-friendly.” — 2019 CR-V; Tampa, Fla.
• “The ride is smooth and comfortable, and the overall feel is comparable to something much more expensive. I love all of the active-safety features. My only complaint is that the infotainment system seems a bit dated and less reliable compared to the competition. Every now and then it will glitch and the Apple CarPlay functionality won’t work. The only solution I’ve discovered so far is to restart the car.” — 2020 CR-V; Memphis, Tenn.
• “I have owned my 2020 CR-V EX for almost a month. I love it. It handles very well for an SUV — very tight steering. The only negative would be its infotainment center, which is outdated and a bit glitchy at times. It is however simple to use, but its 7-inch screen is too small. All in all, I could not have purchased a better vehicle.” — 2020 CR-V; New York

Rant: Sluggish Acceleration

The CR-V’s slow acceleration from a stop is its Achilles’ heel, as we note in our review of the 2019 model. The SUV’s CVT could be to blame, as could its relatively small engine. We didn’t observe much acceleration lag once the vehicle got up to speed, but some CR-V owners complain that reaching highway speeds posed a challenge.

• “This is my third CR-V, and I thought I’d be OK with the smaller engine in exchange for better gas mileage … I’m not. Once you’re up to speed, it’s fine, but getting there feels like a struggle.” — 2020 CR-V; Kirkwood, N.Y.
• “I love my Honda and all the safety features, but the acceleration is slower than my previous CR-V. Maybe this will be improved upon with newer models.” — 2019 CR-V; Richmond, Va.

Rant: Oil Dilution (2017-19 Models)

SUV shoppers considering a used Honda CR-V should be aware of a known fuel-oil defect in the early models of the current generation. Some owners complained that they smelled fuel inside the cabin and had higher-than-normal oil levels. Honda offered a fix in the form of a free update, with repairs covered under a warranty. However, only owners in cold climates such as Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin were initially eligible for the update, and many owners said they could not get the issue resolved.

• “After having the vehicle for two weeks, I noticed that it rattled between 0-35 mph and then seemed to smooth out when I was driving it for a while. I, too, had been assured that the 2019 CR-V did not have any ‘gas in the oil’ issues. I do not even have 200 miles on the vehicle and I checked the oil today; I feel like crying. The towel that I used to wipe the dipstick smells like nothing but gas.” — 2019 CR-V; British Columbia, Canada
• I love everything about it. The way it handles on the road. The safety features and the comfortable ride. The only thing that bothers me is the ongoing oil dilution issues that were first noticed in 2017. The powertrain warranty has been extended. It should be a requirement that dealers inform potential buyers of known issues.” — 2018 CR-V; Tulsa, Okla.
• “Have been smelling gasoline in the cabin after starting the car for the last few months. I read about problems with this engine — gas diluting out the oil and entering the oil system. Turns out my 2017 CR-V with the 1.5-liter turbo now has the same problem. Oil levels run high due to the oil being diluted with gas.” — 2017 CR-V; Florence, Colo.

2017-21 CR-V Trims, Pricing and Features

Pricing for the current-generation CR-V has remained relatively consistent throughout the years. Gas-only models came in LX, EX, EX-L and Touring trims from 2017-20, with EX-L coming with or without navigation earlier on. Honda added a Special Edition between the LX and EX for 2021. Prices (including destination) to start ranged from roughly $25,000 to $35,000 in the early years, with slight upticks to the current $26,575-$35,150 for 2021. Of note, Honda’s suite of safety and driver-assist features, called Honda Sensing, became standard beginning in 2020; before then, it was absent on the LX.

The CR-V Hybrid, available in EX, EX-L and Touring, currently ranges from $31,785 to $37,575 to start.

The 2021 CR-V comes with standard Honda Sensing on all trim levels. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard on the Special Edition and higher trims, as are heated front seats. Additional convenience features like wireless phone charging and a hands-free power tailgate come on the top-tier CR-V Touring.

More From Cars.com:

• Honda CR-V: Which Should You Buy, 2020 or 2021?
• Hybrid Head-to-Head: 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid Vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
• 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Vs. 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Which Is Better
• Fix Coming for Honda CR-V Oil-Fuel Problem; Details Still Unclear

Related Video: 2019 Honda CR-V Review

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