Honda CR-V

The CR-V was redesigned for 2023 with several notable improvements over the previous generation. The exterior featured a crisper, more angular design inspired by the latest Civic car, with a larger grille and more pronounced wheel arches. Inside, the cabin was upgraded with higher-quality materials, increased legroom and cargo space, and more user-friendly controls including the return of physical buttons and knobs for infotainment functions. Safety tech was expanded, as well, with wider camera and radar coverage. The regular gas-engine CR-V is now available only in entry-level LX and mid-line EX trims; the better-equipped Sport and Sport Touring trims are now offered only with the CR-V’s hybrid powertrain, which is covered separately on Cars.com.

Big changes inside and out arrived with the CR-V’s 2017 redesign. Base LX trim levels stuck with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while EX models and higher got a 190-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Both engines worked with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The CR-V’s well-finished interior was notably quiet for its class, and available features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity. An available Honda Sensing suite of active-safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and road departure mitigation. The CR-V’s first hybrid powertrain debuted for 2020; the CR-V Hybrid is covered separately on Cars.com.

The CRV's upscale evolution continued with its 2012 redesign, though its dimensions didn’t change much. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine's output increased slightly, to 185 hp, and it was still matched with a five-speed automatic transmission. New standard features included Bluetooth connectivity and a 5-inch multifunction center screen with steering-wheel controls. Options included a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and dual-zone automatic climate control. A backup camera became standard on all trims for the first time.

The third-generation CR-V's styling — particularly the front end — was controversial when it debuted for 2007. The vehicle had a greater emphasis on style, with smoother lines and a decision to move the spare tire from the side-opening rear door to under the floor. A lower step-in height further contributed to a more car-like feel for the CR-V. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine got a power boost, to 166 hp, while the five-speed manual was dropped, leaving just a five-speed automatic transmission for all models. A new EX-L trim level added more features, like leather seats. A voice-activated navigation system was optional, and all models got standard side curtain airbags.

A 2002 redesign retained the same qualities as the first-generation CR-V, but with added power and features, plus a more sophisticated look. A 160-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder powered all versions, and a manual or automatic transmission was available. The interior grew more spacious, and new features included reclining rear seats and a folding center tray between the front seats. Two trim levels, LX and EX, were initially offered, and the EX had a sunroof and standard side-impact airbags. This was the last generation of CR-V to offer a manual transmission and folding picnic table.

The original CR-V set the bar for the then-new class of compact crossover SUVs, with a long list of equipment, including standard all-wheel drive. Rear-seat room was good, and bonus features included a storage bin under the front passenger seat and a fold-out picnic table. The spare tire was attached to the side-hinged rear door. A 126-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provided only adequate power, but solid reliability. More power arrived for the 1999 model year, and a front-drive version debuted for 1998.