The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV built for everyday driving and light off-road use

The Honda CR-V is a five-seat sport utility vehicle designed for families and individuals who want more cargo space and higher seating than a sedan, without the size or fuel cost of a full-size SUV. It sits between Honda's smaller HR-V and larger Pilot in the lineup. The current generation (redesigned in 2023) offers a choice between a traditional gasoline engine and a hybrid powertrain, both paired to an automatic transmission.

The CR-V comes in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Sport Touring, and Sport Touring Elite. Each trim adds features like all-wheel drive, leather seats, a larger touchscreen, or a panoramic sunroof. The base LX starts with front-wheel drive and a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine; higher trims and the hybrid option are available across most levels.

Key Takeaways

  • The CR-V offers a choice between a turbocharged gasoline engine and a hybrid engine, with different fuel economy and price points for each.
  • Five trim levels are available, ranging from basic features on the LX to luxury and performance upgrades on the Sport Touring Elite.
  • All-wheel drive is standard on higher trims but costs extra on the LX and EX; it improves traction in snow and rain but reduces fuel economy.
  • The CR-V seats five people and has 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, or 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.
  • Real-world pricing varies by dealer, location, and current incentives; checking multiple sources and understanding your financing options before visiting a dealership helps you negotiate from a position of knowledge.

Engine choices: turbocharged gas versus hybrid

The standard engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. It is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and delivers an estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway with front-wheel drive, or 27 city and 32 highway with all-wheel drive. This engine is adequate for daily commuting and highway driving, though acceleration is moderate rather than quick.

The hybrid option pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a battery pack. It produces 204 horsepower combined and is rated for approximately 40 miles per gallon in the city and 35 on the highway with front-wheel drive, or 38 city and 34 highway with all-wheel drive. The hybrid costs roughly $2,000 to $3,000 more than the gasoline version at the same trim level, but the fuel savings over time can offset that difference if you drive frequently or have a long commute.

Both engines are reliable and covered by Honda's standard three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, plus an eight-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The hybrid battery is covered for ten years or 150,000 miles. Neither engine requires premium fuel.

Trim levels and what each one includes

The LX is the entry-level trim and comes with front-wheel drive, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and Honda Sensing (a suite of driver information features including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information). All-wheel drive is available as an option. This trim is the most affordable but has the fewest comfort and convenience features.

The EX adds all-wheel drive as standard, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and a sunroof. It is the most popular trim because it balances features and price. The EX-L adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, and a power passenger seat. The Sport Touring includes a panoramic sunroof, a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, and a premium audio system. The Sport Touring Elite adds all-wheel drive as standard, a head-up display, and additional interior trim upgrades.

The hybrid engine is available on the EX, EX-L, Sport Touring, and Sport Touring Elite trims. It is not offered on the LX.

All-wheel drive: when it matters and what it costs

All-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels, improving traction in snow, rain, and loose gravel. It is standard on the EX and higher trims but costs approximately $1,500 to $2,000 extra on the LX and EX-L. If you live in an area with frequent snow or heavy rain, or if you plan to drive on unpaved roads, all-wheel drive is worth the cost. If you live in a dry climate and drive mostly on paved roads, front-wheel drive is sufficient and saves you money on both the purchase price and fuel economy.

All-wheel drive reduces fuel economy by 1 to 3 miles per gallon compared to front-wheel drive, depending on driving conditions and whether you choose the gasoline or hybrid engine. Honda's all-wheel drive system is automatic and does not have a low-range mode for serious off-roading; it is designed for everyday traction, not rock crawling or extreme terrain.

Interior space and cargo capacity

The CR-V seats five people across three rows: two in front and three in back. The rear seats are spacious enough for adults on short trips, though legroom is tighter than in Honda's larger Pilot. The back seat folds down in a 60/40 split, allowing you to carry longer items while still seating one or two passengers.

Behind the rear seats, the CR-V offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. With the rear seats folded completely, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet. The cargo area has tie-down hooks and a power liftgate (on EX and higher trims), making it easier to load and unload. Under-seat storage is minimal, so plan to use the main cargo area or the door pockets for smaller items.

Safety features and crash test ratings

All CR-V models come standard with Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These features work together to reduce the risk of accidents and are active by default, though you can turn them off if you prefer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2023 CR-V a five-star overall rating, with five stars for frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it "Good" in most crash tests. Both agencies consider the CR-V a safe vehicle in its class. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system are available on higher trims.

Pricing and what affects the final cost

The base LX with front-wheel drive and the gasoline engine starts at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) in the low $30,000s, though actual prices vary by dealer, location, and current incentives. Adding all-wheel drive, moving to a higher trim, or choosing the hybrid engine increases the price. The hybrid EX-L with all-wheel drive, for example, costs several thousand dollars more than the base LX.

When you visit a dealership, the final price you pay depends on several factors: the dealer's markup or discount, any manufacturer incentives or rebates currently running, your trade-in value (if you have a vehicle to trade), your financing rate, and local taxes and fees. Checking the MSRP and current incentives on Honda's website and on third-party sites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book before you visit gives you a baseline for negotiation. Getting pre-approved for a loan from your bank or credit union also strengthens your position, because you are not dependent on the dealer's financing offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the CR-V compare to the Toyota RAV4?

Both are compact SUVs with similar size, seating, and price. The RAV4 has a slightly larger cargo area and a standard hybrid option on most trims, while the CR-V offers a more refined interior and smoother ride. Test-driving both helps you decide which feels right for your needs and preferences.

What is the difference between the gasoline and hybrid CR-V?

The hybrid gets roughly 10 to 12 more miles per gallon than the gasoline version, costs $2,000 to $3,000 more upfront, and is not available on the LX trim. If you drive more than 15,000 miles per year, the fuel savings often justify the higher purchase price over the life of the vehicle.

Can I get a CR-V with a manual transmission?

No. All CR-V models come with an automatic transmission—a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the gasoline engine and a traditional automatic on the hybrid. Honda discontinued manual transmissions on the CR-V several years ago.

Is the CR-V good for towing?

The CR-V has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, which is suitable for small trailers, jet skis, or lightweight campers. It is not designed for heavy towing; if you need to tow more than 2,000 pounds regularly, Honda's larger Pilot or a truck is a better choice.

What warranty does Honda offer on a new CR-V?

Honda covers the CR-V with a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and an eight-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The hybrid battery is covered for ten years or 150,000 miles. Extended warranties are available for purchase at the dealership.