- The best Honda CR-V years to buy used are more recent models from between 2022 and 2025.
- There are tens of thousands of used models available on Autotrader.
- Hybrid variants can be more fun to drive than their gas counterparts.
Honda sells hundreds of thousands of CR-Vs each year, making it one of the automaker’s most popular and important vehicles. It competes in one of the most cutthroat segments of the American vehicle market, and faces stiff competition from rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage.
The CR-V has been on sale in the U.S. since the late 1990s, but we will focus on the four most recent generations, which span the 2007 model year through today. They are more commonly available for sale, and the CR-V models from these years are generally in better condition with fewer miles than earlier generations.
There are currently more than 57,500 CR-V crossovers for sale on Autotrader from this period, making it difficult to determine which model and generation is best for you. If you’re in the market for a new or used CR-V, read on to learn about the specifications and updates for each model.
Honda CR-V — 6th Generation (2023–Present) — Powertrain Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L DI VTEC Turbo inline 4-cylinder (gas) or 2.0L DI Atkinson-cycle inline 4-cylinder (hybrid) |
| Displacement | 1,498 cc (gas) / 1,993 cc (hybrid engine) |
| Horsepower | Gas: 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm (SAE net); Hybrid engine: 145 hp @ 6,100 rpm; Hybrid electric motor: 181 hp @ 5,000–8,000 rpm; Total system: 204 hp |
| Torque | Gas: 179 lb-ft @ 1,700–5,000 rpm (SAE net); Hybrid engine: 138 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm; Hybrid electric motor: 247 lb-ft @ 0–2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | M-CVT (gas trims) / Two-motor hybrid system (hybrid trims) |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System available on all trims |
| EPA Mileage (City/Hwy/Combined) | Gas FWD: 28/34/30 mpg; Gas AWD: 27/32/29 mpg; Hybrid FWD: 43/36/40 mpg; Hybrid AWD: 40/34/37 mpg |
Annual Update Highlights (2023–2026)
- From 2023 to 2026, the sixth-gen CR-V saw four key changes: a full redesign with an updated hybrid system in 2023, the CR-V e:FCEV debut in 2024, minor refinements in 2025, and a 2026 mid-cycle refresh with a new TrailSport trim, standard 9-inch screens, and updated trim/interior options.
Honda CR-V — 5th Generation (2017–2022) — Powertrain Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (gas) or 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder (hybrid) |
| Displacement | 1,498 cc (gas) / 1,993 cc (hybrid engine) |
| Horsepower | Gas: 190 hp @ 5,600 rpm (SAE net); Hybrid engine: 143 hp @ 6,200 rpm; Hybrid total system: 212 hp |
| Torque | Gas: 179 lb-ft @ 2,000–5,000 rpm; Hybrid electric motor: 232 lb-ft @ 0–2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT with Sport Mode (gas) / Electronic CVT (E-CVT) with Sport Mode (hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System available (AWD standard on Touring & all Hybrid trims) |
| EPA Mileage (City/Hwy/Combined) | Gas FWD: 28/34/30 mpg; Gas AWD: 27/32/29 mpg; Hybrid: 40/35/38 mpg |
Annual Update Highlights (2017–2022)
- From 2017 to 2022, the fifth-gen CR-V opened with a full redesign and first turbo option in 2017, then stayed mostly carryover through 2018 and 2019 with only minor tweaks; 2020 brought the major refresh with updated styling, broader standard safety tech, and the new CR-V Hybrid, while 2021 and 2022 were largely continuation years with minimal lineup changes.
Honda CR-V 4th Generation (2015 Model Year Specs)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.4L direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder |
| Displacement | 2,356 cc |
| Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6,400 rpm (SAE net) |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm (SAE net) |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard; Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System available |
| EPA Mileage (City/Hwy/Combined) | FWD: 27/34/29 mpg; AWD: 26/33/28 mpg |
Annual Update Highlights (2012–2016)
- From 2012 to 2016, the fourth-gen CR-V launched with a sleeker redesign, a 185-hp 2.4L engine, and new standard tech such as Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and a 5-inch display; 2013 added broader standard security and lighting features, 2014 was mostly a carryover year, 2015 delivered the major refresh with a CVT, direct injection, revised styling and suspension, plus the new Touring trim with Honda Sensing, and 2016 added the SE trim between LX and EX.
Honda CR-V 3rd Generation (2007 Launch Specs)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder |
| Displacement | 2,354 cc |
| Horsepower | 166 hp @ 5,800 rpm (SAE net) |
| Torque | 161 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (SAE net) |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic (standard on all trims) |
| Drivetrain | 2WD standard; Real Time 4WD available |
| EPA Mileage (City/Hwy) | 2WD: 23/30 mpg; 4WD: 22/28 mpg |
Annual Update Highlights (2007–2011)
- The 2007 redesign introduced a sleeker exterior, relocated spare tire, new top-hinged tailgate, quieter/upscale interior, 166-hp 2.4L with drive-by-wire, and enhanced Real Time AWD with 20% more rear torque; 2008 added luxury features to EX-L (dual-zone climate control, power seat); 2010 refreshed styling, increased engine output to 180 hp, and updated interior details; 2011 brought back the SE trim with alloy wheels and premium audio.
How Much Does a Used Honda CR-V Cost?
It’s possible to find heavily used CR-V models from early in the third generation for less than $5,000 on Autotrader, but the SUVs available for sale in that price range generally come with more than 150,000 miles and a handful of cosmetic issues. Several lightly used examples are available with less than 10,000 miles from the mid-$30,000 range, and there are many on sale for less than that if you’re comfortable with a few more miles. It’s also worth checking out certified pre-owned CR-V models, which often have lower miles and feature extended warranties.
Honda CR-V Competitors
Toyota RAV4
While the RAV4 has gone all hybrid for the 2026 model year, it has long been offered with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Toyota has improved its infotainment system in recent years, making newer models more appealing to tech-forward buyers. The RAV4 line offers impressive fuel economy, strong reliability, and comfortable interior finishes in most model years.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a solid alternative to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Most model years offer generous tech features, and Hyundai has one of the most impressive powertrain warranties in the business, at 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Kia Sportage
Like the related Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage comes with a long list of tech features and a great warranty. It has also been available in a wide range of trim levels over the years, making it easy to find a model that fits your style, needs, and budget.
Mazda CX-5
Mazda redesigned the CX-5 for 2026, but earlier models still offer one of the most engaging driving experiences in the compact SUV segment. Some of the tech features, such as the rotary infotainment controller, can be frustrating at first, but Mazda’s interior finishes and design make the CX-5 worth a look.
Subaru Forester
Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive system makes the Forester one of the more useful and value-forward vehicles in the segment. It’s also surprisingly spacious and comfortable inside, though the Forester’s tech features tend to be less user-friendly than those offered by Honda or Toyota.
Nissan Rogue
Newer Nissan Rogue models are nicer than expected inside, but the continuously variable transmission found in most model years holds it back from being an engaging SUV. That said, it offers strong tech features, and many trims deliver great value, making it a good choice in the segment.
The article is informative, but I wish it were written the way the Corolla article was written, clearly highlighting reliable years vs unreliable years.