Honda CR-V (4th Gen)
12-16 · Honda CR-V
The 4th gen CR-V made ESC standard across all trims and added 185hp from the updated K24, the most well-rounded compact SUV on this list.
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
Standard ESC across all trims for the first time. The K24Z7 bumped power to 185hp while remaining chain-driven and naturally aspirated. Cargo space held steady at 70+ cu ft max. USB connectivity and Honda's infotainment system were improved.
Why it's on this list
At $11k–$16k for a clean EX, the 4th gen CR-V offers the complete package: reliable K24 engine, standard ESC, 5-star NHTSA, IIHS Good, and Honda's proven AWD system.
The honest trade-offs
Still K24 naturally aspirated, lower power than turbocharged competitors by 2015. Infotainment lags behind Korean competition of the same era. Some reports of premature brake wear. Cabin noise is slightly above class average.
What to buy and what to avoid
14-16 EX or EX-L. Standard ESC on all trims. Timing chain check above 150k miles. Clean examples in this range are plentiful.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.
Looking to buy a Honda CR-V?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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