Honda CR-V (5th Gen)
17-22 · Honda CR-V
The compact SUV that set the standard for cargo space. 39.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, best in class.
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
Honda's 5th gen CR-V moved to a turbocharged 1.5L engine and a thoroughly modern platform. The interior is notably more sophisticated than the RAV4 at equivalent trims.
Why it's on this list
IIHS TSP+ every year. Best-in-class rear legroom (40.9") and cargo space. Honda LATCH system is the benchmark for car seat installation. Low maintenance cost ($501/yr).
The honest trade-offs
The 1.5T had documented oil dilution in cold climates on 2017-2018 models. Honda issued a software fix. Verify it's applied. The CVT is smooth but saps engagement. The turbocharged engine requires premium under hard acceleration.
What to buy and what to avoid
2019-2022 for the resolved oil dilution issue and updated safety tech. EX-L for the leather and Honda Sensing suite. Avoid base LX if you plan to keep the car long-term. The safety technology gap matters.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Known issues by mileage
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile
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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