Honda CR-V Timeline and Milestones

With U.S. sales of nearly 6 million units, the Honda CR-V has been America's best-selling CUV since its U.S. launch in 1997 and it has been the best-selling Honda vehicle every year since 2017.

The first-generation Honda CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) helped establish a new breed of compact sport utility vehicle with car-like ride and handling thanks to its unibody construction, four-wheel independent suspension and long wheelbase. The original CR-V was also adventure-ready with Real Time™ 4WD, 8.1 inches of ground clearance and an innovative rear cargo compartment floor that doubled as a convenient foldout picnic table. CR-V quickly became the best-selling vehicle in the segment.

Now in its sixth generation, Honda's most popular SUV continues to set the benchmark for the compact SUV class. The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V is perfect for daily life or weekend escapes with a rugged and sophisticated design inside and out, increased utility and a more advanced hybrid system for a sportier driving experience.

The following is a look at all CR-V models since 1997.

First-Generation CR-V: 1997 – 2001

• 1997: The first-generation CR-V was the first Honda-designed and -engineered sport utility vehicle. It brought a new level of car-like ride comfort, handling and efficiency, as well as Honda quality, to the SUV market and came fully equipped with Real Time™ 4WD, a 4-speed automatic transmission and cruise control.

  At the time, CR-V was the only SUV with a 4-wheel double wishbone suspension. It provided a stable, comfortable ride with exceptional maneuverability and isolation from road noise and vibration.

  The Real Time™ 4WD system was fully automatic – operating in front-wheel-drive under normal conditions but on a slippery road surface, such as snow or mud, the system automatically distributed power to both front and rear wheels for additional grip.

  The original CR-V was powered by a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter 16-valve dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 4-cylinder engine that developed 126 horsepower.

  CR-V's signature high-mounted tall taillights were introduced on the very first model, a design feature that has continued through all six generations. Inside, CR-V featured a flat floor and an innovative rear cargo compartment floor that doubled as a convenient foldout picnic table. Beneath the removable floor/picnic table was a plastic storage area that could be used for storing wet or dry items.

  The full-size spare tire was mounted on a unique two-way tailgate with an opening glass hatch and a swing out hinged door that provided access to a massive 67.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

• 1998: The CR-V lineup expanded with the addition of a two-wheel drive version and a 5-speed manual transmission for the first time.

• 1999: CR-V's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine received an increased compression ratio and revisions to the intake and exhaust manifold that gave it 20 additional horsepower – to 146 hp. A front passenger armrest was added and automatic models received a redesigned shifter.

• 2000: A new Special Edition (SE) package debuted with leather upholstery.

• 2001: A second-row sliding seat feature was added to all trim levels and EX-L received heated front seats and mirrors. Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ received an updated database with 48-state coverage and a new route guidance method for unverified roads.

Second-Generation CR-V: 2002 – 2006

• 2002: Built on Honda's new Global Compact Platform, the second-generation CR-V became a bit larger inside and out, improving comfort and utility. Enhanced safety systems included front side airbags, which were available on LX and standard on EX.

  An all-new 4-cylinder i-VTEC® engine delivered increased power and fuel economy. Displacement increased to 2.4 liters (from 2.0 liters) and the engine featured Honda's first application of "intelligent" i-VTEC®. The new "intelligent" i-VTEC® incorporated new VTC (Variable Timing Control) to continuously adjust intake-camshaft phase in concert with Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC®) system - enhancing performance, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions across a broad power band. Output increased to 160 horsepower and a 162 lb.-ft. of torque.

• 2003: The editors of Car and Driver awarded CR-V a spot on their "5Best Trucks" list for the second consecutive year.

• 2005: A five-speed automatic transmission became standard for all trim levels. CR-V also received significant updates to exterior and interior styling and the Special Edition (SE) model returned with leather interior and body-color bumpers. In accordance with Honda's industry-leading 'Safety for Everyone' program, all CR-Vs were now equipped with front side airbags, side curtain airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control.

  Honda sold its one-millionth CR-V in the U.S.

• 2006: All Honda horsepower and torque specifications were updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations. The new calculations reflected several significant changes in the way horsepower and torque were measured and caused horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years.

Third-Generation CR-V: 2007 – 2011

• 2007: The third-generation CR-V gained additional refinement, increased versatility and a curvaceous new exterior design that included moving the spare tire under the vehicle for a more upscale look. An easier-to-open top-hinged tailgate replaced the side-hinged tailgate design of previous models. Quieter inside, CR-V's all-new and more sophisticated interior delivered near-luxury style.

  The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine featured a new electronic drive-by-wire system and an output increased to 166 horsepower. For the first time, every CR-V featured an automatic transmission. Enhancements to the Real Time™ all-wheel-drive system improved performance by sending 20 percent more torque to the rear wheels, improving performance in rain, snow and sand.

  A stiffer body structure improved ride comfort and handling. Body construction included Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure that enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load bearing structures in the front of the vehicle. 

  CR-V production* began in America in East Liberty, Ohio.

  CR-V was America's best-selling SUV for the first time.

• 2008: CR-V EX-L became more luxurious with a new dual-zone automatic climate control system and a new power adjustable driver's seat.

• 2010: Exterior styling was enhanced with an updated front fascia, a re-sculpted hood and a new rear bumper. Upgrades to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine improved output to 180 horsepower, a 14 hp increase. A wide range of interior updates included modifications to the radio control layout, new seat fabric textures and an upgraded door handle design. 

  Honda sold the two-millionth CR-V in the United States. CR-V was the best-selling SUV in America for the fourth year in a row.

• 2011: CR-V SE (Special Edition) returned with alloy wheels, a 160-watt AM/FM/6-disc changer with six speakers, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and rear privacy glass.

  CR-V production* began at Honda Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario.

  ^{* using domestic and globally sourced parts.}

Fourth-Generation CR-V: 2012 – 2016

• 2012: The fourth-generation Honda CR-V debuted with a more dynamic and sophisticated appearance, greater fuel efficiency, a smoother, quieter ride and added features.

  New standard features included two information screens, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface, a multi-angle rearview camera and a 60/40 split rear seat.

  CR-V's 2.4-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine now produced 185 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. An all-new Real Time™ AWD with Intelligent Control System™ operated at all speeds and worked in cooperation with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the new Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS).

  CR-V is the best-selling SUV in America for the fifth time.

• 2014: The three-millionth Honda CR-V was sold in the United States.

• 2015: CR-V received enhanced styling, a new more powerful drivetrain, increased safety features and a new premium Touring trim.

  CR-V featured a new direct-injected Earth Dreams Technology™ i-VTEC® engine and its first continuously variable transmission (CVT). The new 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC® inline 4-cylinder engine produced 181 lb.-ft of torque, an 11-percent increase. CR-V's new CVT featured G-design Shift for smooth, seamless ratio changes.

  A new suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver assistive features became standard on CR-V Touring and included the first-ever Honda application of Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and the first CR-V adoption of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

  Inside, a larger 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio became standard and allowed the user to tap, pinch and swipe – just like on a smartphone or tablet.

  MotorTrendawardedthe Honda CR-V its coveted Sport/Utility of the Year honor.

• 2016: A new Special Edition (SE) trim added larger 17-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive two-tone finish, second-row rear privacy glass and a security system.

  CR-V was the best-selling SUV in America for the fifth year in a row and the ninth time in the last decade.

Fifth-Generation CR-V: 2017 – 2022

• 2017: The fifth-generation CR-V boasted bold new styling, a more spacious interior and its first-ever available turbocharged engine. New features included a Honda-first Hands Free Access Power Tailgate (Touring) and for the first time, CR-V's Display Audio system offered Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.

  The Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies became standard on EX and higher trims. For the first time on CR-V both Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF) were standard. Additional new available driver-assistive features included Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Blind Spot Information System (BSI), Auto High-Beam (AHB) and all-new Driver Attention Monitor.

  EX and higher trims were powered by CR-V's first-ever turbocharged engine, a 1.5-liter Turbo DOHC inline 4-cylinder with dual Valve Timing Control (VTC) and direct fuel injection. With peak output of 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque, this was the most powerful CR-V to date.

  All-wheel-drive models featured an upgraded Real Time™ AWD with Intelligent Control System™ with a significant increase in maximum rear-wheel torque delivery that further improved all-weather confidence and control.

  The editors of Car and Driver awarded CR-V a spot on their "10Best Trucks and SUVs" list.

  CR-V production* began in Greensburg, Indiana.

• 2018: Production expanded to Marysville, Ohio, the fourth plant in North America to build CR-V.

• 2019: The five-millionth CR-V was sold in the United States.

• 2020: The first ever CR-V Hybrid was introduced with Honda's award-winning two-motor hybrid system. CR-V Hybrid offered all the refinement, fun-to-drive performance and versatility that made CR-V America's best-selling crossover with additional efficiency.

  The entire CR-V lineup was refreshed with new front and rear exterior styling and standard Honda Sensing® technologies on all grades. The 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injected engine became standard on the popular LX trim.

  Inside, CR-V's spacious and tech-savvy cabin got a redesigned center console with more conveniently located USB ports and more flexible storage space. The line-topping CR-V Touring added a heated steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging.

  ^{* using domestic and globally sourced parts.}

Sixth-Generation CR-V: 2023

• 2023: The all-new 2023 CR-V sets a new benchmark with a rugged and sophisticated exterior design, a sporty and modern interior, increased space, comfort and performance. Perfect for daily life or weekend escapes, the sixth generation CR-V is playing a key role in the Honda electrification strategy with CR-V hybrid-electric models positioned at the top of the lineup representing about 50% of annual CR-V sales. 

  An all-new, more-advanced, fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system gives the new CR-V hybrid greater performance. The new system uses an all-new and more refined 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine, now with direct fuel injection, mated to a pair of more powerful electric motors which are mounted side-by-side rather than in-line. It generates 247 lb.-ft. of torque, a 15 lb.-ft. improvement.

  CR-V LX and EX have an updated direct-injected 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for a more refined driving experience.

  Inside, the new CR-V is quieter, more comfortable and features the most cabin and cargo space in the model's history. Standard features include a digital instrument display and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. CR-V EX-L and Sport Touring have a large 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and wireless phone charging.

  The Honda CR-V was awarded a coveted Car and Driver 10Best Award for  the fourth time.

  The new sixth-generation CR-V is built in three plants in North America using domestic and globally-sourced parts – located in East Liberty, Ohio; Greensburg, Indiana; and Alliston, Ontario, Canada – continuing the 40-year legacy of Honda's commitment to build products close to the customer.

• 2024: Production* of an all-new hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) based on the all-new Honda CR-V will start in 2024 at its Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. This new zero-emissions vehicle will contribute to Honda's previously announced goal to make battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and FCEVs represent 100% of its global auto sales by 2040.

  The new CR-V-based FCEV also will mark North America's first production vehicle to combine a plug-in feature with FCEV technology in one model, which enables the driver to charge the onboard battery to deliver EV driving around town with the flexibility of fast hydrogen refueling for longer trips.

  As America's best-selling CUV of the past quarter century, the Honda CR-V will provide an excellent foundation for a FCEV, adding zero emissions and EV performance characteristics to its fun-to-drive personality, sporty styling and outstanding utility, while retaining generous passenger and cargo spaces.

  ^{* using domestic and globally sourced parts.}

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