When the Honda CR-V first appeared in 1995 it transformed the automotive landscape, paving the way for a new breed of family car. Combining the comfort, refinement, practicality and efficiency of a standard saloon with the rugged go-anywhere ability of a 4×4, the original CR-V sparked a spirit of adventure that is as strong as ever 30 years later.
Today compact crossover and SUV models are a common sight on the roads, but when Honda launched the CR-V it created a whole new class of vehicle. The mixture of family car running costs and driving experience with rugged capability was an instant hit with buyers, resulting in sales of more than one million since its arrival in Europe.
When it was launched, the CR-V was the first sports utility vehicle that was fully Honda-designed and engineered from the ground-up. From the outset, it has been an innovator, showcasing the brand’s bold and thoughtful engineering while also striving to deliver on its promise to deliver the ‘joy of driving’ to all of its vehicles.
The first-generation debuted clever technology such as a fully automatic ‘on demand’ Real Time 4WD system, as well as iconic features like the removable boot floor that doubled as a picnic table.
Instantly popular with buyers, the CR-V set new standards in the SUV sector, becoming a benchmark vehicle for its impressive road manners and versatility. Yet rivals quickly followed the model’s example, and the compact SUV class became increasingly crowded. Undaunted, Honda continued to raise the bar, with each generation maintaining its advantage over the competition through constant improvement and innovation.
For example, the CR-V was one of the first models in the sector to offer a full hybrid powertrain, debuting Honda’s state-of-the art i-MMD system in 2018. It has also been at the forefront of safety technology, culminating in the adoption of the brand’s exceptional SENSING 360 on the current model – Honda’s omnidirectional safety and driver-assist system. Moreover, all of these advances have been delivered hand-in-hand with ever greater comfort, in line with the ever-increasing buyer demand for quality and premium products.
Now in its sixth generation, Honda’s most popular SUV continues to set the benchmark for its market segment, fusing agile, intuitive driving dynamics with incredible versatility. Launched in 2023, the current CR-V is perfect for daily life or weekend escapes, with a rugged and sophisticated design inside and out, increased utility, enhanced safety and a more advanced hybrid system offering both a sportier driving experience and exceptional efficiency. Three decades on, the CR-V’s spirit of adventure remains as strong as ever.
The Beast
The wildest CR-V of them all, ‘The Beast’, is an SUV with a difference. Known as the CR-V Hybrid Racer, it has been designed and engineered by Honda Performance Development and acts as a rolling laboratory for electrification and sustainable fuel research. Its wild-looking, aerodynamically tuned exterior combines the top half of a regular production model (it even retains the panoramic glass roof) with a bespoke lower carbon composite body that features flared wheel arches and a prominent front splitter.
Like the standard CR-V, ‘The Beast’ uses a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain – although it’s a little more powerful. Heavily based on Honda’s championship-winning INDYCAR engine and powered by 100% sustainable Shell race fuel, the 800PS twin-turbocharged 2.2-litre V6 is assisted by an Empel electric motor generator unit that takes energy from a Skeleton supercapacitor energy storage system.
Honda CR-V MK1 (1995)
● CR-V stands for ‘Compact Recreational Vehicle’
● Novel options included a load compartment-mounted power shower
● Innovative Real Time 4WD automatically switched from two- to four-wheel drive
With its ground-breaking combination of saloon car comfort and running costs, estate car space and practicality, with 4×4 capability, the CR-V started a revolution when it launched in 1995.
On the outside it featured distinctive SUV styling cues, such as chunky plastic bumpers and wheelarches, alongside a raised ride height, while its distinctive vertical taillights would become a design trademark.
Inside, the CR-V packed innovative features such as a boot floor that doubled as a convenient foldout picnic table. Once removed, it revealed a plastic storage area that could be used for storing wet or muddy items, such as walking boots or wetsuits.
Honda CR-V MKII (2002)
● First CR-V to be available with a diesel engine
● Retained novel boot floor that doubled as a picnic table
Building on the incredible success of the original, the second generation CR-V set new benchmarks for the increasingly competitive mid-sized SUV class when it was launched in 2002.
In keeping with the original CR-V’s pioneering spirit, the second-generation model was packed with innovative features. This included the addition of Honda’s sophisticated and efficient 2.0-litre i-CDTi diesel engine for the first time.
Elsewhere, the rear seats could slide back and forth to increase legroom, while the backrests could be reclined to a maximum 45 degrees. Together with fully reclining front seats, it allowed the interior to be converted into a comfortable resting area.
Honda CR-V MK3 (2006)
● Honda’s advanced VTEC variable valve timing added to 2.0-litre petrol
● Lower centre of gravity and 25% wider track for even greater agility
● Clever folding rear seats allowed two upright mountain bikes to be carried
With the eagerly anticipated third generation of CR-V, Honda raised the bar further for one of its best-selling models. Launched in 2006, the new model featured even better handling, more car-like styling and greater comfort.
Its sportier appearance was characterised by a bold ‘cab-forward’ look and a coupe-like tapering side window profile, while a more luxurious interior reflected the growing demand for quality and premium products.
Yet the CR-V remained as practical as ever. One stand out feature was the novel ‘Double Deck’ luggage area, which featured a substantial, removable shelf that sat above the load floor and allowed items to be stowed beneath without the need to unload any luggage to access it.
Honda CR-V MK4 (2012)
● Real Time 4WD features electronic control for the first time
● 2015 update introduced nine-speed automatic gearbox
● Newly introduced 1.6 i-DTEC diesel capable of impressive 62.7mpg
The fourth generation CR-V offered even greater quality, practicality, refinement and efficiency, with this all-new version becoming the most safe and sophisticated yet.
For instance, the materials used were carefully chosen for premium European tastes, with a high-quality finish on the top of the fascia being inspired by the marble-like pattern found on Japanese Kobe beef.
For the first time ever, the CR-V was available with a choice of two or four-wheel drive, while across the range CO2 emissions were reduced by around 12 percent
Honda CR-V MK5 (2018)
● First Honda SUV in Europe to be available with e:HEV hybrid powertrain
● Seven-seat option added to the CR-V’s impressive practicality
● New 1.5 VTEC TURBO option as diesel dropped from the line-up
By the time the fifth generation CR-V arrived in 2018, the pioneering model had become the world’s best-selling SUV. Yet Honda did not let the model’s incredible popularity stifle its innovative spirit
Most importantly, in a first for a Honda SUV in Europe, the CR-V was available with the brand’s intelligent Multi Mode Drive technology (i-MMD) hybrid powertrain.
In line with Honda’s ‘Safety for Everyone’ philosophy, the CR-V featured Honda Sensing™ technology for the first time.
Honda CR-V MK6 (2023)
● Available with both e:HEV hybrid and e:PHEV plug-in powertrains
● Honda SENSING 360 removes blind spots and contributes to collision avoidance
● One of the largest load spaces in the class, with two-level cargo floor on plug-in
With a bold, confident appearance and exceptional levels of practicality, the latest Honda CR-V offers unrivalled safety, connectivity, and comfort. Available as an e:HEV plug-in hybrid for the first time in Europe, it also debuts cutting-edge Honda SENSING360 safety technology.
An e:HEV hybrid model is also available, which features an advanced all-wheel-drive system, while the plug-in front-wheel drive e:PHEV offers up to 79km1 (49 miles) of all-electric range.
High-quality materials feature throughout the CR-V’s cabin, which in combination with the flowing design help create a premium ambience. It also raises the bar in terms of load space, practicality and interior functionality, making it a perfect choice for customers with active lifestyles.
1 Based on Euro6eBis