Still Unique After All These Years: A History of the Honda CR-V

The SUV class is the most popular among drivers. The boom period, which began in the late 1990s and early 2000s, helped the SUV change from simply an off-roading machine into a family-friendly means of transportation. Accessible and advantageous, one of the vehicles that helped make this happen was the Honda CR-V.

 

Drivers looking for a Honda CR-V for sale near Henrietta might not be aware of the vehicle’s legacy. The CR-V began rolling off assembly lines in Japan in 1995 and reached North American shores in early 1997. Since then, its practicality has only increased among drivers from all walks of life.

 

Unlike the competition, the CR-V was designed with the modern consumer in mind. Its economical powertrain emphasizes fuel economy more than performance. Built from the ground up to be safe, the CR-V has always been equipped with intuitive safety features that protect drivers and their families. Join us today as we turn back the hands of time. We will examine the CR-V’s humble beginnings and see how it became the great compact SUV, meeting the needs of drivers for over 30 years.

The vehicle that gets the most credit for what we now refer to as the SUV boom is the Ford Explorer. Ford’s SUV, launched during the 1991 model year, helped make the vehicle class more accessible. However, compared to the CR-Vs, the Explorer’s lineage is similar to another story of how Honda became prominent in the North American market, by offering excellent fuel economy.

 

During the gas crisis of the 1970s, Honda offered consumers an alternative transportation method, allowing them to go farther between fill-ups. When the CR-V made its North American debut, its strong point was its practicality. The 2.0L four-cylinder engine allowed drivers to achieve an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.^[a]  By comparison, the 1997 Explorer was saddled with a six-cylinder engine that achieved a dismal EPA-estimated 14 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway.^[a]

 

In addition to having better fuel economy than some of its domestic counterparts, the CR-V was designed for average city drivers in cities such as Henrietta. The SUV’s unibody design, suspension, and chassis allowed it to handle much more like a sedan, so drivers from all walks of life could easily commute in the vehicle.

 

In 2000, Honda began equipping the SUV with items meant to provide a more comfortable experience for drivers. A CD player and available leather upholstery allowed the CR-V to compete with more luxury-appointed offerings from brands like GMC.

The following years of the SUV class would see models become more scaled down in size with more economical powertrains. Honda was ahead of the curve in terms of innovation. As the SUV boom began to get underway, Honda would make more improvements to its offering, much to the delight of drivers everywhere.

Other brands quickly adopted the changes that the Honda CR-V helped bring about. Similar offerings, such as the Ford Escape and Isuzu Amigo, feature scaled-down designs and economical powertrains. Many of the items that Henrietta drivers look for in an SUV can be attributed to Honda in the early 2000s.

 

The second generation of the CR-V, which began in 2001, saw some stylistic changes that made the SUV more visually appealing. The exterior was more aerodynamic, and the styling cues were lifted from the Honda Civic. New struts and an improved suspension made the CR-V more agile, providing it with the performance that allowed it to thrive in city environments.

 

Sales among consumers also increased, with no fewer than 140,000 being purchased in North America from 2002 to 2011. Three of these years (2009, 2010, and 2011) saw over 200,000 CR-V models in driveways from coast to coast. The CR-V’s fuel economy was still exceptional, and now there were new features to enhance safety. From 2005 onwards, rollover sensors, multiple airbags, and Vehicle Stability Assist were standard on all trims.

The fourth generation of the Honda CR-V began in 2011. Around this time, many of the items and features that drew Henrietta drivers to the SUV began to make their first appearance. One of the most notable changes was the inclusion of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) during the 2015 model year. The CVT was a transmission that adapted to driving conditions and improved fuel economy, especially in the stop-and-go traffic patterns that accompany city driving.

 

The same year, the CR-V’s performance improved and witnessed new safety and driving assistance improvements. Items such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and the inclusion of a backup camera now made the CR-V more ideal for families who prioritize safety.

 

2020 would mark a significant change for the CR-V. A hybrid powertrain would be added to the lineup, further improving the SUV’s fuel economy. The EPA estimated that a 2020 FWD CR-V with its new hybrid powertrain could achieve an impressive 40 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.[a] New safety features would emerge during this time, such as a Collision Mitigation Braking System, a Lane Keeping System, and a Rear Cross-Traffic Monitoring System.

The sixth and current generation of the Honda CR-V launched during the 2023 model year. Inside and out, the newest incarnation of the CR-V offered drivers a rewarding experience, with the hybrid powertrain now achieving an EPA-estimated 40 MPG combined.^[a]

 

New technology and practicality improved the interior of the CR-V. Storage space increased from 75.8 to 76.5 cu.ft. A new nine-inch infotainment screen provided wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen also offered navigation, giving drivers a tech-savvy experience behind the wheel.

 

More safety features came standard across all trims than in previous years. Many of the items that were present in previous incarnations, such as a Collision Mitigation Braking System and Adaptive Cruise Control, were still part of the standard suite. The 2023 model came with new features, such as a driving attention monitor to help drivers know when fatigue might occur.

 

One of the CR-V’s newest and boldest measures occurred in 2025 with the Trailsport edition. A version made for those who favor adventures on the road less traveled, it came equipped with all-terrain tires and standard AWD.

The innovations, whether related to performance, safety, or exterior design, have made the Honda CR-V a great compact SUV to consider over the years. As we’ve seen today, there are many reasons why drivers in Henrietta can benefit from an SUV, which has helped change how this vehicle class is produced. Getting a new or used CR-V that embodies all of the SUV’s innovations is easier than you think. At Ralph Honda, we have the CR-V and all its trims and features ready for you to explore. Take a trip from Henrietta and see us today. We’re confident we can help you get behind the wheel of a new or pre-owned CR-V you’re sure to love.

 

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^[a] Based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Mileage will depend on model year, trim, and condition of the vehicle. Your mileage will also vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.