When the Honda CR-V was first introduced to the world in the early nineties, its goal was to provide a more compact and affordable option to SUV buyers. Today, the CR-V is in its fifth generation and remains a strong competitor in the now thriving compact SUV market.
It would be easy to underestimate the CR-V’s significance, because in a crowded segment it’s often seen as just another contender. But by the time the Mk4 arrived in 2012 it was the world’s best-selling SUV, thanks largely to it leading the field in the US.
The latest CR-V can now seat seven people, while its predecessor was strictly a five-seater. Unless you need a third row, that’s no bad thing, because it means space for five occupants is excellent and it had a class-leading boot at launch, making the Mk4 one of the most practical family SUVs going.
Models covered
- Honda CR-V Mk4 (2012-2017) – Practical and spacious, a strong choice of family car but in a much more modern-looking package compared to its predecessors.
Honda CR-V Mk4
History
The fourth-generation Honda CR-V arrived in the UK in October 2012. Buyers could pick between four trim levels (S, SE, SR and EX) and two engines: a 153bhp 2.0 i-VTEC petrol unit or a 148bhp 2.2 i-DTEC diesel.
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Both engines came with the option of an automatic gearbox, and while four-wheel drive was optional on the 2.0 i-VTEC S and SE – the alternative being front-wheel drive – it was fitted as standard on all other models. From October 2013 a fleet-friendly 119bhp 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine was offered with S, SE and SR trims, but there was no four-wheel-drive option for this engine.
The CR-V range received a facelift in March 2015 with a refreshed front end design and the introduction of a more powerful (158bhp) 1.6 i-DTEC engine, which replaced the 2.2-litre unit.
Which one should I buy?
We wouldn’t steer you towards or away from any particular derivatives, but if you’re planning to tow with your CR-V take note of the limits in the checklist further down this page. Towing limits vary quite considerably depending on your chosen engine and gearbox.
No CR-V is especially spartan, and even the entry-level S has a DAB radio, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, powered windows front and rear, plus auto emergency braking.
The SE adds a seven-inch touchscreen display, a rear parking camera, automatic headlights and wipers, along with front and rear parking sensors. Buy a CR-V SR and it’ll come with 18-inch alloys, leather and Alcantara trim, privacy glass, active HID headlights with main-beam assist, and nav.
Range-topping EX models feature leather trim, a panoramic glass roof, keyless go, a powered tailgate and an electrically adjustable memory driver’s seat.
Alternatives to the Honda CR-V
The CR-V has no shortage of rivals. Two cars that are closely matched are the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, both of which are well equipped, and tend to be reliable. The Toyota RAV4 is also extremely dependable, and should be on your shortlist. The Ford Kuga is plentiful, value for money and good to drive, while the Mazda CX-5 has a superb cabin and is also surprisingly fun for an SUV.
There are lots of Nissan Qashqais and Renault Kadjars to choose from, along with the Volkswagen Tiguan and its SEAT Ateca and Skoda Karoq cousins, all of which are appealing for their efficient engines and user-friendly cabins. The Peugeot 3008 has a superb interior and is very practical, too. The choice really is huge.
What to look for
Towing
The 2.0i can haul 1,700kg and the 2.2d 2,000kg, but in auto form both can only pull 1,500kg. All 1.6ds are rated at 1,700kg.
Motors
CR-V diesel engines can be somewhat rough on start-up, but an engine control unit (ECU) update can fix things by increasing the revs at idle.
Headlamps
The halogen headlights aren’t that great due of the reflector design; the xenon lights are much better, so seek these out.
Electrics
The tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can behave erratically. This is usually caused by a
fault with one of the sensors.
Interior
The CR-V holds up Honda’s reputation for build quality and endurance, but some of the materials used don’t feel as premium as those found in rivals. The overall layout is generally user-friendly, too, although the infotainment isn’t as slick or intuitive as systems found in German rivals. All CR-Vs get height adjustment for the driver’s seat, but the S and SE forgo adjustment for the passenger seat.
Versatility is improved thanks to Honda’s cinema-style rear ‘Magic Seats’. There’s lots of space for five adults and boot capacity is an impressive 589 litres with the rear seats in place, increasing to a massive 1,669 litres available if they’re folded down.
Prices
Check out the latest used prices for the Honda CR-V on our sister site Buyacar.
Running costs
The service interval on all CR-Vs is set at 12 months or 12,500 miles. Maintenance alternates between minor and major services. Petrol-engined cars the prices are pegged at £205 and £315 respectively; for diesels the equivalent costs are £225 and £350.
All engines are chain-driven, so there are no cambelts to replace. The coolant needs to be checked at each service, and any fluid replacement is covered within the cost of the check-up. The brake fluid, meanwhile, should be replaced every other year at an additional cost.
Recalls
Most of the problems centred on the Takata airbag scandal that has affected hundreds of thousands of Hondas (along with other manufacturers’ cars) globally, going back to 2000.
The Takata recall accounted for four of the five airbag recalls, but there was also another one, this time in October 2020, because some CR-Vs suffered from slow airbag deployment resulting from faulty inflators. As well as this there was an action in July 2015, because the Automatic Emergency Braking could activate incorrectly; a software update fixed this.
Excessive exhaust emissions prompted a seventh recall in January 2020, then in August 2020 Honda launched its eighth CR-V campaign because of faulty fuel pumps, which needed to be replaced.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The CR-V Mk4 came 33rd out of 100 models in our 2019 Driver Power used car survey, having come 20th in 2018 and eighth in 2017. It was well-regarded for its practicality, versatility and space. Reliability was another high spot, as was the cost of servicing. Fuel economy and dashboard layout received lower scores, and owners also rated the driving experience as being below-par in most respects.
Verdict
In 2003 Honda ran an advertising campaign called The Cog. The strapline was “Isn’t it nice when things just work?” While that ad promoted the Accord, it could have applied to the CR-V. In many ways this SUV isn’t all that inspiring, but it’s easy to drive, use and live with; for most buyers that’s all that’s required. The CR-V is undoubtedly a great buy, but if you take the plunge, do consider a four-wheel-drive model. Not only does the extra traction help greatly in poor weather or when towing, but it should prove just as economical in the real world as the two-wheel-drive models.
Keyword: Used Honda CR-V (Mk4, 2012-2017) review