Honda has an astounding five generations of their integral CR-V wagon. Hiroyuki Kawase designed the wagon in Sayama, Japan. It was made available worldwide in 1997, two years after its initial manufacture date. CR-V stands for "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle", although there are suggestions that it also stands for "Compact Recreational Vehicle".
The 1st Generation (1995-2001)
The 1st generation of the CR-V was designed in-house by Hiroyuki Kawase. It was only available in Japan with Honda Verno dealerships marketing it as a top-of-the-line luxury vehicle. The drivetrain was available in FWD and AWD and in either a 4-speed or 5-speed manual gearbox. The CR-V was later returned after 1999 from the B20B to the B20Z engines, enhancing the power rating as follows:
- 2.0L B20B (petrol) an inline four-cylinder producing 94kW (126hp), with 180Nm (133lb/ft) of torque
- 2.0L B20Z (petrol) an inline four-cylinder producing 110kW (147hp), with 180Nm (133lb/ft) of torque
Trim Levels
Only one trim level, the LX, was available upon the introduction of the 1st generation, and it came powered by a straight-four 2.0-litre B20B engine. The chassis was a unibody frame with a four-wheel double suspension. Interestingly, it has a picnic table stowed in the rear floor area. It sported a chrome grille and black plastic bumpers. Later on, Honda offered an EX version, which featured anti-lock brakes and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Safety Ratings
The ANCAP results for the CR-V were inconclusive. However, the IIHS gave the 1st generation a grade of ‘Marginal’ for overall safety. The structure and safety cage was rated as ‘Acceptable’, driver injury measures were overall ‘Marginal’, and driver restraints and dummy kinematics were ‘Acceptable’.
The 2nd Generation (2001-2006)
The next line of the CR-V became available in Australia in 2002, with two body options. Mitsuhiro Honda designed the 2nd generation in 1999. The engine platforms were available in 5-speed manual and 4-speed or 5-speed automatic transmissions. The engines used in the 2nd generation were:
- 2.0L K20A1 (petrol) an inline four-cylinder producing 116kW (156hp), with 215Nm (159lb/ft) of torque
- 2.0L K20A4 (petrol) an inline four-cylinder producing 112kW (150hp), with 190Nm (140lb/ft) of torque
- 2.4L K24A1 (petrol) an inline four-cylinder producing 119kW (160hp), with 220Nm (162lb/ft) of torque
- 2.2L N22A2 (diesel) a turbocharged inline-four-cylinder producing 103kW (138hp), with 340Nm (251lb/ft) of torque
Trim Levels
The trim levels available for the 2nd generation were "Base" and "Sport".
The base model offered an air conditioner, power windows and mirrors, and a CD player (but, just a regular one, not a fancy 5-disc player). The Sport Edition added ABS, cruise control, a sunroof, classic alloy wheels, front fog lights, and body-colored bumpers. Along the line, several temporary special editions became available all of which boasted the same wintry options, such as side steps and roof racks, through the years under different guises.
Safety Ratings
The ANCAP awarded the 2nd generation CR -V 26.62 out of 37 points for a 4-star rating. The ANCAP noted its standard front, side and head airbags, rated it for frontal-offset 10.62 out of 16 points and for side-impact 16 out of 16 points, with zero out of 3 seatbelt reminders.
The 3rd Generation (2006-2011)
The 3rd restyling of the CR-V offered a liftgate and removed the spare tyre on the back of the vehicle. Honda continued to stick with their staple K-platform four-cylinder engines but designed improved transmissions offering a six-speed manual and five-speed automatic. The engines used in this design were the:
- 2.4L K24Z1 (petrol) an in-line four engine producing 124kW (166hp), with 218Nm (161lb/ft) of torque
- 2.0L R20A2 (petrol) an in-line four engine producing 110kW (148hp), with 190Nm (140lb/ft) of torque
Trim Levels
Three trim levels of the CR-V were similar to the standard of the two previous generations. Including the base model, there was also an EX and EX-L edition made available. The EX-L featured a keynote navigational unit. The middle-level trim offered a special central tray that contained an iPod and aux cord adapter in the centre. And the LX had a choice of 18" or 19" wheels and a panoramic moon roof.
Safety Ratings
The ANCAP awarded the CR-V an improved rating of 31.25 out of 37 points for a 4-star rating. The ANCAP reported standard front, side and head airbags, gave a frontal offset score of 12.25 out of 16 points, a side-impact score of 16 out of 16 points, and only 1 of 3 seatbelt reminders.
The 4th Generation (2011-2016)
The 4th generation of the CR-V made its first appearance at the Orange County International Auto Show in September 2011 and began making its appearance in Australia in 2012. There was an updated 4th generation introduced to the public in October 2014, as well. Few changes were made, including a steering gear ratio reduction, safety performance, and larger vacuum servo. It sported their signature "Earth Dreams" 2.4L V-TEC inline-four engine (producing 138kW and 220Nm) with a CVT delivering power to its all-wheel drivetrain.
Trim Levels
Trim levels available were introduced as the LX, SE, EX, EX-L, and Touring packages. Two models in each package offered two drivetrain options of front-wheel (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX had four colors available, SE offered eight, and the EX, EX-L, and Touring offered ten color choices. They all kept the same mechanics with the 138kW 2.4-litre engine, as well as the same trim options (except upgraded versions) as the previous generation.
Safety Ratings
The ANCAP awarded the CR-V an almost perfect rating of 35.91 out of 37 points for a 5-star rating. The ANCAP reported standard front, side and head airbags, frontal offset score of 14.91 out of 16 points, and side-impact score of 16 out of 16 points, and 3 of 3 seatbelt reminders.
The 5th Generation (2017-present)
The latest generation of the CR-V wagon was introduced in October 2016. This model also added an entire row of seats, increasing its total capacity to seven. It also added an abundance of automatic safety features such as auto daytime running lights, an electronic parking brake, collision mitigation braking, and the lane-keeping assistant. The engine bay retained its familiar 2.4L “Earth Dreams”, along with:
- 1.5L L15B7 (petrol) turbocharged inline-four-cylinder producing 142kW (190hp), with 243Nm (179lb/ft) of torque
- 2.0L R20A (petrol) an inline four-cylinder producing 110kw (148hp), with 190Nm (140lb/ft) of torque
- 1.6L N16 i-DTEC (diesel) turbocharged an inline four-cylinder producing 119kW (160hp), with 350Nm (258lb/ft)
Trim Levels
After the sleek facelift of the 2017 introduction, the trim levels were given the typical badges of the LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring packages. All trim packages have standard 5-person seating with foldable rear seats that would accommodate extra cargo space of 2.14 cubic meters (or 75.8 cubic feet). The LX comes standard with a 5" navigational screen, while the other trims get a 7". All trims have Bluetooth capabilities and standard safety measures, as described previously. The upper three trims also received an upgraded sound system.
Safety Ratings
The ANCAP awarded the CR-V another high rating of 35.76 out of 37 points for a 5-star rating. The ANCAP reported standard front, side, dual and head airbags, a frontal offset of 14.76 out of 16 points, a side-impact score of 16 out of 16 points, and 3 out of 3 seatbelt reminders.
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Author: Ashleigh McAllister