Likes
- Typical excellent Honda reliability, especially with the 2.4-litre
- Superb practicality
- Overall ageing very well
- Hugely understated
Used Honda CR-V review
2012 - 2017
Dislikes
- Very boring to drive and live with
- Diesel models are to be avoided
- Infotainment systems can be infuriating
- Does give off an “I’ve given up on my hopes and dreams to be my kid’s taxi” vibe
Stuff you should know
Available here in Australia from 2012 to 2017, the 4th generation CR-V will come with either a 2.0-litre petrol 4-cylinder engine powering the front wheels, a 2.4-litre petrol 4-cylinder powering all four wheels or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel or later in the lifecycle a 1.5-litre turbo diesel 4-cylinder, both also powering all four wheels.
However, if you’re a fan of changing gears yourself, you’ll have to get a base spec front wheel drive variant because all of the others are automatic only.
In terms of trim specs, here in Australia it is very easy to navigate as there have been primarily three levels, the VTi, VTi-S and VTi-L with diesel versions of the higher spec models available as well.
There was a limited edition and CR-V+ model but these are quite rare on the used market.
There was a substantial mid-life update in November 2014 featuring a mild facelift, some improved interior treatments, the 1.6-litre turbo diesel replaced the 2.2 and the levels of tech and equipment increased.
It should be noted, those buying a Honda CR-V expecting Japanese build quietly may be surprised that the 4th generation CR-V was not made in Japan, the CR-V was made in Thailand and if you’re looking at a diesel variant, they were made in Swindon in the UK, that’s not necessarily a bad thing but not Japan.
Also, gone was the tough little SUV with underrated off-roading chops of the first couple of generations, Honda seemed to swap out the cool and capable factor for a large dose of sensible and dare we say it, boring.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
There have been reports of water leaking into the driver and passenger side footwells. This is due to the cowling behind the footwell being insufficiently sealed, therefore letting rain on the windscreen runoff drain get through.
In very cold climates the tailgate button is known to have issues.
There are the odd sporadic electronic issues, like the doors locking and unlocking themselves randomly whilst the car is driving but this is honestly, pretty rare.
Interior:
The AC Compressor’s internal components are susceptible to wearing out or corroding. This then lets debris get into the AC itself and prevents it from blowing cold air, or causes it to fail completely.
Also on AC related issues, the heater core itself is also prone to getting blocked meaning that the passenger will become warm whilst the driver will feel nothing. The good news to this is that in most cases getting rid of the blockage is the solution, the bad news is if this doesn’t solve it, you’re going to have to replace the heater core altogether which can be a nightmare. In saying that though, this issue is mainly prominent on the earlier models.
There have also been reports of excessive battery drainage due to the Vehicle Stability Assist Continuing to draw current from the battery after the car has been turned off. Another potential source of this issue is the AC Clutch Relay that also stays on after the car is turned off.
Also, an odd one here, because the wiring is wrapped in a covering made from soy, which is environmentally friendly, mice, rats and various other things like to gnaw on them. Which usually exposes the wires, therefore almost encouraging other potential electronic issues. There’s actually special spicy rodent tape that Honda made to prevent this from happening.
Mechanically:
The early RM version of this generation CR-V was the last that used the good old K24 2.4-litre, which some consider an utter travesty because of that engine’s proven outstanding reliability. They’re not perfect though…If they’ve missed a few services, engine oil consumption becomes a problem, and in extreme cases timing chain, camshaft and valve train problems can occur. Also we do see the occasional VTEC actuator solenoid complication and some oil leaks too.
The CR-V also offered the R20 2.0 litre normally aspirated engine which is direct injected which is great for emissions, but bad for clogged up inlets and coked up valves, a problem the K24 didn’t have because of port injection. The K24 is gone now, and we just have to let it go.
If you have a CR-V, pro tip, don’t skip services. Those of you that are regular to ReDriven know that we highly
Exterior:
There have been reports of water leaking into the driver and passenger side footwells. This is due to the cowling behind the footwell being insufficiently sealed, therefore letting rain on the windscreen runoff drain get through.
In very cold climates the tailgate button is known to have issues.
There are the odd sporadic electronic issues, like the doors locking and unlocking themselves randomly whilst the car is driving but this is honestly, pretty rare.
Interior:
The AC Compressor’s internal components are susceptible to wearing out or corroding. This then lets debris get into the AC itself and prevents it from blowing cold air, or causes it to fail completely.
Also on AC related issues, the heater core itself is also prone to getting blocked meaning that the passenger will become warm whilst the driver will feel nothing. The good news to this is that in most cases getting rid of the blockage is the solution, the bad news is if this doesn’t solve it, you’re going to have to replace the heater core altogether which can be a nightmare. In saying that though, this issue is mainly prominent on the earlier models.
There have also been reports of excessive battery drainage due to the Vehicle Stability Assist Continuing to draw current from the battery after the car has been turned off. Another potential source of this issue is the AC Clutch Relay that also stays on after the car is turned off.
Also, an odd one here, because the wiring is wrapped in a covering made from soy, which is environmentally friendly, mice, rats and various other things like to gnaw on them. Which usually exposes the wires, therefore almost encouraging other potential electronic issues. There’s actually special spicy rodent tape that Honda made to prevent this from happening.
Mechanically:
The early RM version of this generation CR-V was the last that used the good old K24 2.4-litre, which some consider an utter travesty because of that engine’s proven outstanding reliability. They’re not perfect though…If they’ve missed a few services, engine oil consumption becomes a problem, and in extreme cases timing chain, camshaft and valve train problems can occur. Also we do see the occasional VTEC actuator solenoid complication and some oil leaks too.
The CR-V also offered the R20 2.0 litre normally aspirated engine which is direct injected which is great for emissions, but bad for clogged up inlets and coked up valves, a problem the K24 didn’t have because of port injection. The K24 is gone now, and we just have to let it go.
If you have a CR-V, pro tip, don’t skip services. Those of you that are regular to ReDriven know that we highly recommend servicing every 10,000km.
In terms of the transmissions, Honda are one of the few modern manufacturers that agree that transmissions do need servicing (none of this fill for life rubbish), and if you stick to the schedule which is transmissions every 40,000km and diffs every 30,000km you’re unlikely to have any serious problems.
Recalls:
- 11 June 2015 – 1,762 units of Honda’s YM Accord and YM CR-V models, built from 2013-2015, were affected by a defect where the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) unexpectedly activated while driving, with the system sometimes interpreting roadside objects like metal fences or guardrails as obstacles and applying emergency braking.
- 26 October 2017 – 173 units of the Honda CR-V were affected due to a misalignment in the welding of the right lower control arm and the sub frame push collar inside the vehicle, which caused the welded area to break and resulted in tilting of the right front wheel, making the vehicle undrivable and posing a crash hazard.
Exterior:
There have been reports of water leaking into the driver and passenger side footwells. This is due to the cowling behind the footwell being insufficiently sealed, therefore letting rain on the windscreen runoff drain get through.
In very cold climates the tailgate button is known to have issues.
There are the odd sporadic electronic issues, like the doors locking and unlocking themselves randomly whilst the car is driving but this is honestly, pretty rare.
Interior:
The AC Compressor’s internal components are susceptible to wearing out or corroding. This then lets debris get into the AC itself and prevents it from blowing cold air, or causes it to fail completely.
Also on AC related issues, the heater core itself is also prone to getting blocked meaning that the passenger will become warm whilst the driver will feel nothing. The good news to this is that in most cases getting rid of the blockage is the solution, the bad news is if this doesn’t solve it, you’re going to have to replace the heater core altogether which can be a nightmare. In saying that though, this issue is mainly prominent on the earlier models.
There have also been reports of excessive battery drainage due to the Vehicle Stability Assist Continuing to draw current from the battery after the car has been turned off. Another potential source of this issue is the AC Clutch Relay that also stays on after the car is turned off.
Also, an odd one here, because the wiring is wrapped in a covering made from soy, which is environmentally friendly, mice, rats and various other things like to gnaw on them. Which usually exposes the wires, therefore almost encouraging other potential electronic issues. There’s actually special spicy rodent tape that Honda made to prevent this from happening.
Mechanically:
The early RM version of this generation CR-V was the last that used the good old K24 2.4-litre, which some consider an utter travesty because of that engine’s proven outstanding reliability. They’re not perfect though…If they’ve missed a few services, engine oil consumption becomes a problem, and in extreme cases timing chain, camshaft and valve train problems can occur. Also we do see the occasional VTEC actuator solenoid complication and some oil leaks too.
The CR-V also offered the R20 2.0 litre normally aspirated engine which is direct injected which is great for emissions, but bad for clogged up inlets and coked up valves, a problem the K24 didn’t have because of port injection. The K24 is gone now, and we just have to let it go.
If you have a CR-V, pro tip, don’t skip services. Those of you that are regular to ReDriven know that we highly recommend servicing every 10,000km.
In terms of the transmissions, Honda are one of the few modern manufacturers that agree that transmissions do need servicing (none of this fill for life rubbish), and if you stick to the schedule which is transmissions every 40,000km and diffs every 30,000km you’re unlikely to have any serious problems.
Recalls:
- 11 June 2015 – 1,762 units of Honda’s YM Accord and YM CR-V models, built from 2013-2015, were affected by a defect where the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) unexpectedly activated while driving, with the system sometimes interpreting roadside objects like metal fences or guardrails as obstacles and applying emergency braking.
- 26 October 2017 – 173 units of the Honda CR-V were affected due to a misalignment in the welding of the right lower control arm and the sub frame push collar inside the vehicle, which caused the welded area to break and resulted in tilting of the right front wheel, making the vehicle undrivable and posing a crash hazard.
Should you buy it?
Yes, in fact with the 2.4-litre, all-wheel drive and in post update VTi-S tri, it might just be my personal pick for SUVs in this category.
Some may accuse the CR-V of being a bit boring but it may be one of the rare occasions where trying to be everything for everyone actually works out.
For those shopping in this particular category, the CR-V really does tick almost all of the boxes and if you can find an example that also ticks all of the pre-purchase boxes, again, yes buy it.
But while we generally associate the CR-V with young families or grandparents or singles or couples needing a reliable, practical and no-nonsense SUV, there’s another demographic this would be perfect for.
See, it drives great, when you floor it’s kinda quick but no one looks at you and it has heaps of cargo space, so if you’re considering robbing a bank or maybe holding up a petrol station, this could be the getaway car you need.
Yes, in fact with the 2.4-litre, all-wheel drive and in post update VTi-S tri, it might just be my personal pick for SUVs in this category.
Some may accuse the CR-V of being a bit boring but it may be one of the rare occasions where trying to be everything for everyone actually works out.
For those shopping in this particular category, the CR-V really does tick almost all of the boxes and if you can find an example that also ticks all of the pre-purchase boxes, again, yes buy it.
But while we generally associate the CR-V with young families or grandparents or singles or couples needing a reliable, practical and no-nonsense SUV, there’s another demographic this would be perfect for.
See, it drives great, when you floor it’s kinda quick but no one looks at you and it has heaps of cargo space, so if you’re considering robbing a bank or maybe holding up a petrol station, this could be the getaway car you need.
Should you buy it?
Yes, in fact with the 2.4-litre, all-wheel drive and in post update VTi-S tri, it might just be my personal pick for SUVs in this category.
Some may accuse the CR-V of being a bit boring but it may be one of the rare occasions where trying to be everything for everyone actually works out.
For those shopping in this particular category, the CR-V really does tick almost all of the boxes and if you can find an example that also ticks all of the pre-purchase boxes, again, yes buy it.
But while we generally associate the CR-V with young families or grandparents or singles or couples needing a reliable, practical and no-nonsense SUV, there’s another demographic this would be perfect for.
See, it drives great, when you floor it’s kinda quick but no one looks at you and it has heaps of cargo space, so if you’re considering robbing a bank or maybe holding up a petrol station, this could be the getaway car you need.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
ANCAP Rating
5 stars
Engines
2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi-L, VTi, VTi-S, VTi Plus)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi, VTi Navi, VTi Plus)
2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine (DTi-L, DTi-S)
Power
140kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi-L, VTi, VTi-S, VTi Plus)
114kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi, VTi Navi, VTi Plus)
110kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine (DTi-L, DTi-S)
Torque
222Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi-L, VTi, VTi-S, VTi Plus)
190Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi, VTi Navi, VTi Plus)
350Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine (DTi-L, DTi-S)
Transmissions
5-speed Automatic (VTi-L, VTi, VTi Navi, VTi-S, DTi-S, VTi Plus)
6-speed Manual (VTi, DTi-S)
5-speed Sports Automatic (VTi-S, VTi-L, DTi-L, DTi-S, VTi, VTi Plus)
Fuel Consumption
5.8 – 8.7L/100km
Length
4545mm
Width
1820mm
Height
1685mm
Wheelbase
2620mm
Kerb Weight
1460 – 1774kg
Towing
600kg (unbraked), 1500kg (braked)
600kg (unbraked), 2000kg (braked) (DTi-S)
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
ANCAP Rating
5 stars
Engines
2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi-L, VTi, VTi-S, VTi Plus)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi, VTi Navi, VTi Plus)
2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine (DTi-L, DTi-S)
Power
140kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi-L, VTi, VTi-S, VTi Plus)
114kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi, VTi Navi, VTi Plus)
110kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine (DTi-L, DTi-S)
Torque
222Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi-L, VTi, VTi-S, VTi Plus)
190Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi, VTi Navi, VTi Plus)
350Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine (DTi-L, DTi-S)
Transmissions
5-speed Automatic (VTi-L, VTi, VTi Navi, VTi-S, DTi-S, VTi Plus)
6-speed Manual (VTi, DTi-S)
5-speed Sports Automatic (VTi-S, VTi-L, DTi-L, DTi-S, VTi, VTi Plus)
Fuel Consumption
5.8 – 8.7L/100km
Length
4545mm
Width
1820mm
Height
1685mm
Wheelbase
2620mm
Kerb Weight
1460 – 1774kg
Towing
600kg (unbraked), 1500kg (braked)
600kg (unbraked), 2000kg (braked) (DTi-S)
Body Styles
5 door Wagon
ANCAP Rating
5 stars
Engines
2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi-L, VTi, VTi-S, VTi Plus)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi, VTi Navi, VTi Plus)
2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine (DTi-L, DTi-S)
Power
140kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi-L, VTi, VTi-S, VTi Plus)
114kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi, VTi Navi, VTi Plus)
110kW – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine (DTi-L, DTi-S)
Torque
222Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi-L, VTi, VTi-S, VTi Plus)
190Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine (VTi, VTi Navi, VTi Plus)
350Nm – 2.2 litre 4-cylinder engine (DTi-L, DTi-S)
Transmissions
5-speed Automatic (VTi-L, VTi, VTi Navi, VTi-S, DTi-S, VTi Plus)
6-speed Manual (VTi, DTi-S)
5-speed Sports Automatic (VTi-S, VTi-L, DTi-L, DTi-S, VTi, VTi Plus)
Fuel Consumption
5.8 – 8.7L/100km
Length
4545mm
Width
1820mm
Height
1685mm
Wheelbase
2620mm
Kerb Weight
1460 – 1774kg
Towing
600kg (unbraked), 1500kg (braked)
600kg (unbraked), 2000kg (braked) (DTi-S)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited km
Service Intervals
- 10,000 km / 12 months
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of April 07, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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