The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular and the best vehicles that Honda has manufactured. Honda has been producing this SUV since 1997. But do you know that some Honda CR-Vs are better than the others? This article will discuss the best years for the Honda CR-V – ranked.
Many car experts believe that the best year for the Honda CR-V is 2015 to 2016. If you are thinking of buying a Honda CR-V, this is the best model year that you can consider. Honda-CR-Vs 2015-2016 comes with improved 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engines and available AWD.
If this Honda CR-V model year is not your type, other Honda CR-V model years might interest you. Honda has been perfecting this vehicle since they started building it in the late 1990s. If you’re in the market for a Honda CR-V, many year models might catch your interest.
Read on to learn more about the best model years of the Honda CR-V to pick the suitable model that fits your style and your budget.
Best Years for the Honda CR-V
2015 to 2016 Honda CR-Vs
According to some car experts, the best Honda CR-V model year is the 2015 to 2016 CR-Vs. This is the best Honda CR-V if you have the budget. Honda improved the engines of these CR-Vs to 2.4 liters and four cylinders with an available AWD option.
Honda Started Building the CR-V Model Lineup in the Late 1990s
If this particular model does not pick your interest, other Honda CR-V model years offer the same, if not better, features and performance. Honda has been perfecting its CR-V model lineup since they started building it in the late 1990s.
Became a Household Name Worldwide
Now, these vehicles have already become a household name worldwide. More often than not, it’s the first vehicle that pops into people’s minds when they are asked about crossovers, SUVs, and vehicles in general.
The Honda CR-Vs that I have included in this article had earned excellent quality and reliability ratings from several rating organizations such as Cars.com, Edmunds, US News & World Reports, and Consumer Reports.
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Honda CR-V 2015 to 2016 Model Years
Best CR-V’s Model Years According to Most Ratings Organizations
Most ratings organizations have listed the 2015 to 2016 Honda CR-V as the best model years of the CR-V. Honda has upgraded the engine of this model to 2.4 liters, four-cylinder, and available AWD.
Fuel-efficient
Whether it’s a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive, the Honda CR-V 2015 to 2016 model is very fuel-efficient. The AWD version can give you 26 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Top Many Reviewer Charts When It Comes to Safety Features
These CR-V models top many reviewer charts when it comes to safety features. The same is true regarding their reliability scores, handling, and the comfort they offer inside their cabins.
Offer Responsive Braking and Snappy Handling
While they are classed as compact SUVs, the 2015 to 2016 Honda CR-Vs are very flexible when carrying big cargo. These SUV models also offer responsive braking and snappy handling during daily drives.
Equipped with Advanced Tech Features
Another thing that made these CR-V model years very popular with car enthusiasts is their more advanced tech features. You can say that these vehicles were the first vehicles to adapt to our tech-driven modern world.
So, if you are interested in the later models of the Honda CR-V, the 2015 to 2016 model years should be on top of your list. These SUVs even have a trim, the CR-V EX, equipped with a power driver’s seat and a backup camera.
Honda CR-V 2005 to 2006 Model Years
Ideal for People with a Limited Budget
If your budget is limited and you still want to own a Honda CR-V, your choice will be the CR-Vs that Honda built from 2005 to 2006.
Come with 2.4-liter, Four-cylinder Engines
These vehicles also come with 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engines that are very fuel-efficient. They can make 23 miles to the gallon and 29 mpg on the highway in the city.
Holds High Resale Values Even After Years
While they are low in prices, they are not low in fuel economy, smooth driving experience, and very high reliability. This Honda CR-V model year still holds high resale values even after years. Its high scores in reliability helped it maintain its good reputation.
High Safety Ratings
You can easily recognize the sleek and round shape of this model. It also rated high in NHTSA’s safety assessments. The National Highways Traffic and Safety Administration gave it high safety ratings because it can protect passengers from impact from all sides.
Can Safely and Adequately Manage Snowy and Wet Roads
The 2005 to 2006 Honda CR-Vs are not powerful machines, but they can also safely and adequately manage snowy and wet roads. After more than 15 years, these models can still hold up with modern driving requirements.
CR-Vs Older Models Are More Reliable
Consumer Reports even admitted that the older models of these CR-Vs are more reliable than their modern siblings. Their cabin space, legroom, and cargo space are better than their nearest competitors. With the current prices of these CR-V models, you will get the best bang for your buck.
Honda CR-V 2021 Model Year
Combination of Quality and Value
Recent models of the Honda CR-V, specifically the 2021 Honda CR-V, also made it to our list since they delivered a vehicle that harmonizes quality and value.
Best Car for the Money
This particular Honda CR-V model year proves that it is not right to judge a vehicle just by its price. It is the best car for the money, so says U.S. News & World Report.
Comes with Huge Cargo Space
The 2021 Honda CR-V comes with huge cargo space, exceptional cabin quality, and more console storage than other vehicles in its class. You can either get the standard or the hybrid variant.
Exceptional Fuel Economy
Whatever trim you choose, you will get the standard safety features and an exceptional fuel economy.
Honda CR-V 2005 Model Year
Comes with Solid and Great Features
The 2005 Honda CR-V comes with solid and great features and other remarkable features that enabled it to make our list of the best Honda CR-V model years. This particular year model can also hold a strong resale value despite being over 16 years old.
Powered by One of the Best Engines
The 2005 Honda CR-V is powered by one of the best engines. It is relatively free from the usual problems that hindered its previous generation. No matter how old this CR-V model is, it is still one of Honda’s best CR-Vs.
Dependable Braking System
Its dependable braking system, efficient and smart fuel economy and great handling are the things that make this CR-V year model one of Honda’s best.
Honda CR-V 2019 Model Year
More Powerful Than Competitors
The 2019 Honda CR-V was tested and compared with several competitors and was declared the best. This CR-V year model was regarded as more satisfying and more powerful.
Comes with a Full Blend of Amazing Features
This Honda CR-V comes with a full blend of amazing features that enabled it to beat its competitors, particularly the 2019 Subaru Forester. One of the features that made the 2019 Honda CR-V better than its competitors is its touch screen and excellent cabin storage.
Offers Excellent Fuel Efficiency
The 2019 Honda CR-V offers excellent fuel efficiency, just like all other Honda CR-V model years.
Honda CR-V 2020 Model Year
Focused on Being More Environmentally-friendly
Honda made something different with its CR-V lineup when manufactured the Honda CR-V 2020 model.
While Honda’s other vehicle lineup is trying to strike a balance between quality and money, the 2020 Honda CR-V was focused on being more environmentally friendly but still able to satisfy the needs of its users.
Awards
Honda successfully made the 2020 Honda CR-V environment-friendly since it got the 2020 Green SUV by Green Car Journal and the best car of 2020 by AutoTrader.
Best Hybrid Car Available in the Market
Without any doubt, the 2020 Honda CR-V is the best hybrid car that you can buy. As a conventional motor vehicle, its fuel efficiency is very high, and as a hybrid car model, it has a powerful engine with all the safety features you need on the road.
Offers Zippy Acceleration and a Great Cabin
Apart from these, this CR-V model year offers zippy acceleration and a great cabin. Along with remarkable fuel efficiency, it testifies to Honda’s uncompromising approach to the quality and reliability of their vehicles.
Honda CR-V 2001 Model Year
A Very Small SUV Designed to Be Driven in the City
This vehicle is one of the first Honda CR-Vs that Honda sold on the market. The 2001 Honda CR-V is a very small SUV designed to be driven in the city. It was introduced in the market at a very affordable price. This CR-V model year can hold its value even today.
Can Take the Snow Relatively Well
But make no mistake. This SUV is small, but it can take the snow relatively well. Honda re-introduced the AWD in this vehicle when it started production in 1997. As such, this Honda CR-V can add traction automatically from the front wheel to the rear wheels without the input from the driver.
Has Enough Horsepower to Offer Smooth Driving
This SUV has enough horsepower to offer smooth driving and keep up with the traffic. With a small chassis coupled with a smooth suspension, the 2001 Honda CR-V offers a comfortable drive around the city.
Honda CR-V 1997 Model Year
This is the first and the original Honda CR-V that Honda made way back in 1997. Some people considered it the best CR-V that Honda made. Some say this CR-V has redefined the meaning of an SUV.
Loaded with User-friendly Devices
They say that Honda held nothing back when it launched this vehicle since it was the first SUV that they made. It has user-friendly devices, but Honda ensures that you can drive it like a standard car.
Dependable and Efficient
After its launch, those who drove and owned the 1997 Honda CR-V admitted that it was dependable and efficient. While not being as fuel-efficient as its later siblings, this CR-V model year is still a price to catch.
Can Travel Long Distances
It can travel long distances, requiring little or no repairs. Also, this Honda CR-V can take the snow because of its dependable AWD. It can get you through the snow in any direction you want.
Again, what are the best years for Honda CR-V? The best years for Honda CR-V include the 2005-2006 and 2015-2016 models.
Best Honda CR-V Models
Now that you know the best Honda CR-V model years that you can consider if you are in the market for this vehicle, it will also help if you know the best Honda CR-V individual models out there that you can buy:
1. 2017 Honda CR-V
The 2017 Honda CR-V is one vehicle you can consider because Car and Driver have awarded it a perfect 10 out of 10 stars. This car magazine does not award this distinction to any vehicle very often.
But that’s not all. The prestigious U.S. News & World Report also recognized this Honda CR-V model. It was its top choice for the Best Compact SUV for Families.
Regarding the best blending of style and performance, the Honda CR-V 2017 model remains one of the top choices for family-oriented vehicles.
2. 2018 Honda CR-V
It is very seldom that vehicles from the same manufacturer will be cited by critics as the top picks with perfect ten scores for two years in succession, especially from the most critical reviewers.
It is interesting to note that the 2018 Honda CR-V has managed to do this rare feat. But this vehicle was not only able to get this honor.
It also earned a set of highly regarded awards in the car industry. According to Torque News, this vehicle has proven itself as the automotive industry’s Oscar-winning SUV.
Even with the growing competition within this vehicle segment, the Honda CR-V 2018 model can still hold its value after more than twenty years. Plus, it remains one of North America’s best-selling family vehicles.
3. 2020 Honda CR-V
There’s another Honda CR-V model that you need to consider. But first, look at what the 2020 Kelley Blue Book has to say about the 2020 Honda CR-V because of its great features. This reputable rating organization named the 2020 Honda CR-V the best compact SUV for five successive years.
Besides Kelley Blue Book, other car critics and reviewers gave this vehicle their nod. They include Edmund’s Editor’s Choice, US News & World Report, and Auto Trader.
4. 2019 Honda CR-V
The 2019 Honda CR-V belongs to the fifth generation of the CR-V models. This particular vehicle, since its inception, has provided remarkable performance and fuel economy and the latest variety of technology which has already become a standard issue for all CR-Vs.
For three successive years, this particular CR-V, within its fifth generation, got a perfect ten score with its 2019 model. Both the 2019 Honda CR-V and the 2019 Honda Accord were the overall winners, according to the Auto Web’s Buyers’ Choice Awards.
These awards resulted from a voting format decided on by consumers and not only by car critics.
5. 2007 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V 2007 year model is an award-winning vehicle that could beat its competition. This is a statement coming from the reputable J.D. Power rating system. Of all the vehicles in its class that other carmakers manufactured, this particular Honda CR-V model has come out on top.
After all these years, the 2007 Honda CR-V is still enjoying a good reputation. It remains one of the favorites among Honda car aficionados.
6. 2021 Honda CR-V
This particular Honda CR-V model is the best car for the money. That’s the opinion of the US News & World Report.
This journal recognized this Honda CR-V model for its value and high-quality level. The award was finally decided upon by a blend of consumers, critics, and reviewers.
7. 2016 Honda CR-V
Care and Driver, a car magazine, recognized the 2016 Honda CR-V as one of the best trucks and SUVs based on its critical rating system. This vehicle was also able to score second overall on the US News & World Report rating system.
But Honda was not satisfied with being only second overall. It made some efforts to get their CR-Vs near perfect. So the Honda CR-V is now where it’s at – at the top.
8. 2011 Honda CR-V
The 2011 Honda CR-V belongs to the 11th generation of this SUV class. It appealed to car buyers because of its easy maneuverability and great comfort, which consumers look for in family vehicles.
With this CR-V model, Honda could develop what consumers want at an affordable price. This particular Honda CR-V model also received several awards from car critics and car review platforms.
It beat other car brands trying to unseat Honda from its lofty position. They couldn’t beat Honda’s title as the number one most affordable compact SUV.
9. 2010 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V was able to solidify its position as the most affordable SUV for families for ten years. When the 2010 Honda CR-V was launched, it emphasized why this is so.
Consumer reports and car review platforms consistently rated this class as one of the most popular Honda CR-V vehicles.
Honda used the 2010 Honda CR-V, a third-generation class of the CR-V model lineup, to launch the CR-V’s fourth generation. It was used as a benchmark for all the succeeding CR-Vs to come in a certain sense.
Honda made a series of upgrades to the Honda CR-V 2010 model. It bumped up its performance as well as its appearance. This induced Honda’s competitors to do the same to keep up with Honda’s innovations.
10. 2013 Honda CR-V
The 2013 Honda CR-V has a reputation today as the most recommended SUV for families. Its proven reliability is perhaps the main reason for this. In this CR-V model year, Honda has upped its effort in producing quality vehicles that meet all the safety expectations and standards of car buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since so many Honda CR-V vehicles are sold in the market today, many car buyers wonder which of these models they can safely buy. If you are one of them, you need to read the answers to these frequently asked questions:
What Is the Best Honda CR-V Model Year?
The best model years of the Honda CR-V are from 2015 to 2016. If your budget is not limited, you can go for these model years since they are some of the best-used vehicles in the market.
Honda upgraded the engines of these vehicles. At present, they come with 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engines with available AWD.
What Are Other Model Years of Honda CR-V That Are Good to Buy?
You can also consider the following year models of the Honda CR-V:
- Honda CR-V 2005 to 2006 Model Years
- Honda CR-V 2021 Model Year
- Honda CR-V 2005 Model Year
- Honda CR-V 2019 Model Year
- Honda CR-V 2020 Model Year
- Honda CR-V 2001 Model Year
- Honda CR-V 1997 Model Year
Is There Any Particular Honda CR-V Model That Is Good to Buy?
Yes, there is. Many reviewers have picked certain Honda CR-Vs as good used cars to buy. Here are some of them:
- 2017 Honda CR-V
- 2018 Honda CR-V
- 2020 Honda CR-V
- 2019 Honda CR-V
- 2007 Honda CR-V
- 2021 Honda CR-V
- 2016 Honda CR-V
- 2011 Honda CR-V
- 2010 Honda CR-V
- 2013 Honda CR-V
In Closing: Honda CR-V Top Model Years
Many car experts believe that the 2015 to 2016 Honda CR-V model is the best year for the Honda CR-V. If you are in the market for a Honda CR-V, this is the best model year to consider.
In this model year, Honda improved the engine of the Honda CR-V, making it a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with an available AWD option.
Many car critics and car review platforms have found these Honda CR-V model years to be the most reliable, the longest-lasting, and the most affordable among all things that they offer. So, considering them as your next car is an excellent idea.
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