Honda’s CR-V through the years

Fifth generation (2017–present)

As Honda Philippines unveils the all-new fifth generation CR-V in Manila this week, here’s a look at the past four generations of Honda’s first and most popular SUV model.

First generation (1997-2001)

The Honda CR-V was first introduced in Japan as a concept in 1995 by Hiroyuki Kawase.

It is the brand’s first SUV designed in-house based on the Honda Civic platform.

It wasn’t available in all dealerships in Japan, was first available only in selected dealers, and was positioned as a luxury vehicle in the Japanese domestic market based on government prescribed classifications on vehicle dimensions.

In the US market, it debuted at the 1996 Chicago Auto Show and became available in February the following year.

The CR-V initially came only in one trim, and used a unibody chassis design with a four-wheel double wishbone suspension to allow a comfortable ride. In other markets, it had a choice of either front-wheel drive or Honda’s proprietary real-time AWD system.

Fourth generation (2012-2016)

Powered by a two-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, it produced 126 hp with 180 Nm of torque.

Although it shared the same engine as Honda Integra’s 1.8-liter engine, it had a bigger bore to give more power and torque, hence the larger displacement.

The first generation CR-V offered a compact and versatile alternative to bigger SUVs that featured better fuel economy and responsive handling.

It was nimble around the congested urban streets. At the same time, its ride comfort attracted a lot of new buyers who were looking for an affordable alternative for a growing SUV market in the 1990s.

Honda’s straightforward and uncomplicated design language made it appealing to buyers who wanted a smaller SUV that could serve as an urban roundabout but had folding seats for added cargo room useful during short weekend road trips.

Third generation (2007–2011)

Aside from its Sayama plant in Japan, the first generation CR-V was produced in Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and the Philippines.

Second generation (2002-2006)

In late 2001, a new full model change took place and the result was a bigger, heavier, safer and more powerful CR-V model.

Penned by Mitsuhiro Honda, it was based on the 7th generation Honda Civic.

With a bigger new K24A1 engine, horsepower was now rated at 160 with 220 Nm of torque.

Fuel economy remained about the same though, thanks to its i-VTEC system.

The new chassis was designed to have increased torsional and bending rigidity, and its new suspension had a front toe control link MacPherson struts and a rear reactive-link double wishbone.

Second generation (2002–2006)

Cargo room also increased to 2,000 liters.

The second generation CR-V added more buyers and grew its fan base as a bigger and more refined compact SUV.

Among its accolades included Car and Driver magazine’s “Best Small SUV” award in 2002 and 2003.

Honda’s success in introducing the CR-V also led to its eventual introduction of the popular element compact SUV, although not made available in the local market.

Third generation (2007-2012)

The third generation CR-V came out in the third quarter of 2006 in the US market as the 2007 model year. It was introduced in the Philippines in the late 2007.

Unlike its previous generation models, the new CR-V came with a rear liftgate instead of a side-swinging rear gate, and its spare tire was no longer mounted on the rear door but was neatly tucked underneath the rear cabin.

Fourth generation (2013-2017)

The previous and fourth generation CR-V debuted as a concept car at the Orange County International Auto Show on September 2011, while the production CR-V was unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

First generation (1995–2001)

Powered with a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine, it enjoyed a higher horsepower rating of 185 with 220 Nm of torque.

It also featured Honda’s all-new real-time all wheel drive (AWD) with intelligent control system.

Some variants in later years used a greener direct-injected Honda “Earth Dreams” engine mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) combination that was first introduced on the ninth generation Honda Accord to give better fuel economy.

The facelifted model’s body structure gave better crash performance, while its upgraded suspension included new shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, and lower control arms improved ride performance.