My GarageIs the Honda CR-V a good used car?
For long-term simplicity, buy the 2.4L NA. For efficiency and modern refinement, buy a 1.5T with the oil-dilution TSB confirmed and the oil in known-good condition.
Buyer's Guide · Honda CR-V · Compact crossover
Used Honda CR-V Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Best Honda CR-V Years, Honda CR-V Years to Avoid and Honda Reliability Guide.
The CR-V is one of the two default reliable compact crossovers (the other being the RAV4). The 2015–2016 with the 2.4L NA engine is the safest used pick; 2017+ 1.5T needs oil-dilution TSB verification.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 4.5/5 · Excellent
- Reliability
- 4.5/5 · Excellent
- Best years
- 2015–2016 (4th gen, 2.4L NA), 2020+ (5th gen, post-TSB 1.5T)
- Years to research
- 2017–2019 (1.5T, cold climates), 2002–2006 (older CR-V)
- Maintenance cost
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- Parts availability
- 5.0/5 · Excellent
- Ownership cost
- 4.6/5 · Excellent
Bottom line: Yes.
Overall
★★★★★4.5/5
For long-term simplicity, buy the 2.4L NA. For efficiency and modern refinement, buy a 1.5T with the oil-dilution TSB confirmed and the oil in known-good condition.
Reliability
★★★★★4.5/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.7/5
Parts availability
★★★★★5.0/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.6/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2015–2016 (4th gen, 2.4L NA)
K24 with proven CVT — the safest used CR-V.
2020+ (5th gen, post-TSB 1.5T)
1.5T issues addressed; refined and efficient.
Side by side
Honda CR-V ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5/5 | Excellent |
| Reliability | 4.5/5 | Excellent |
| Maintenance | 4.7/5 | Excellent |
| Parts availability | 5.0/5 | Excellent |
| Ownership cost | 4.6/5 | Excellent |
Generation guide
Honda CR-V Generations
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
- Generation 1
3rd gen · 2007–2011
Roomier body, standard side airbags, all-wheel drive available.
- Generation 2
4th gen · 2012–2016
New styling, refined interior, Real-Time AWD improvements.
- Generation 3
5th gen · 2017–2022
1.5L turbo becomes primary engine; wider body, more cargo.
- Generation 4
6th gen · 2023–2026
More upright styling, larger interior, refined hybrid.
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2017–2019 (1.5T, cold climates)
Oil-dilution TSB — verify update and inspect oil.
2002–2006 (older CR-V)
Rear differential fluid service is critical — many neglected examples have failed diffs.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓1.5T oil dilution in cold climates
- ✓Rear differential wear on older AWD examples without fluid service
- ✓AC compressor on some 2015–2016 examples
- ✓Sway-bar links and struts at 150k+
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Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
CR-V ownership is inexpensive and predictable. Parts are cheap and every shop knows the platform.
Honda AWD fluid service is not optional at ~30k intervals — the biggest single ownership variable on older AWD cars.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine (1.5T)
Verify TSB and check oil for fuel dilution.
AWD
Rear diff fluid service history; listen for whine at highway speed.
Transmission
CVT: no shudder or slip.
Suspension
Struts and bushings at 150k+.
Rust
Rear subframe on Northeast examples.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Practical, comfortable, and quiet. Ride and cargo space are class-leading.
- • Real-world fuel economy is competitive on both engines.
- • Resale value is class-leading with the RAV4.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Honda CR-V?
Yes. Prefer 2015–2016 for the simplest ownership; 2020+ for refinement. Verify 1.5T service on 2017–2019 examples.
People Also Ask
How many miles will a CR-V last?
Practical, comfortable, and quiet. Ride and cargo space are class-leading.
Is the CR-V expensive to maintain?
CR-V ownership is inexpensive and predictable. Parts are cheap and every shop knows the platform.
Which CR-V year should I buy?
2015–2016 (4th gen, 2.4L NA) is the range we'd shop first. K24 with proven CVT — the safest used CR-V.
What are the most common Honda CR-V problems?
The issues that come up most often are 1.5T oil dilution in cold climates, rear differential wear on older AWD examples without fluid service and AC compressor on some 2015–2016 examples. Each one is checkable during a pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Honda CR-V?
Our scoring puts the Honda CR-V at 4.5/5 for reliability. For long-term simplicity, buy the 2.4L NA. For efficiency and modern refinement, buy a 1.5T with the oil-dilution TSB confirmed and the oil in known-good condition.
Which CR-V years should I avoid?
2017–2019 (1.5T, cold climates) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Honda CR-V?
2015–2016 (4th gen, 2.4L NA) are the strongest years to target — K24 with proven CVT — the safest used CR-V.
How long does a Honda CR-V last?
A well-maintained CR-V from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the CR-V expensive to maintain?
CR-V ownership is inexpensive and predictable. Parts are cheap and every shop knows the platform.
What should I inspect before buying a used CR-V?
Focus on: Engine (1.5T), AWD, Transmission, Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common CR-V problems?
1.5T oil dilution in cold climates; Rear differential wear on older AWD examples without fluid service; AC compressor on some 2015–2016 examples; Sway-bar links and struts at 150k+
Is 150,000 miles too much for a CR-V?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile CR-V with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the CR-V's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Honda CR-V?
Yes. Prefer 2015–2016 for the simplest ownership; 2020+ for refinement. Verify 1.5T service on 2017–2019 examples.
How the CR-V compares
Side-by-side buying comparisons against the models people cross-shop most.
You may also want to research
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