A blue 2023 Honda CR-V is shown from the front at an angle.

The Honda CR-V: Reliable Across Generations

Honda has been making its best-selling compact crossover, the CR-V, since the late 1990s, so if you’re searching for a Honda CR-V for sale, you have your pick. Whether buying new or used, the CR-V offers drivers exceptional value in a compact package that has plenty of room for your lifestyle without cutting corners.

Having lots of options to choose from when searching for a new vehicle can be a good or a bad thing. Good because that means you’re bound to something you love that fits within your budget, bad because there is a lot to love about the CR-V, and it can often be tough to decide which one you really want. New or used? Base or high trim option? Special edition?

If you’re in the market for a Honda CR-V and don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered bumper to bumper. We’ve decided to make your day a little easier by highlighting a few of the best Honda CR-Vs out there. Whether we love their extra features or there’s a certain generation that stands out, every little detail can help when you’re trying to decide on your next vehicle.

Big Things Come in Compact Packages: The Newest CR-V

We’re going to start by checking out the newest 2023 Honda CR-V. Why go so new? Because if you’re looking for a bit more space, you’ll be excited to hear that the all-new 2023 CR-V has grown up and has sized up a few inches, adding 2.7 inches in length, 0.4 inches in width, and a wheelbase that has gone up by 1.6 inches.

What does all this mean? The CR-V doesn’t just sport a wider stance but now has more cabin space, making for a roomier, comfier drive for all. If you don’t need the extra space for passengers, the crossover’s 76.5 cu.ft. of cargo room is available for extra work supplies, sports gear, luggage, or moving boxes. Not only has the frame grown, but the impressive compact crossover has had a redesign, so it sports an updated modern exterior with a sophisticated interior that delivers user-friendly technology right to your fingertips.

The black interior of a 2023 Honda CR-V is shown from the driver's seat after leaving a dealer that has a Honda CR-V for sale.

Tough Green Clean Machine: The CR-V Hybrid

Adding to the exciting 2023 CR-V line-up is the Hybrid option. If going all-electric has you on the fence, the CR-V hybrid is an excellent way to get a taste of the benefits that an electric car has to offer. The ultra-efficient crossover delivers when it comes to power, utilizing its hybrid powertrain to deliver 204 hp and a stellar EPA-estimated fuel economy of 43 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. For increased performance, drivers can switch over to Sport Mode to receive enhanced handling and power output for an accelerating drive. Thanks to the Hybrid’s easy-to-read power meter, drivers can keep an eye on their vehicle’s performance levels, like battery output, while driving.

Drivers can also expect a modern and sophisticated interior with high-end materials and user-friendly tech that make going green easier and more fun than ever before. The five-seater offers drivers a luxury feel but isn’t fussy, something most will appreciate. The seven-inch touchscreen makes accessing the vehicle’s infotainment system simple, but if you want to go bigger, level up to the nine-inch touchscreen and seamlessly sync your smartphone for a personalized driving experience. Connect with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto lets drivers access their favorite playlists and apps while going hands-free.

Don’t Hurt Your Wallet: The 2020 CR-V and the Fifth Generation

We picked out this option because of its stellar reputation and the exceptional value it gives drivers looking for a high-quality vehicle without a heavy price tag. The 2020 CR-V also includes a hybrid option which Autotrader named “The Best New Car of 2020.” Whether you’re just looking for a well-rounded affordable car or looking to go green, a used 2020 CR-V is a great car to have.

The interior offers a high-end feel without the high-end price. Supportive, comfortable seating, advanced safety, and driver assist technology, plus excellent fuel economy, all make the 2020 CR-V a hit with drivers across the country. The 2020 also comes near the end of the fifth generation, meaning it tends to have fewer issues than models from earlier years. The entirety of the fifth generation spans from 2017-2022, so even leveling up to 2021 or 2022 is worth it if it’s in your budget.

Expect great safety and driver assist technology thanks to the automaker’s standard Honda Sensing Suite, which keeps drivers covered from all sides, making the road safer for you and those you share it with. If you want a newer vehicle without the brand-new price tag, the 2020 CR-V is a value machine that you can depend on year after year.

A grey 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid is shown from the front at an angle.

What If You Want an Older CR-V? First Generation

Many people can be a little on the fence when considering buying an older vehicle, and by older, we mean the first generation of CR-Vs. But sometimes older vehicles give drivers unique features you won’t find on newer generations of CR-Vs but are still known for their rugged ways and roomy interiors. Buying an older vehicle comes with risks, but when you buy from a big name like Honda, you can feel a little better knowing you’re getting first-class engineering designed to take you further than ever before.

So what’s with the first generation? It started in 1997 and ran through 2001. Comparing the first generation with the current one, drivers will definitely notice a difference when it comes to looks, with the older generation looking a little boxier than its modern-day counterpart. However, looks aside, the first generation has a tremendous quirky extra you won’t find on CR-Vs today. A picnic table! You read that right, a picnic table. How cool is that?

The first-generation CR-V might not be available as a hybrid, but if you wanted a fold-out table, no problem! Designed for nature lovers and campers alike, the CR-V made getting outdoors easy thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, excellent storage space, and fold-out table.

The original design of the CR-V was focused on being a multipurpose all-season vehicle that was ready when you were. Whether running around town or heading away for a week in the woods, the “Comfortable Run-About Vehicle” was designed with active drivers and their families in mind. And it might surprise you, but the first generation of CR-V’s are often considered one of the most dependable out of all of them. Who would have thought? If buying an older vehicle doesn’t intimidate you, the CR-V is one that won’t disappoint.

A CR-V for You, You, and You!

There is a CR-V out there waiting for you, no matter your needs. If you’re looking for one that gives you great value, then check out 2016 to take your dollar a little further. Or if the latest technology is what you’re after, the newest Hybrid is brimming with all Honda has to offer.

With the CR-V, it’s never been easier to go green or keep it old school. Even the first generation of Honda CR-Vs are known for offering a respectable fuel economy. The point we’re trying to make? No matter your lifestyle, the CR-V is a flexible machine that is available in a variety of trims and fits into most budgets.

The compact crossover offers drivers plenty of trouble-free driving with low maintenance costs, while the roomy interior makes for a comfortable riding or driving experience. Plus, the latest Honda CR-V has grown a few inches and is ready to go. Big or small, new or used, if you want the unlock the ultimate driving machine, the CR-V is waiting for you. Keep things simple and get behind the wheel of a Honda CR-V today to take your driving experience to all new levels.