Model guide · 4th generation (RM)
2012–2016 Honda CR-V
The fourth-generation CR-V is a five-seat compact SUV with a 185 hp 2.4-liter engine, front-wheel drive or Real Time AWD, and a rearview camera on every trim. The 2015 update added a direct-injected engine, a CVT and Honda Sensing driver aids on the Touring.
185 hp
Horsepower, 2.4L i-VTEC
35.2–37.2 cu ft
Cargo behind the rear seat
70.9 cu ft
Cargo with the rear seat folded
1,500 lb
Towing capacity
Engines and transmissions
Capability3
Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control
An electric motor runs the pump that engages the rear wheels, so the system can send them power whenever the front tires lose grip on snow, rain or gravel. It works on its own, with no switch to press.
2.4-liter with a 5-speed automatic
2012–2014 models pair the 185 hp 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine with a 5-speed automatic. An ECON button on the dash helps you drive for better fuel economy around town.
Direct injection and a CVT from 2015
For 2015 Honda fitted an Earth Dreams direct-injected 2.4-liter with 181 lb-ft of torque, up from 163, and a CVT with a Sport mode. Horsepower stays at 185.
Safety4
Rearview camera on every trim
Every 2012–2016 CR-V has a multi-angle rearview camera with a choice of three views and on-screen guidelines, a real help when backing out of a tight parking spot.
IIHS Top Safety Pick
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2012 and 2013 CR-V a Top Safety Pick based on its crash test results.
Honda Sensing on the Touring
The Touring adds Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and forward collision and lane departure warnings. IIHS named CR-Vs with this front crash prevention a Top Safety Pick+.
LaneWatch passenger-side camera
Signal right and a camera under the passenger mirror shows the lane beside you on the center screen, so you can check that side before you merge. It came on EX, EX-L and Touring trims.
Space1
Rear seats that fold with one pull
Pull a lever by the tailgate or a strap by the rear door and that side of the 60/40 seat folds itself nearly flat. The cushion tips forward and the headrest drops on its own.
Tech1
Bluetooth and Pandora on every trim
Every trim has Bluetooth hands-free calling, Bluetooth audio streaming and Pandora compatibility, run through a color multi-information display in the dash.
Good to know2
Timing chain, no belt to replace
Both 2.4-liter engines in this generation drive their camshafts with a chain, so there is no timing belt to replace on a mileage schedule. Ask us what this car's service records show.
CVT software updates from Honda
Honda issued a CVT software update for 2015–2016 models (bulletin 16-053), plus a 2015-only fix for vibration when stopped in gear (15-046). Ask us whether this car's updates are on record.
Specs are the manufacturer's figures for this generation. Equipment varies by trim and year, so ask us about anything that matters to you on a specific car.
