The Honda CR-V is now 30 years old

If there’s one model that is just as iconic as the rest of Honda’s offerings, it’s the CR-V. The Comfortable Runabout Vehicle has been in production for 30 years now, and arguably, has shaped the way that modern crossovers are today. 

With it being available in approximately 150 countries and with over 15 million units sold globally, there’s no denying that the nameplate is now iconic, especially in countries like ours.

The first generation (RD1) helped shake things up in a time when the market was very heavily biased towards sedans. Combining the best qualities of a wagon and an SUV, it may not have been the first-ever crossover, but it’s one of those that showed the world something that would eventually dominate the automotive landscape.

The second generation (RD4) took that formula and further refined it into a market mainstay, becoming a hot seller in lots of countries, with iconic additions such as its integrated picnic table. Plus, this was the model that debuted the nameplate in the Chinese market.

However, in the Philippines, this was very popular for another reason, with it known as the “10-cheater” as it managed to cram a 3-4-3 configuration into the body, allowing it to compete (price-wise) with the likes of the other AUVs (Asian Utility Vehicles) like the Toyota Revo, the Mitsubishi Adventure, and the Isuzu Highlander/Crosswind.

This was followed by the third generation (RE1), which was a dramatic departure from the CR-V’s boxy formula. Now embracing the curvy design of the late 2000s, this not only increased interior space but also improved driving dynamics, making this one of the most engaging models to drive.

Engine choices included the likes of the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated R20A gas engine, and the iconic 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated K24 gas engine, mated either to a six-speed manual or a five-speed torque converter automatic.

The fourth generation (RM1) was the model where sales hit 5 million units globally, even if this model wasn’t as well-received as its predecessors. Its revised styling made it even more aerodynamic and allowed for improved fuel economy, and the cabin and cargo space grew even larger. This was also the first time a CVT was introduced to the model lineup, which, while making it more efficient, hurt its driving dynamics a little bit.

The fifth generation (RW1) was considered by many fans a return to form. Sporting more boxy proportions that called back to its earlier generations, this also ended up growing in size a bit for even more interior space.

This was also the first model where the e:HEV hybrid system was introduced for other countries, but the Philippines got a diesel model with a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine (the N16), which consumers loved and bought up.

And this brings us to the sixth generation (RS), which draws a lot of inspiration from the current Honda models—the exterior, interior, and even its powertrain, making it look more like a part of one big cohesive Honda family instead of its own model.

Here in the Philippines, this is also the first time that we get introduced to electrification (in the RS e:HEV model), but this model debuts the e:FCEV (fuel-cell EV) model, which uses hydrogen to power the car.

Being designed for the US market in mind, it’s no surprise that it grows in almost every dimension, and it is also why it isn’t sold in its home country of Japan. But that is set to change as Honda will be exhibiting a prototype of the upcoming CR-V e:HEV for the Japanese market at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, meaning that we could potentially be seeing a facelift for the model very soon.

Regardless, it’s a solid 30 years for the model, and we hope that this model continues into the future.

^{Photos by Sam Surla and Honda}