Facelift

Facelift (1999–2001)

Honda CR-V Fullmark (facelift)

In 1999, for the 2000 model year, the European, Australian and Asian CR-V models featured more drastic changes. Exterior alterations included a new front bumper, smoothed off rear bumper, and a smaller plastic radio antenna on the rear of the roof. "Nighthawk Black" was added to the list of paint choices, while "Passion Orange" disappeared. New dark blue pearl and red pearl shades replaced the former solid red and metallic blue hues. European models received an enlarged Honda emblem on the front grille, and a new metallic yellow paint in certain markets.

The engine was changed to the 2.0 L B20Z engine, producing 147 hp (110 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 133 lb⋅ft (180 N⋅m) of torque at 4,500 rpm. This improved performance for the 3,200 lb (1,500 kg) vehicle. Fuel economy of 23 mpg_‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg_‑imp) city/28 mpg_‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg_‑imp) highway (US) and price were not affected by the increase in power, which was the result of a higher compression ratio (9.6:1 compared to the B20B's 8.8:1), a new intake manifold, and slightly higher lift on the intake valves. This 16 percent increase in power resulted to a faster 0-60 mph of 8.6 seconds on the 5-speed manual 4wd.^[10]

In 2000, an SE (Special Edition) model was introduced in North America. The SE featured body-colored bumpers and side moldings, a body-colored hard spare tire cover, leather upholstery, CD/cassette audio deck, rear privacy glass, and chrome grille accent. Until 2001, the CR-V sold more than any other vehicle in its class. The North American models also received new exterior colors including Naples Gold Metallic and Taffeta White. Electron Blue was introduced in 2000 to replace Submarine Blue Pearl, while Satin Silver Metallic replaced Sebring Silver Metallic in 2001. However, that year, sales of the Ford Escape and its clone, the Mazda Tribute, surpassed those of the CR-V.

The Australian higher specification model was called the "Sport". It was added at the time of the first facelift and included body-colored bumpers, mirrors, door handles, and hard rear spare wheel cover. It also included alloy wheels, roof rails, and a large glass sunroof. The CR-V became the country's best-selling SUV in 2000, outselling the Toyota Land Cruiser for the first time.

Safety

The 1997–2001 model tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was the LX model with standard driver and passenger airbags. The car's structure received an acceptable rating, and the overall car received a marginal rating — as the dummy's left leg would have been broken. In addition to this lower body injury, the dummy's head went through the airbag which may have caused a minor concussion. The chest was well protected.

Models equipped with an automatic transmission now had an overdrive cancel button that allowed the driver to lock the transmission in the first three gears to provide power for passing and climbing grades, known as "Grade Logic." The pattern of the cloth on the seats was also redesigned, and the head restraints earned an acceptable rating from the IIHS for whiplash protection.

Engines

Facelift

In 2004, for the 2005 model year, the CR-V received a mid-cycle refresh. New 16-inch wheels replaced the previous 15-inch versions. Changes included new taillights and headlights with clear indicators and two separate H1 bulbs for low beams and high beams, the previous setup used H4 single bulb for both low and high beams. The taillights now used clear lenses instead of amber for the turning indicators. The grille was also changed; it had two horizontal bars instead of one. The front bumper design was slightly changed, it now has round fog lights compared to the previous trapezium fog lights and in addition to the lower grill there are two horizontal bars instead of one. The rear bumper reflectors were longer and narrower.

On the inside of the car, the EX trim received standard upgrades which included steering wheel-mounted audio controls, an outside temperature monitor and also an electric sunroof. The stereo system was also XM Satellite Radio ready in US-market vehicles. All CR-V models also received redesigned rear seat headrests, intended to improve rear visibility.

Mechanically, the 2005 model was also changed. A drive-by-wire throttle was implemented for all CR-Vs. The all-wheel drive system's engagement threshold was altered for improved response. US market models were equipped with a five-speed automatic, as opposed to the previous four-speed automatic.

In the United States and Canada, all 2005 MY and later CR-Vs have anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and Vehicle Stability Assist, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors for all occupants.

In Australia, the MY05 facelift went on sale in late 2004. Base models made do with only dual airbags and ABS as standard equipment, while the Sport came equipped with side airbags for the first time. Curtain airbags were unavailable on any model, until the next generation.

Following the tradition of adding a trim level above the EX during the refresh like the first generation CR-V, Honda added the SE trim level for the 2005 CR-V. The CR-V SE featured painted bumpers, body side molding, and hard, body-colored spare tire cover. Honda introduced leather seats for the first time to the CR-V with this trim, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated side mirrors, and front seats.

Australia

This iteration of CR-V arrived in Australia in January 2002, and initially came in separate guises, consisting that of the "Base" & "Sport". The "CR-V" (or "Base"), consisted of, but not limited of, dual front airbags, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, as well as a CD player. Building upon "CR-V" specification, The Sport added ABS, Cruise Control, a sunroof, 15 inch alloy wheels, front foglights, as well as body coloured bumpers and mirrors.^[17] Consistently selling very well within the Medium SUV segment within the previous generation, amassing over 40,000 units between 1997 and 2001, the second generation continued its success, with it becoming the best selling SUV in 2002, selling over 12,000 units.^[17]

Several "Special Edition" models were released, beginning in 2003. The "Winter Classic" & "Sport Winter Classic" were sold in Winter/Spring 2003. Building upon the "Base", Winter Classic added alloy wheels, side steps, as well as a tow bar, while the Sport Winter Classic gained roof racks, nudge bar and foglights, however, did without the towbar. Later within this iteration, in 2005, an SE model was launched, featuring rear parking sensors, nudge bar and 16' alloy wheels. It was sold between October and November 2005. Running throughout 2006, the CR-V "Extra" brought with it 16 inch alloy wheels and side airbags.^[18]

Philippines

In the Philippines, the second-generation CR-V was released in 2002. The vehicle was reconfigured to seat 10 people, with 3 in front, 4 in the second row, and 3 in the third row to take advantage of the tax regulations in the country at the time which allows a 10-seater vehicle to be classified as a "mass transport van", therefore exempt from excise tax.^[19][20] The 10-seater configuration also allowed the vehicle to compete with Asian utility vehicles (AUV), while 5-seater and 8-seater variants are also available. It was produced locally at the factory in Santa Rosa, Laguna with 63 percent of local content. In its 4-year production run, Honda sold 20,886 units of the second-generation CR-V in the Philippines.^[21]

Engines

Facelift

In 2009 for the 2010 model year in North America, the CR-V received design, powertrain and equipment changes. Changes included a redesigned front fascia with a new horizontal-slat chrome grille and honeycomb-designed lower front grille, new front bumper, and revised tail lights. The rear bumper was redesigned, as well as new alloy wheels. The interior received minor changes, including seat fabrics, as well as wider driver and front-passenger armrests. The audio head unit controls were altered and the information display backlighting in the gauges was changed to blue, instead of the previous black.

Engine

Facelift

The facelifted 2015 model year CR-V went on sale during October 2014.^[32] The CR-V uses the direct injected Earth Dreams engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) combination first introduced on the ninth generation Accord, EPA estimated fuel economy is improved +4/+3/+3 mpg (city/highway/combined). The structure has been modified to improve crash performance, particularly in the IIHS's small offset crash test. The suspension shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars and lower control arms are also revised to improve ride performance, while a reduced 15.6:1 steering gear ratio and larger brake booster gives it a sportier feel.

Engines

Facelift

Honda unveiled a refreshed CR-V in September 2019 for the 2020 model year, initially for the North American market. For the first time in North America, the refreshed model introduced a hybrid powertrain as an option. Additionally, the CR-V's suite of advanced safety features are standard on every trim level, meaning even the most affordable CR-V provides adaptive cruise control and the latest crash prevention technology.^[38]

CR-V e:FCEV

Honda introduced the CR-V e:FCEV in February 2024 in the U.S. It is a plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell version of the CR-V that is equipped with an electric motor, a 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) hydrogen tank and a 17.7 kWh battery with plug-in charging capability.^[49] It was also launched in Japan as the only version of the CR-V sold in the country, imported from the Ohio plant in the U.S.^[52]

• 2023 CR-V e:FCEV

Markets

Safety

In July 2023, the vehicle was tested for automotive safety by ASEAN NCAP,^[77] scored five stars out of a possible five. It is also currently holding the 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

More information ASEAN NCAP scores ...

2023 Honda CR-V

ASEAN NCAP scores[78]
Overall stars / Score		87.16
Adult occupant	31.45/32.00
Child occupant	45.81/51.00
Safety assist	19.50/21.00
Motorcyclist safety	9.05/16.00

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