- CR-V launched in Japan in 1995
- Popular family SUV gone on to sell over 13.5 million vehicles globally
First released in Japan in 1995 before arriving on Australian shores in 1997, the CR-V was one of the first compact SUVs on the market and offered a spacious interior and comfortable ride, achieving exactly what the name promised – a Comfortable Runabout Vehicle.
Honda Australia Director Automotive, Rob Thorp, said CR-V’s reputation as a trusted family SUV was well-earned and would continue into the future.
“For 30 years, CR-V has earned the trust of families by being comfortable, engaging to drive, and packed with useful and usable innovations,” said Mr. Thorp.
“CR-V set the benchmark for SUV drivability when it launched on a car-like unibody platform and today it continues to set benchmarks as we prepare to rollout Honda’s best-in-class hybrid powertrain across the CR-V range.”
The Honda CR-V nameplate is synonymous with family SUVs and has a long-standing reputation for spaciousness and reliability. Launching in Australia in 1997, the first-generation CR-V positioned itself as weekend-ready, boasting a removable picnic table integrated into the cargo floor, giving Aussies the freedom to pitch up for lunch any time, any place.
Over the following generations, CR-V made major step changes in packaging and safety, while its body shape began to evolve to a sportier silhouette. Complementing design changes was a suite of functional innovations paired with leading-driving dynamics, courtesy of real time AWD ensuring CR-V’s handling remained composed in all conditions.
Mirroring the broader market, CR-V’s 5th generation took a giant technological leap forward when launched in 2017 with Honda Sensing making its debut. The Honda Sensing active safety and driver assist features offered innovations in the form of Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).
Today, CR-V remains a flagship SUV choice for Australian families with five and seven seat options, powered by a class-leading hybrid engine with a highly efficient petrol variant also available.
Amongst the array of innovations in the current CR-V, is connectivity to Honda Connect, allowing drivers to remotely lock and unlock their vehicle, set internal temperatures, view vehicle status and geo-locate the vehicle, all from the convenience of their mobile phone.
In 2026, CR-V will continue to evolve with Honda Australia expanding its best-in-class hybrid powertrain across the CR-V range, providing more Honda drivers the opportunity to enjoy the performance and efficiency benefits on offer.
Global award winner
CR-V is an award-winning family SUV with the current 6th generation earning recognition across the world:
- News Corp Australia Car of the Year 2023
- Drive.com.au Best Medium SUV (under $50k)
- Kelly Blue Book Best Buy Award 2025 – Best Compact SUV (US)
- Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Awards 2025 – Best Compact SUV (US)
- Car and Driver Editor’s Choice Awards 2025 – Hybrid Compact SUV (US)
- Autocar New Zealand Car of the Year 2023 (NZ)
- AA Driven Car of the Year 2024 (NZ)
A best-selling family favourite
CR-V is one of the best-selling family SUVs in key markets since its 1995 introduction.
- Honda CR-V has sold over 244,000 in Australia since its introduction in 1997
- Honda CR-V is the US’s best-selling compact SUV over the past 28 years.
- Honda CR-V US sales surpassed 400,000 in 2025
- Over 13.5 million CR-Vs have been sold globally since 1995