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2012 Honda CR-V Review
What's New for 2012
Interior
By Bob Nagy
KBB Expert Rating:
A perennial best-seller in the compact SUV field, the Honda CR-V gets a full makeover for 2012 as it seeks to maintain preeminence in a fiercely-competitive market segment. Honda endowed the fourth generation of its versatile five-passenger hauler with an even more sophisticated look, feel and level of standard equipment, while retaining all of the basic character traits that served it so well in the past. As before, the 2012 Honda CR-V is available in LX, EX and leather-lined EX-L trims, all powered by a 4-cylinder engine and offering the choice of standard front-drive or optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. In addition to current key rivals, headed by the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4, the 2012 CR-V will have to fend off challenges from two formidable all-new players: The Mazda CX-5 and the fully-redesigned Ford Escape.
You'll Like This Car If...
While a bounty of changes inside and out endow the 2012 Honda CR-V with a new level of user-friendly appeal, this latest incarnation retains its signature car-like driving feel and superb flexibility while delivering even better fuel economy.
You May Not Like This Car If...
Anyone hoping that Honda would break tradition and finally offer the CR-V with an optional V6 engine and available three-row seating like the Kia Sorento and Toyota RAV4 will be disappointed.
What's New for 2012
A comprehensive redesign brings more contemporary visual flair and greater functionality to the entire 2012 Honda CR-V package, along with even better fuel economy. It also gains a host of new features, including an available rear-seat entertainment system and an upgraded "intelligent" version of the optional Real Time all-wheel drive.
Driving the CR-V
Driving Impressions Building on the Honda CR-V's already-stellar reputation for being easy to drive and easy to live with, changes to the 2012 iteration have raised those benchmarks in modest but genuinely...
meaningful ways. Extensive noise abatement efforts have yielded a quieter, better-isolated passenger compartment, while an even more rigid unit-body structure, coupled with revised suspension tuning, gives the 2012 CR-V improved handling characteristics. Like the 2012 Civic, the new CR-V also is fitted with Honda's new Motion-Adaptive electric power steering system that interfaces with the standard stability control to automatically encourage proper corrective inputs when it senses slippery or uneven road conditions during cornering or braking. For ultimate four-season security, the CR-V also introduces the automaker's new Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System. Smaller, lighter and quicker to respond than the existing Real Time setup, it smoothes out initial acceleration and can transfer up to 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels if necessary.
Favorite Features
Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)
All 2012 Honda CR-V models come with a new, 5.0-inch LCD color screen in the center of the dash that allows the driver to access and control a range of functions using buttons on the steering wheel.
Easy-fold rear seats
The backs on the 2012 Honda CR-V's new 60/40-split rear bench now flop forward at the pull of a lever conveniently located on either side of the cargo bay to create a near-flat load floor that's over five inches longer than the one in the current CR-V.
2012 Honda CR-V Details
Interior
A complete redesign gives the 2012 Honda CR-V's passenger compartment a more sophisticated overall look and feel, highlighted by a smartly sculpted dash, restyled gauges and new switchgear. Revised front seats that offer greater comfort and support flank a more accommodating center console with bigger cupholders and a much larger covered center stow bin that houses USB and auxiliary inputs as well as a 12-volt power point. Although the 2012 CR-V's overall interior dimensions are largely unchanged from the previous model, its best-in-class cargo area now offers a bit more space than before with the rear seat up, but marginally less when it's folded down.
Exterior
Remaining true to the vision previewed in the recent CR-V Concept, the 2012 Honda CR-V maintains the same relative scale as the current model but boasts bolder and more aerodynamic bodywork set off by edgier front and rear fascia treatments. A more steeply-raked windshield and slightly lower roofline effectively complement the new CR-V's higher-profile grille and lamp treatments, while a large single-piece liftgate, coupled with a significantly lower lift-over height, eases loading and unloading chores. All LX models are fitted with 16-inch steel wheels and 215/70 all-season tires, while EX/EX-L versions have 225/65 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.
Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment
The 2012 Honda CR-V LX boasts a full range of power assists, a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with USB/AUX inputs, Bluetooth HandsFree Link, Pandora Internet Radio interface, read-aloud SMS text messaging capability, air conditioning, an intelligent Multi-Information Display, multifunction steering wheel, multi-angle rearview camera, keyless entry, cruise control and a tilt/telescoping steering column. The CR-V EX adds various interior and exterior enhancements, a power moonroof, privacy glass, alloy wheels and a security system, while the EX-L gains leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, XM Radio and more. All CR-Vs feature stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist and front, front-side and side-curtain airbags.
Optional Equipment
In keeping with its longstanding practice of offering vehicles largely in "mono-spec" trim levels, options for the 2012 Honda CR-V are extremely limited. The LX, EX and EX-L can be fitted with the new Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System, while CR-V EX-L buyers can opt to add either the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with a 6.5-inch dash-mounted touch-screen or the new DVD-based Rear Seat Entertainment system that features a single 7.0-inch hi-resolution LCD screen that flips down from the headliner.
Under the Hood
The sole powertrain combination in all 2012 Honda CR-V models is the familiar 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine matched with the equally-familiar 5-speed automatic transmission. Friction-reduction efforts have helped bump the engine's output from 180 to 185 horsepower, and similar internal tweaks to the autoshifter, coupled with a comprehensive ratio revamp, collectively yield better fuel economy figures for both front-drive and all-wheel-drive CR-Vs. The former now has an estimate of 23/31 mpg city/highway EPA marks, while the latter is estimated at 22/30 mpg. To help in the mileage-maxing cause, all 2012 CR-Vs feature an energy-efficient multistage alternator and come with Honda's Eco Assist system that includes the green "ECON" button on the dash that can modify throttle mapping as well as operation of the air conditioning and cruise control. Despite its slightly lower curb weight and modest power increase, acceleration on the 2012 CR-V feels very much like its 2011 predecessor. The maximum tow rating also remains unchanged, at 1,500 pounds.
2.5-liter inline-four
185 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
163 lb-ft of torque @4,300 rpm
EPA City/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (front-wheel drive), 22/30 mpg (AWD)
Pricing Notes
Intent on maintaining its outstanding value positioning, Honda has held the pricing structure on the all-new 2012 CR-V to near-2011 levels. The entry-level CR-V LX opens around $23,100 with the EX model starting at just over $25,200 and the EX-L commanding just under $28,000. Stepping up to all-wheel-drive will add about $1,250 to any of the three, while opting for either the navigation or rear entertainment system will raise the ante on an EX-L by $1,500 and $700, respectively. To get your best price, check with the KBB Fair Purchase Price and find out what others in your area are paying for the 2012 CR-V. Historically, the CR-V has done an outstanding job of holding onto its value over time, with only the Toyota RAV4 seriously challenging it in that critical arena. In marked contrast to many other vehicles, the upline EX – and particularly the EX-L version – leads the CR-V's resale value index, with all-wheel drive versions also besting front-drive models.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Honda CR-V vehicles for sale near you.
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2012 Honda CR-V Consumer Reviews
Based on 57 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.
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ValueQuality
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ReliabilityPerformance
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ComfortStyling
Updated Review!
By New Honda Owner (VA) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Amount of room and good reliability so far"
Cons: "VERY outdated technology (NAV)"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This is an updated review from my last review on 18 March 2012 titled, "EXCELLENT "SUV" for the Money!" Now that I have done some traveling and put a good amount of miles on it, I'd like to do an updated. I am still very pleased with the purchase and still believe that for the money, there really isn't anything better. Some things I don't like are (some are still from my first review): * The infotainment system (NAV, radio, bluetooth...), can't stand it, still feels and looks outdated and slow to respond, not intuitive at all. I have owned multiple German brand products and their infotainment system is outstanding! I know we are comparing apples to oranges in technology but Honda could seriously give that system a boost for not much money. So if I were you, skip the NAV and buy a portable one. * Gas mileage is good (maybe 22 to 24 mpg's at the most...I think just as advertised); however, it could be better since others in it's class has better mpg's. * Driving dynamics are good; however, any slight wind will sway the car; never really experienced that much swaying in other vehicles unless it was really high winds. * Very underpowered whenever you are merging on the highway or want to pass...not a good feeling to have. I really think Honda needs to get a turbo on that engine or get a V6 option that gives more torque. The things I like: * ROOMY for a small CUV. I can't believe the amount of stuff I can fit in there! That is the biggest selling point if you want a small CUV with a LOT of room. I did a couple of long haul trips with a toddler (if you have kids, you know the amount of stuff you will take with you); also, I moved lots of boxes during a household move. Those fold down seats give you a ridiculous amount of room. * Comfortable on long trips. I made a couple of 600+ mile trips and it was really good. * So far, very reliable. I do get some weird engine noise on first start up whenever the weather was cold. I don't think it's anything major though, just a cold start up. * I like the maintenance display because it tells you how much life the oil has left. I have had 3 oil changes in the last 18000 miles (so about every 5K miles I get one or when the display says 15% life left). The reason why I am giving this CUV a 10 (even though I had some complaints) is because my needs of room and reliability for buying a small CUV were definitely met. I am definitely keeping the vehicle for as long as it runs good."
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful
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Updated Review!
By New Honda Owner (VA) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Amount of room and good reliability so far"
Cons: "VERY outdated technology (NAV)"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This is an updated review from my last review on 18 March 2012 titled, "EXCELLENT "SUV" for the Money!" Now that I have done some traveling and put a good amount of miles on it, I'd like to do an updated. I am still very pleased with the purchase and still believe that for the money, there really isn't anything better. Some things I don't like are (some are still from my first review): * The infotainment system (NAV, radio, bluetooth...), can't stand it, still feels and looks outdated and slow to respond, not intuitive at all. I have owned multiple German brand products and their infotainment system is outstanding! I know we are comparing apples to oranges in technology but Honda could seriously give that system a boost for not much money. So if I were you, skip the NAV and buy a portable one. * Gas mileage is good (maybe 22 to 24 mpg's at the most...I think just as advertised); however, it could be better since others in it's class has better mpg's. * Driving dynamics are good; however, any slight wind will sway the car; never really experienced that much swaying in other vehicles unless it was really high winds. * Very underpowered whenever you are merging on the highway or want to pass...not a good feeling to have. I really think Honda needs to get a turbo on that engine or get a V6 option that gives more torque. The things I like: * ROOMY for a small CUV. I can't believe the amount of stuff I can fit in there! That is the biggest selling point if you want a small CUV with a LOT of room. I did a couple of long haul trips with a toddler (if you have kids, you know the amount of stuff you will take with you); also, I moved lots of boxes during a household move. Those fold down seats give you a ridiculous amount of room. * Comfortable on long trips. I made a couple of 600+ mile trips and it was really good. * So far, very reliable. I do get some weird engine noise on first start up whenever the weather was cold. I don't think it's anything major though, just a cold start up. * I like the maintenance display because it tells you how much life the oil has left. I have had 3 oil changes in the last 18000 miles (so about every 5K miles I get one or when the display says 15% life left). The reason why I am giving this CUV a 10 (even though I had some complaints) is because my needs of room and reliability for buying a small CUV were definitely met. I am definitely keeping the vehicle for as long as it runs good."
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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Very Cheaply Made
By CRV-ian (VA) on Friday, May 24, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000
overall rating 4 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "good engine"
Cons: "cheap body and interior"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"Need little more than a Sedan in space, little more than a big SUV in milage and not break my bank. CRV is the perfect fit with Honda's engine reliability. Not satisfied with the body at all. It is very cheaply made. Can easily put a dent to it even with a slightest punch. I wonder what will happen to it in a crash. The interior is also very cheap. Honda tried to cut corners every where they can to sell the car for low 20s. Would not recommend this car to anyone who pay attention to every detail.. Very Very cheaply made again. I hope the engine will last."
4 people out of 10 found this review helpful
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Converted Toyo to Honda owner
By Rhonda136 (FL) on Sunday, May 19, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,900
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Safetly, gas mileage"
Cons: "none"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I am leasing my CRV because I wasn't sure I would love it like I did my 4Runner. I LOVE IT!! I am driving 32 miles each way to work, combined city /hwy and am consistently at 32 mpg. Steering is very responsive (I over corrected and did not wreck) and once had a chance to test the brakes which were spot on. I am planning to purchase this car. Love the leather interior!"
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful
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Honda always
By Arlen (AZ) on Friday, May 17, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Best"
Cons: "None"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"My CR-V is a 2008. We get 26 mpg in town and 33 mpg highway. Beautiful cream colored interior, well made, quiet and roomy. Not a single problem since we bought it. Absolutely love it and would buy another one in a heart beat."
5 people out of 6 found this review helpful
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Great value for a small SUV
By Zuccmeister (NC) on Friday, May 03, 2013
I owned and sold this car
Reason: Wife wanted something with more power - My approximate mileage is 17,250
Reviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Crazy (Good) re-sale value"
Cons: "No home link or power lift gate"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Honda continues to amaze me with their resale value. We owned the car for a year and put over 17k miles on it, then sold it for pretty close to what we paid for it. Amazing, considering no major price increase on the 2013's. The only reason we got rid of it is that my wife is used to V6's and V8's and could never warm up to the 4 cylinder. As far as I was concerned, it had plenty of power for what is was. We both would have liked it better if it had home-link and a power lift gate. We bought the top of the line EX-L AWD, so you would think that those options would be available,but were not."
9 people out of 9 found this review helpful
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