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2013 Honda CR-V

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Want to save money? Check out the 2012 Honda CR-V

Overview

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2013 Honda CR-V Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.5

Fresh from its complete makeover last year, the 2013 Honda CR-V compact SUV carries on largely unchanged. The 5-passenger CR-V remains modestly-sized on the outside, but is extremely roomy inside, with a rear seat that accommodates adults and a proper-sized cargo area. Available in LX, EX and the leather-appointed EX-L, the CR-X for 2013 offers varying levels of features and equipment packed into each trim level. However, new rivals, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape, offer better audio and infotainment systems, more features and, in some cases, more horsepower and better fuel economy. Still, it's hard to argue with the CR-V's excellent repair history and it continues to lead the pack in terms of long-term resale values.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for simple, dependable transportation in a vehicle that can handle snow and mud as efficiently as it does a day of cruising yard sales, the 2013 Honda CR-V is an excellent choice. Need more reasons? There's good fuel economy, a reasonable price and lots of standard equipment.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Those needing the power of a V6 (for towing) or the convenience of a third-row seat won't be interested in the 2013 Honda CR-V. The Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe offer more powerful engines with the same or better fuel economy as the CR-V.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.5
Driving Dynamics

6.9
Comfort & Convenience

7.7
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.7
Value

7.5
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#9

out of 24

MPG

#5

out of 24

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.0 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

No major changes for 2013.

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, the latest iteration has raised those benchmarks in modest but genuinely meaningful ways....

Extensive noise reduction efforts yield a quiet, well-isolated passenger compartment, and the rigid unit-body structure, coupled with taut suspension tuning, gives the 2013 Honda CR-V impressively capable handling characteristics. Honda equips the CR-V with its 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 4-season security, the 2013 CR-V is available with Honda's Real Time AWD (all-wheel drive) with Intelligent Control System. Smaller, lighter and quicker to respond than the previous 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 2013 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 2013 Honda CR-V's new 60/40-split rear bench seat now flop forward with the pulls of levers 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.

2013 Honda CR-V Details

2013 Honda CR-V Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

We like the sophisticated overall look and feel inside the Honda CR-V, highlighted by a smartly-sculpted dash, large and bright gauges and elegant switchgear. Special attention is paid to driver comfort, with supportive front seats that flank an accommodating center console punctuated by two big cup holders. A large covered center stow bin houses USB and auxiliary inputs as well as a 12-volt power point. Although the 2013 CR-V's overall interior dimensions are largely unchanged from the previous two generations, its cargo area now offers a bit more space than before with the rear seat up, but marginally less when it's folded down.

Exterior

While the 2013 CR-V retains roughly the same dimensions as the last-generation CR-V, it looks substantially larger. With a bold, more aerodynamic look, the CR-V appears a bit more rugged, with swept-up rear quarter windows and edgy front and rear fascia treatments. A steeply-raked windshield and slightly lower roofline effectively complement the CR-V's high-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

Honda's CR-V LX for 2013 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 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.

Optional Equipment

In keeping with its longstanding practice of offering vehicles largely in "mono-spec" trim levels, options for the 2013 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 a 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 2013 Honda CR-V models is the familiar 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine matched with the equally-familiar 5-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 185 horsepower, the CR-V has fuel economy ratings of 23/31 for front drive models and 22/30 with 4WD. To help in the mileage-maxing cause, all 2013 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. The maximum tow rating also remains unchanged, at 1,500 pounds.

2.4-liter inline-4
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

The 2013 Honda CR-V LX 2WD has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price starting around $23,500, the EX is about $25,500 and the EX-L starts just under $28,500; a fully-loaded model with navigation is around $31,000. Stepping up to all-wheel-drive will add about $1,250. To get your best deal, check the KBB Fair Purchase Price and find out what others in your area are paying for the CR-V. Historically, Honda's 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 area. 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.

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2013 Honda CR-V Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 53 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.1/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

8.4/10

Performance

7.9/10
Comfort

8.0/10

Styling

8.1/10

Converted Toyo to Honda owner

By Rhonda136 (FL) on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,900

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

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!"

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Honda always

By Arlen (AZ) on Friday, May 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

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."

1 person out of 1 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

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

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."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great SUV for the price

By Gary (TX) on Thursday, April 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 380

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Very good price and fun to drive"

Cons: "No remote trunk release & no opening windows remot"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Loved the feel of the CRV compared to Accord...however I'd prefer if the similar features of the Accord were implemented to the CRV..e.g holding the auto door log button on the remote key fob does NOT open the windows [especially in Texas where the summers are quite hot] thus letting out the heat while approaching the vehicle and the other issue is the trunk release feature is absent from the remote key fob..which again makes it tedious to open the trunk when your hands are full."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Good bang for the buck

By JohnO (AZ) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "good resale, good mileage"

Cons: "USB connection should be in better place"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I have been driving a full size SUV for about 8 years before purchasing this CRV. I love the mileage, but this feels like what it is while driving it, a smaller Honda SUV. That's not to say it's all bad, because it isn't. I now get DOUBLE the gas mileage. It can hold enough luggage for me and the wife, and enough room for 4 adults. Don't expect it to gratify your ego, this is just really good basic transportation with a few extra accessories not available w/ other manufacturers for the same price."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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New Design doesn't work for me

By Margo (AK) on Friday, April 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,800

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Bluetooth and color"

Cons: "Design"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"I traded in my 2007 CRV-EXL AWD FOR THE 2013. What a mistake. The gas mileage isn't that great and they made the car lighter for fuel efficiency. It's seems cheaper. The road noise has not improved i find my self talking louder to my paasenger. It sounds like the windows are open but they arent. The navigation system isn't that great. My $120 Tom Tom is better. The hands Free Link doesn't recognize half of my voice commands even though they are on the menu. The cruise control is squirrally, my old one stayed within 2 mph of my setting and this one goes 8 mph over the setting going downhill. The resumé button is not responsive for accelerating. The back seat is my biggest problem. It doesn't move and the recline has no adjustment so I lost storage capacity. I even asked the sales girl if the seat moved she said yes, i didnt check it until after i bought it. What a shock that was. The new design to fold the seats down is great if that's what you want. I travel between Wa and Az with two dogs. I dont fold the seats down. The text message send function doesn't work with the iPhone although that was one of the features mentioned by the sales girl. She knew i had an iphone. Although i got a beige interior the seats look more gray and the carpet and dash are dark and make the cabin feel cramped. They replaced the space in front of the console on the floor where I put my purse with a bigger console but the area on the console with both armrests down is too narrow for my purse to sit conveniently. The right arm rest seems really high. The left armrest seems really low. The telescoping steering wheel doesn't help. I like the driver seat options but you loose dashboard visibility when you move seat higher. There is only one glove box. The steering wheel leather feels like plastic. Very slippery not comfortable. What DO I Like. That my iPhone connects by Bluetooth so phone calls, audio books, and music are connected with no wires. I love the Urban Titanium color, i understand its being discontinued. The backup camera. I like the driver seat adjustments. I wish I had gotten a 2011. 2012 is when they changed the design stuff I don't like."

12 people out of 16 found this review helpful

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