2012 Honda CR-V review
Honda CR-V highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
Pros
- Ample cargo and passenger space
- Good EPA-estimated fuel economy
Cons
- No option for a more powerful V6 engine
- Rear seats lack sliding function of many rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Refreshed and redesigned, the 2012 Honda CR-V is a solid favorite
The Honda CR-V is something of a mainstay among compact crossovers, having been around in various forms since 1995. It's consistently been a strong seller, for good reason: The CR-V offers ample space, decent standard equipment levels, solid EPA-estimated fuel economy, and car-like driving characteristics in a well-priced package. And the 2012 model is even better. It's been significantly overhauled with sharper looks, more standard equipment in all trim levels, and improvements to the refinement and ride comfort. Power comes from a 185-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can option it with all-wheel drive.
The engine is a bit lacking in low-rev power, which is true of many of the CR-V's rivals. But many competitors do offer the option of a more powerful V6, which, sadly, the CR-V does not. The CR-V is available in LX, EX, and EX-L (which can add optional navigation or rear entertainment). The LX covers the basics, with automatic headlights, keyless entry, air conditioning, a rearview camera, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a full-color multi-information display. The EX gains alloy wheels, privacy glass, and more speakers for the audio system. The EX-L gets dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats as well as satellite radio, leather upholstery, and upgraded audio equipment. All drive nicely enough, with a smooth ride, agile handling, and easy-to-use tech. Combine that with its spacious interior and good fuel economy estimates, and the CR-V is an appealing choice among the tough compact crossover SUV competition.
All Honda CR-V years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Honda CR-V generation from 2011 to 2025
What is new for the 2012 Honda CR-V?
- The SE trim has been discontinued for 2012.
- CR-V trims have been upgraded with DVD Video System as standard equipment this year.
- The EX trim now comes with Rear View Camera and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The LX trim now comes with Rear View Camera and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2012 Honda CR-V
1. Versatile cargo hold
Whether you're hauling golf clubs, groceries, or instruments, the 2012 Honda CR-V has plenty of cargo space. There's 37 cu-ft of cargo space behind the back seats and a whopping 70.9 cu-ft when those seats are folded flat. The rear seat has a 60/40 folding option, which lets you balance cargo space and passenger seating. Plus, the CR-V has a low cargo area floor, meaning you can fit more into the back without obstructing your view out the rear window.
2. Family friendly
Whether you have tots or teens, the 2012 Honda CR-V allows you to carry the family comfortably. If your kids are in car seats you'll appreciate that you can use LATCH connections to secure car seats in any of the three rear positions. Child-proof locks also come standard on the rear doors. With 38.3 inches of rear legroom, the Honda CR-V can accommodate your family as it grows from having babies in rear-facing car seats to long-legged teenagers.
3. Straightforward tech
Do you always have the perfect playlist at the ready? The 2012 Honda CR-V makes it easy to share your tunes. All trims come standard with Bluetooth® and Pandora® integration, an auxiliary jack, and a USB port. Steering wheel audio controls are also standard, making it easy to control your music without taking your eyes off the road.
4. All-wheel drive
All 2012 Honda CR-V models are available with optional all-wheel drive, making this a great vehicle if you live in a cold or snowy area, or if you just want to do a little light off-roading to get to the campsite. The standard front heated seats are another perk during frigid winters. If you live somewhere a little more mountainous, you'll also appreciate that hill-start assist comes standard.
5. Solid fuel economy
Whether you're commuting to work or running kids around to after-school activities, fewer stops at the gas pump are always a nice thing. The 2012 Honda CR-V can help with that. All 2012 CR-Vs come standard with a 185-hp, 2.4L four-cylinder engine. With that engine, the 2012 CR-V gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined fuel economy with front-wheel drive, and 25 mpg combined fuel economy with all-wheel drive.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2012 Honda CR-V is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
RepairPal gave the Honda CR-V an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Honda CR-V 6th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Honda CR-VHonda CR-V features and specs
EX 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Bluetooth Technology
- Full Roof Rack
- Parking Sensors
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
185
Torque (ft-lbs)
163
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
15.3
Wheelbase
103.1"
Overall length
178.3"
Width
71.6"
Height
65.1"
Leg room
F 41.3"/R 38.3"
Head room
F 38"/R 38.6"
Front tires
P225/65TR17
Rear tires
P225/65TR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
225/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2012 Honda CR-V FAQ
The 2012 Honda CR-V is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- EX: 23 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- EX-L: 23 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- LX: 23 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
The Honda CR-V received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Honda CR-V as 5 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2012 Honda CR-V has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2012 Honda CR-V, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2012 Honda CR-V Reviews.
The 2012 Honda CR-V has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2012 Honda CR-V:
- Rear Entertainment System
- Rear View Camera
- Bluetooth Technology
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.