It’s hard to imagine the Honda CR-V is 18 years old. But with its sibling, the Element, discontinued, the CR-V is now the Japanese manufacturer’s entry-level Sport Utility Vehicle.
There’s plenty of competition in the SUV segment, so for 2012, the CR-V was redesigned. The exterior has deeper sculpting, a bolder front fascia and a more overall aerodynamic look. More standard features, increased horsepower and one mpg improved mileage estimates also debuted with 2012 edition.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: the EX-L, with a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the only available transmission, a five-speed automatic.
- $30,605 as tested, from a $29,795 base price.
- 22 mpg city, 30 highway and 26 combined on the original EPA label; 28.3 mpg averaged over 563 miles.
- Trims: LX, EX and EX-L, each with front- or all-wheel drive.
- Noise: One of the shortcomings of the CR-V is the engine noise and wind noise.
- Leather: Leather seats promoted the CR-V from utilitarian status to near luxury.
The Honda CR-V still gets defined in two ways. Does the CR-V mean Compact Recreational Vehicle or Comfortable Runabout Vehicle? Official Honda marketing materials reference both definitions, and it doesn’t really matter.
More important: Since its debut, the CR-V has been at the popularity forefront of the SUV segment, and it’s now available in LX, EX, and EX-L models all with either front or all-wheel drive but without further options.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
The EX-L model, my tester for the week, extends the base LX model, which despite its entry-level price, features a substantial standard features list: interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, height-adjustable driver seat, split folding rear seat with fore and aft adjustment, power mirrors/windows/locks with remote, digital-media player connection, USB port, internet radio, wireless cell-phone link and a rearview camera.
A power sunroof is among a few items added to the most expensive EX model, and logically the EX-L models offers the most equipment: leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, satellite radio and a navigation system.
Like all CR-Vs, my EX-L had 185 horsepower (five more horsepower than in 2011) and a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with the only available transmission, a five-speed automatic.
The leather seats and navigation system were particularly appreciated during my week with the SUV. It included nearly 600 miles of driving, dominated by a 400-mile, round-trip weekend trek from Sacramento to Fresno.
One of the shortcomings of the CR-V is the engine noise and wind noise. Leather seats promoted the CR-V from utilitarian status to near luxury. The leather seats also seemed to work as sound buffers.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes
Standard rearview camera.
Good interior storage space.
Intuitive navigation system and dual-level readout
Marbled gray plastic interior trim.
Honest gas mileage averages (28.3 mpg over 563 miles).
Exterior color: Opal Sage Metallic.
Dislikes
Substantial wind noise
Average acceleration.
What Others Say
“The CR-V would appear, then, to fall short of its highly styled, technology-laden competitors from Korea, and the forthcoming new Ford Escape. LED daytime running lights aren’t available, there’s no direct-injected turbo engine option, there are no ventilated seats or double-pane sunroof, and you’ll have to stick a metal key into an ignition slot to start this car. That leaves the CR-V to compete instead on its inherent goodness, and that’s precisely where it shines.” Automobile Magazine.
“CR-V continues to excel for its ‘just-right’ blend of comfort, refinement, passenger room, and cargo versatility. An edgier look for 2012 makes it stand out from the competition.” Consumer Guide.
“However, we think the Honda CR-V’s thoughtful mix of family-friendly attributes will continue to make it a great choice for most shoppers. As such, it easily remains one of our top picks in the class.” Edmunds.
What The Wife Says
“I really like the fact that it gets better gas mileage and it offers a smoother ride than my (2009) CR-V.”
2012 Honda CR-V Verdict
“Since its debut, the CR-V has done so much right and at a fair price. Honda still trails the industry with its 3-year/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, but that’s not a strong enough reason to discourage a potential CR-V buyer. It’s an ideal multi-use SUV: family needs to cargo versatility.”
Facts & Figures: 2012 Honda CR-V
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $29,795 |
| As-Tested Price | $30,605 |
| Engine | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 185 hp |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front- or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy (original EPA label) | 22 city / 30 highway / 26 combined mpg |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, revised, front-wheel drive) | 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined mpg |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, revised, all-wheel drive) | 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined mpg |
| Observed Economy | 28.3 mpg over 563 miles |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.