• 2013

• 2012 Honda CR-V

• Used Honda CR-V
• Repairs Honda CR-V

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Honda CR-V U.S. News Best Cars 8.7
Critics' Rating:	8.8
Performance:	7.4
Interior:	8.2
Safety:	9.8
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Awards

• 2012 Best Affordable Compact SUV for Families

Pros & Cons

• Comfortable seating for five
• Standard rearview camera
• Plenty of interior storage

• Antiquated navigation system
• Outdated powertrain

Research Other Years

• 2013 Honda CR-V
• 2011 Honda CR-V
• 2010 Honda CR-V
• 2009 Honda CR-V
• 2008 Honda CR-V
• 2007 Honda CR-V

The 2012 Honda CR-V’s main goal is to be an excellent family vehicle and reviewers say that's exactly what it is.

The Honda CR-V is completely redesigned for 2012. It has more standard features, better fuel economy ratings, an updated powertrain and better storage than before. Test drivers think these tweaks make the CR-V an even more competitive crossover SUV.

Among the list of interior updates are a standard USB port, rearview camera, Pandora Internet radio interface, Bluetooth and voice text messaging, which is an impressive list for this class, and should help families who are constantly on the go. However, despite these updates, reviewers are still distracted by the CR-V’s optional navigation system. It’s the one thing they ding nearly every Honda model for, calling it outdated and confusing. It's one option on the CR-V that you may want to skip.

Test drivers also add the CR-V’s engine and transmission to the list of adjustments they wish Honda had made. Despite a few tweaks, the engine is the same one available last year, and reviewers wish for an optional V6 or turbocharged engine to remedy the CR-V’s slow passing abilities. They also crave a six-speed automatic transmission, which would spice up performance a bit, but only a five-speed is available.

Still, the 2012 Honda CR-V excels at being a family vehicle because of its good safety scores and utility, which is why the 2012 CR-V is our Best Affordable Compact SUV for Families. The automotive press call the cabin one of the most spacious and comfortable in the class, and are impressed with its large, easy-to-load and easy-to-organize cargo area and the new center console that stretches from the back of the front seats to the dashboard. For these reasons, reviewers say the CR-V is one of the best picks in the class for shoppers with a growing family.

Other Cars to Consider

Shoppers who crave more luxury features than the Honda CR-V has should look at the Kia Sportage. When appropriately equipped, the Sportage can have cooled front seats, push-button start and a dual-pane sunroof. None of these features are available on the CR-V, but they are available on luxury compact SUVs.

Most compact SUVs don’t have optional third rows, but the Toyota RAV4 and the Dodge Journey do. While neither of these rows will be comfortable for anyone but children, the extra seats will be helpful in a pinch. The RAV4 and Journey are considered family cars, but they don’t offer the conversation mirror the CR-V does.

Details: Honda CR-V

The 2012 Honda CR-V has a lot of changes both inside and out. Not only does the CR-V have a redesigned exterior, but it gets more standard features like Bluetooth, voice text messaging, a Pandora Internet radio interface and three-way rearview camera. The engine received mechanical updates to increase horsepower and fuel economy ratings, but the transmission is still a five-speed automatic.

See the full list of 2012 Honda CR-V specs.

• "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