Honda states that "CR-V" stands for "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,"[3][4][5] while the term "Compact Recreational Vehicle" is used in a British car review article that was republished by Honda, associating the model name with the Sports Utility Vehicle abbreviation of SU-V.[6] As of 2022[update], the CR-V is positioned between the smaller ZR-V (marketed as HR-V in North America) — which the CR-V shares platform with — and the larger North American market Passport/Pilot or the Chinese market Avancier/UR-V.

[7] The first generation CR-V or RD1 was Honda's first in-house designed sport utility vehicle by Hiroyuki Kawase.

When the CR-V was introduced in Japan in October 1995 it was sold only at Honda Verno and Honda Primo dealerships[8] and exceeded Japanese government's compact car regulations regarding exterior dimensions (maximum width of 1,700 mm (66.9 in), therefore incurred a more expensive annual road tax obligation.

Honda customized the model for sale to include a face-to-face third-row seating, making it a seven-seater vehicle to take advantage of the tax regulations in the country.

European models received an enlarged Honda emblem on the front grille, and a new metallic yellow paint in certain markets.

The North American models also received new exterior colours including Naples Gold Metallic and Taffeta White.

It was added at the time of the first facelift and included body-coloured bumpers, mirrors, door handles, and hard rear spare wheel cover.

In addition to this lower body injury, the dummy's head went through the airbag which may have caused a minor concussion.

The pattern of the cloth on the seats was also redesigned, and the head restraints earned an acceptable rating from the IIHS for whiplash protection.

The new chassis had increased torsional and bending rigidity, the suspension included front toe control link MacPherson struts and a rear reactive-link double wishbone; the compact rear suspension increased cargo space to 72 cu ft (2,000 L).

On the inside of the car, the EX trim received standard upgrades which included steering wheel-mounted audio controls, an outside temperature monitor and also an electric sunroof.

The CR-V SE featured painted bumpers, body side molding, and hard, body-coloured spare tire cover.

This iteration of CR-V arrived in Australia in January 2002, and initially came in separate guises, consisting that of the "Base" & "Sport".

The "CR-V" (or "Base"), consisted of, but not limited to, dual front airbags, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, as well as a CD player.

Building upon "CR-V" specification, The Sport added ABS, Cruise Control, a sunroof, 15 inch alloy wheels, front foglights, as well as body coloured bumpers and mirrors.

Later within this iteration, in 2005, an SE model was launched, featuring rear parking sensors, nudge bar and 16' alloy wheels.

Portions of the body structure, drivetrain, and suspension were carried over from the previous model, while both interior and exterior styling elements were changed significantly.

The interior received minor changes, including seat fabrics, as well as wider driver and front-passenger armrests.

The audio head unit controls were altered and the information display backlighting in the gauges was changed to blue, instead of the previous black.

[30] It is powered by a 2.4-litre i-VTEC inline-four engine that puts out 185 hp and 163 pound-feet (220 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm along with an all-new Real-Time all-wheel-drive (AWD) with intelligent control system.

[32] The CR-V uses the direct injected Earth Dreams engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) combination first introduced on the ninth generation Accord, EPA estimated fuel economy is improved +4/+3/+3 mpg (city/highway/combined).

The suspension shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars and lower control arms are also revised to improve ride performance, while a reduced 15.6:1 steering gear ratio and larger brake booster gives it a sportier feel.

Honda began producing the CR-V at East Liberty, Ohio (ELP) in November 2016[34] and at Greensburg, Indiana (HMIN) during February 2017.

[37] Honda unveiled a refreshed CR-V in September 2019 for the 2020 model year, initially for the North American market.

[38] The sixth-generation CR-V was unveiled on 12 July 2022 in Los Angeles, California,[39] with sales commenced in U.S in September 2022 as a 2023 model year.