2012 Honda CR-V Review
2012 Honda CR-V Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Lots of room for passengers and cargo
- high fuel economy
- user-friendly controls
- ample tech and family-friendly features
- nimble handling.
Cons
- No available engine upgrade
- transmission lacks manual mode
- rear seats don't slide fore and aft.
What’s new
The 2012 Honda CR-V is fully redesigned. Highlights include a longer standard features list, restyled sheet metal, an upgraded cabin and better fuel economy.
Edmunds says
The Honda CR-V has long been one of our favorite compact crossover SUVs, and a redesign for 2012 makes it even more appealing.
Notably, we picked the Honda CR-V as one of Edmunds' Best Used SUVs for 2012.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$164/mo for CR-V LX
CR-V LX
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Comfortable, enjoyable to drive and packed with utility, the previous-generation Honda CR-V was certainly deserving of its status as a top seller in the compact-crossover segment. For the 2012 Honda CR-V, the model gets a redesign that brings spruced-up sheet metal and cabin design, along with content and performance upgrades that should align it even more closely with the wants and needs of its family-focused audience.
Many of the changes seen in the 2012 Honda CR-V aren't dramatic. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission are carryovers, though the powertrain gets tweaks that help increase both output and fuel economy. Width and wheelbase are the same as last year, while the CR-V bucks the "bigger is better" trend by losing an inch in height and length. Within the cabin, legroom is unchanged and cargo capacity sees a slight increase.
One of our chief complaints about last year's CR-V concerned the amount of road noise transmitted to the cabin, and the current model addresses this shortcoming with added insulation that results in a quieter driving experience. Also, ride quality is smoother, thanks to changes in suspension calibration.
On the technology front, the CR-V keeps up with the crowd by adding features like a Pandora Internet radio interface and an SMS text messaging function. Additionally, Bluetooth and a rearview camera are now standard equipment on all CR-Vs and, for the first time, a rear DVD entertainment system is available. Versatility is also enhanced this year with a new folding mechanism for the rear seats that's easier and quicker to use.
As with last year's model, the 2012 Honda CR-V's biggest weakness is the fact that it's available only with a four-cylinder engine; most rivals offer an optional V6. And while acceleration is adequate, it's not quite as brisk as some four-cylinder competitors.
Considering this, some shoppers who often carry lots of cargo or who desire more power might want to consider other highly regarded small crossovers like the Chevrolet Equinox, Kia Sorento, Subaru Forester and freshly redesigned Toyota RAV4. All offer engine upgrades, and the Kia and Toyota also have available third-row seats. 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.
Performance & mpg
Every 2012 Honda CR-V comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. The latter sends power to the front wheels exclusively until slippage is detected, at which point power is sent to the wheels with the most traction. In Edmunds performance testing, an EX-L with all-wheel drive went from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds -- a tad slow for a four-cylinder compact SUV.
EPA estimates for the front-drive model are an estimated 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. AWD CR-Vs drop slightly to 22/30/25. These ratings make it one of the most fuel-efficient choices in its segment.
Safety
The 2012 Honda CR-V is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A back-up camera is standard on all models.
In Edmunds brake testing, a CR-V EX-L came to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet -- a good distance for a compact SUV.
In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the CR-V received the best possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side impact and roof strength tests.
Driving
Though it certainly holds its own against competing four-cylinder-powered crossovers, there's not a whole lot of low-end power in the 2012 Honda CR-V; it's hard to ignore the fact that a V6 upgrade isn't available. On the plus side, the crossover distinguishes itself by offering steering and handling that are sharper and more rewarding than most of the competition's.
A new "Econ" mode dulls throttle response to enhance fuel economy, but the trade-off is compromised acceleration, and this is especially noticeable when traveling up gradients. The 2012 Honda CR-V features a smoother ride and a quieter cabin than last year's model, giving it a more refined feeling overall.
Interior
To our eyes, this year's CR-V boasts a better-looking cabin than last year's model; its lines are more fluid and organic, and make the previous generation's blocky aesthetic seem basic in comparison. Controls are logically laid out and attractive to look at. The open space between the front seats seen in last year's sub-EX-L models is no more, as all 2012 CR-Vs come with a full front console that ups utility by providing additional storage compartments.
Rear seats in the previous-generation CR-V slid fore and aft, but this year that functionality has been retired to make way for a spring-loaded auto-fold feature that allows you to fold the rear seats almost flat with a simple tug of a lever. Thankfully, rear legroom isn't sacrificed, since the current seat offers as much space for lower limbs in its new fixed position as the old seat did when moved all the way back.
A highlight of the new CR-V is the wealth of tech features that has been added. All models come with a Pandora interface and Bluetooth phone and streaming audio; there's also an SMS text messaging function that allows you to listen to incoming text messages via the audio system and reply with one of six preset responses. Also, for the first time, the CR-V is available with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
With the rear seatbacks up, the CR-V can accommodate a healthy 37.2 cubic feet of cargo; fold the rear seat and that figure grows to 70.9 cubic feet. The useful split-level storage shelf seen in previous CR-Vs is no longer offered, though EX models and above now come with a retractable cargo cover.
2012 Honda CR-V models
The 2012 Honda CR-V is a crossover SUV that's compact verging on midsize. It's available in LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L with Navigation and EX-L with Rear Entertainment System trim levels, and each can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive.
The well-equipped LX comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver-seat height adjustment, 60/40-split rear seats, a rearview camera, a full-color multi-information display, steering wheel audio controls, and Bluetooth phone and streaming audio. All LX models also have a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, a Pandora interface, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.
EX models add 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a sunroof, rear privacy glass, a retractable cargo cover and six speakers for the sound system. Going with the EX-L gets you roof rails, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an upgraded sound system with seven speakers and satellite radio. As you'd expect, the EX-L with Navigation adds a navigation system (with voice controls and real-time traffic), while the EX-L with Rear Entertainment System adds a rear DVD entertainment system. Note that the nav system and rear DVD entertainment system can't be ordered together.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#6 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Honda CR-V from 2008-2022.$358/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.81x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).8.3%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Honda CR-V.
5 star(61%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(5%)
129 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best CR-V
wab1, 02/17/2012
2012 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Navigation (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
I purchased a 2012 CR-V EX-L with the navigation system 3 weeks ago.
This vehicle is much better than the 2009 model I traded in.
For those who say the CR-V needs a 6 cylinder engine I totally disagree.
This vehicle has plenty of pep and power.
The steering is improved, it's quieter, and rides better. This vehicle handles like a much bigger and heavier model.
Mileage around town has been … averaging 23.5 MPG, all stop and go driving for the most part.
This is a great vehicle and I highly recommend it.
5 out of 5 stars
After 3.5 years, finally realized I like this car
Michelle, 09/26/2015
2012 Honda CR-V EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
I had a Mazda CX-7 prior to this purchase and had SO many mechanical issues. They all seemed to happen right after I went over 60k, so they weren't covered by the warranty, go figure. I was anxiously waiting for the 2012 Honda CR-V to come out so I could get rid of it and say hello to reliability! I bought the CR-V in January 2012 and have just finally realized that I REALLY like it. … Took me long enough!
Coming from a turbo-charged engine, it was somewhat disappointing to drive at first. Very little pickup and I felt like I couldn't even get out of the way. Had to adjust driving style, but I just kept reminding myself that I no longer had to worry about it not starting or breaking down on the side of the road...trade-offs. I had Bose speakers in the CX-7, and the sound system was also less than par comparatively, although decent for what it is. The bluetooth was a nice new addition and the back-up camera is awesome.
I had the battery issue everyone else seems to have, but it never completely died on me. It took a while to turn over a few times, which worried me because of the CX-7 fiasco, but it always started. We make periodic long drives so maybe the battery was able to get a good charge then? When I took it to the dealership for regular maintenance last winter, they told me I needed to replace the battery because the charge was really low. I didn't replace it b/c I thought they were just trying to upsell me something I didn't need. I mean really, who needs to replace the battery after only 2.5 years and 40k miles?! I wasn't aware of the battery issue 2012 CR-Vs were having at the time... At my last oil change they did a software update to fix the issue. I haven't had any problems, but then again, it's summer, I guess we'll what happens as it gets cold again.
That brings me to the AWD...or rather, the RWD, since that's what it feels like. I haven't gotten stuck in the snow yet, hopefully never will, but when driving in the snow it feels like the rear-end wants to come around and it's a little scary having to compensate. And, DO NOT drive it in sand...we DID get stuck in sand, even after letting air out of the tires. We finally had to almost completely deflate them before we got traction and were able to get out. Overall, this is not an AWD vehicle, I tried. :) If you want that, I suggest buying something known for that, just be prepared for the gas mileage to adjust accordingly.
The cargo space with the seats folded down is incredible. My family moved this past summer and I was able to do much of the small stuff on short trips. It fit so much stuff that I was more concerned about the weight limits than I was on the space available.
Overall, this is perfect for what we need and the gas mileage is pretty good. On long trips we get 30-31 mpg and city I get about 24-25. Just what's advertised. I plan to keep it at least until our 10-year old starts driving...she can take it and then I will probably get something with real AWD capability and low gas mileage. :) Hope this review helps in the decision making!
5 out of 5 stars
Best I've had in 50 years of driving
Frank, 09/17/2015
2012 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
Not enough superlatives. At 140k original brake still good. Replaced battery at 120k. Oil change every 5 with synthetic.
Update: 160,000k and still the best car I've owned.
Currently 208,000
5 out of 5 stars
Saved My Life
a nn, 10/26/2015
2012 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
This car was smashed by a truck and totalled. And I lived.
2012 CR-V Highlights
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,495 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $164/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 37.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the CR-V include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17.4%
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