TOKYO, Japan — Honda recently marked the 30th anniversary of the Honda CR-V, a global SUV model that debuted with the first-generation model’s market launch in 1995. Originally standing for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” the CR-V was developed under the “Creative Mover” concept which pioneered the new genre of the “urban SUV” that offered excellent comfort and runabout capability.
Starting with its 1995 launch in Japan, the CR-V’s sales quickly expanded around the world and is now sold in approximately 150 countries. As of August 2025, cumulative global unit sales of the CR-V have exceeded the 15 million-unit mark. Based on total unit sales from 2015 to 2024, the CR-V stands as the best-selling Honda automobile model.
The CR-V has continuously advanced in line with customer needs across different eras. A notable recent development was the July 2024 launch of the CR-V e:FCEV, which Honda states is the first fuel cell vehicle with plug-in charging capability by a Japanese automaker.
A quick history of the CR-V:
First generation (1995):
The first-generation Honda CR-V was introduced first in Japan in 1995 as the second model of the “Honda Creative Mover” series, featuring both passenger car-like drivability and a spacious cabin. Equipped with distinctive features such as a built-in folding table which doubled as the rigid cargo floor underneath the carpeted mat, the first-generation CR-V established a new vehicle genre of “urban SUV.” Sales started in the U.S. in 1997 and expanded to Europe and Asia. The first-generation CR-V became the starting point of Honda global SUV models.
Second generation (2001):
The second-generation Honda CR-V featured new packaging that further increased the size and usability of the cabin space. In addition to Japan, North America and Europe, CR-V sales started in China, expanding its position as a Honda global SUV model.
Third generation (2006):
The third-generation Honda CR-V featured a new styling design, completely revamped from the previous boxy style to a more advanced and sophisticated urban SUV styling. The 2.4L i-VTEC engine and newly developed suspensions further enhanced driving performance, quietness and occupant comfort.
Fourth generation (2011):
The fourth-generation Honda CR-V achieved a significant improvement in usability by featuring a sleek, highly efficient aerodynamic body, excellent fuel economy and occupant comfort, as well as a larger cabin and cargo space. In 2011, cumulative global CR-V sales reached the 5 million-unit milestone.
Fifth generation (2016):
The fifth-generation Honda CR-V lineup included a hybrid variant for the first time. Equipped with the Honda two-motor hybrid system, SPORT HYBRID i-MMD, the CR-V Hybrid marked a new chapter as an environmentally-responsible SUV model. Moreover, in Japan, Honda SENSING became standard equipment on all grades of CR-V for the first time, enhancing its safety features to ensure customers’ peace of mind. In 2018, the cumulative global sales reached the 10 million-unit milestone.
Sixth generation (2022):
The sixth-generation Honda CR-V models have been well received by a broad range of customers around the world, mostly in North America and China, based on their dynamic yet sophisticated design and further enlarged cabin space, as well as the powerful driving performance of the Honda e:HEV two-motor hybrid system for hybrid variants.
Honda CR-V e:FCEV (2024):
Honda became the first3 Japanese automaker to introduce4 a fuel cell vehicle with plug-in charging capability. Developed based on the sixth-generation CR-V that is sold and very popular in North America, as well as China and other countries, the CR-V e:FCEV accommodates the diverse needs of customers with its SUV-specific utility and packaging.
