Honda is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its iconic SUV, the Honda CR-V, which debuted in 1995 as part of the company’s “Creative Mover” series.
First launched in Japan, the CR-V quickly gained global popularity and is now sold in about 150 countries, with cumulative sales exceeding 15 million units as of August 2025, making it Honda’s best-selling automobile over the past decade.
Originally standing for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” the CR-V pioneered the concept of the “urban SUV,” blending car-like comfort with versatile performance through six generations.
In 2022, Honda introduced the sixth-generation CR-V lineup, led by the hybrid CR-V e:HEV featuring the two-motor hybrid system for dynamic yet efficient driving. The model has been warmly received, particularly in North America and China, and is set to be launched in Japan soon.
Ahead of its market debut, the CR-V e:HEV Prototype will be showcased at the Japan Mobility Show in October to November 2025.
Honda also became the first Japanese automaker to develop a fuel-cell vehicle with plug-in charging capability, the CR-V e:FCEV, launched in July 2024. Built on the sixth-generation platform, it combines SUV utility with next-generation environmental technology.
Across six generations, the Honda CR-V has continually evolved — from pioneering the “urban SUV” concept in 1995 to expanding globally, refining design and performance, and integrating advanced hybrid and safety technologies.
These innovations propelled the model past 10 million units sold by 2018, reinforcing its status as a global SUV benchmark.
