The Honda CR-V has been a mainstay in the compact SUV market for nearly three decades, evolving through six generations while maintaining its reputation for versatility and practicality. First arriving in the U.S. for the 1997 model year, the CR-V was Honda’s first fully developed SUV, offering a car-like ride and unique features like a built-in picnic table. Over the years, it has grown in size, gained more powerful engine options, and embraced hybrid technology. Today, the CR-V remains one of the most popular SUVs, offering cutting-edge technology and fuel-efficient powertrains, even venturing into hydrogen-powered innovation with the upcoming CR-V e:FCEV. As Car and Driver puts it, the CR-V delivers “an even more car-like demeanor to the compact SUV while maintaining a generous cargo hold and tall, truck-like seating position.”

Key Points:

• 1997: Honda CR-V debuts in the U.S. with a 126-hp 2.0L engine, all-wheel drive, and a built-in folding picnic table.
• 1998: A five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive option are introduced.
• 1999: Engine power is increased to 146 horsepower, along with minor feature upgrades.
• 2002: Second-generation CR-V launches with a larger body and a 160-hp 2.4L engine.
• 2007: Third-generation brings sleeker styling, a rear liftgate (replacing the swing-out door), and ditches the picnic table.
• 2012: Fourth-generation redesign adds new tech, but keeps the 2.4L engine with 185 horsepower.
• 2015: Honda replaces the five-speed automatic with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), improving efficiency.
• 2017: Fifth-generation revamp introduces a turbocharged 1.5L engine (190 hp) and earns a spot on Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks and SUVs list.
• 2020: CR-V Hybrid debuts, featuring a 212-hp hybrid system and an EPA-rated 30+ mpg efficiency.
• 2023: Sixth-generation CR-V arrives with a roomier design and upgraded hybrid option (204 hp), earning a place on the 10Best lists for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
• 2025: Honda announces the CR-V e:FCEV, a hydrogen-powered plug-in hybrid set for limited release in California.

From a quirky little compact SUV with a picnic table to cutting-edge hybrid and hydrogen-powered variants, the CR-V has continually evolved while staying true to its core mission: practicality, reliability, and efficiency. 🚗💨
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