2012 Honda CR-V: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Honda CR-V was fully redesigned, marking the start of its fourth generation. The overhaul brought new styling, a revised engine and AWD system, and more standard technology.
About the 2012 Honda CR-V
4th generation, first year (2012-2016).
Honda marketed the 2012 CR-V as a right-sized compact SUV for everyday family use: easy to drive and park, roomy for five people, flexible for cargo, and efficient for daily commuting. The brand’s message centered on a smooth, quiet, car-like driving feel and smart interior packaging rather than rugged styling or big power. For most shoppers, the CR-V’s appeal was its balance of comfort, utility, fuel economy, and easy-to-use features.
The LX is the straightforward version, but it still has Bluetooth, a color information display, a multi-angle rearview camera, and an easy-folding rear seat. The EX adds a moonroof and alloy wheels, while the comfort-focused EX-L has leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control.
What changed, by category
2012 Honda CR-V specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, i-VTEC, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185 hp | 185 hp | 185 hp |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 70.9 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.3 in | 38.3 in | 38.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Honda CR-V fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2012 CR-V is the first model year of the fourth generation, with a redesigned body and cabin, a revised engine, a new AWD system, and upgraded standard technology.
How is the 2012 Honda CR-V different from the 2011 model?
The 2012 CR-V has new exterior and interior styling, 185 horsepower instead of 180, improved fuel economy, a new Real Time AWD system, and more standard equipment. Bluetooth, a color information display, and a multi-angle rearview camera are standard across the 2012 lineup.
Did the 2012 Honda CR-V get better fuel economy?
Yes. Its EPA ratings increase from 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for 2011 to 23 city and 31 highway for 2012, while engine output rises from 180 to 185 horsepower.
What technology became standard on the 2012 Honda CR-V?
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a color information display, and a multi-angle rearview camera became standard on every 2012 CR-V trim. The redesigned model also has standard one-motion rear-seat folding.
Which trims does the 2012 Honda CR-V have?
The 2012 CR-V lineup consists of LX, EX, and EX-L trims; the previous SE trim was dropped. LX covers the essentials, EX adds features such as a moonroof and alloy wheels, and EX-L adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and other comfort equipment.