HONDA CR-VTiming chain or Belt?

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV (C-segment in Europe) manufactured by the Japanese marque Honda. Its acronym stands for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle” and “Compact Recreational Vehicle“. The CR-V uses the Honda Civic platform, only with an SUV body.

The CR-V model was born in 1995. It had a 2.0-liter 126 hp engine that was only offered in only one trim level. It had independent suspension, monocoque body and front or all-wheel drive. European, Australian and Asian models underwent a redesign in 1999, which added a new front end. The engine was also upgraded to a 147 hp twin-turbocharged unit.

The seventh-generation Honda Civic served as the basis for the second-generation Honda CR-V, which debuted in 2001. It was powered by a K24A1 engine that generated 156 hp. The updated model featured a stronger chassis, better suspension and more cargo space. The CR-V was available in “low-spec” and “high-spec” models outside North America. Car and Driver magazine rated the second-generation CR-V as the Best Small SUV in 2002 and 2003. This prompted China’s Shuanghuan Auto to launch the Shuanghuan SR-V, a blatant plagiarism case that attracted international attention.

The third generation Honda CR-V was introduced in 2006. It no longer had the spare tire installed in the tailgate and featured a liftgate instead of a side-opening door. In addition to a 2.0-liter gasoline/petrol engine based on Honda’s R-series i-VTEC engine, a 2.2-liter diesel engine was available for the European and Asian markets. In 2009, the model had another redesign with improved engines and equipment changes.

The fourth-generation model arrived in 2012. In addition to aesthetic changes, a new real-time all-wheel drive system with an intelligent control system was included.

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V went on sale in 2017, using the tenth-generation Civic as its platform. Outside of North America, a 7-seat version of this vehicle was launched.

The sixth generation of the Honda CR-V was introduced in 2022. It is a more spacious model with more options to travel comfortably in the cabin. It is offered with both a turbocharged gasoline engine and a hybrid version. In some markets, this model has been replaced by the Honda ZR-V.

The CR-V belongs to a segment that is continuously booming and growing by the year, since many brands are launching vehicles with this bodywork. It competes against the Toyota RAV4, Ford Kuga, Renault Kadjar, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 among others. There are 5 generations of this model to date.