The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1996.
It was loosely derived from the Honda Civic to satisfy a public demand for a sport-utility vehicle from Honda.
There are discrepancies as to what "CR-V" stands for, with Honda sources in different markets citing different meanings.
Though Honda sales literature in UK reportedly makes references to
Compact Recreational Vehicle, other Honda references (including the official Honda Japan CR-V Fact Book and Honda Worldwide cite "Comfortable Runabout Vehicle".
It is available in both all-wheel drive
and front-wheel drive, although in many markets such as the United Kingdom, only all-wheel drive is offered due to lack of demand for lower specification vehicles and higher consumer expectations.
The CR-V is Honda's smallest SUV other than the related Element sold in the United States and Canada, and the HR-V sold in Europe.
In size, the CR-V slots between the Element and Pilot.