What is the best year for a Honda CR-V?

The 2022 CR-V is the strongest used buy. It sits at the mature end of the fifth generation — after Honda resolved the early oil dilution complaints that plagued 2017–2019 models — with just 216 complaints and only 8 severe issues on record. The 2020–2022 range is generally clean. Strongly avoid the 2017–2018 model years; they generated over 1,700 and 2,000 complaints respectively, driven by a well-documented 1.5T engine oil dilution problem.

How much does Honda CR-V insurance cost?

The CR-V averages about $1,951/year to insure — roughly $163/month. That's among the lower rates in the compact SUV class, reflecting its strong safety scores and moderate repair costs. Actual rates vary by trim, model year, and driver profile, but the CR-V is consistently a favorable quote for buyers prioritizing low total cost of ownership.

Is the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 cheaper to maintain?

The CR-V and RAV4 are nearly identical in maintenance cost — $407/year versus $429/year — a difference of about $22 annually. Over five years that's roughly $110, which is negligible. The CR-V holds a slight reliability edge (9 vs. 8) and a lower major repair probability (9% vs. 10%), but both are among the most cost-efficient compact SUVs you can buy.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Honda CR-V?

For most buyers, no. The CR-V's 9% major repair probability is below the compact class average, and its 9/10 reliability score means you're statistically unlikely to need expensive unscheduled repairs. The exception: if you're buying a used 2017–2019 model, coverage is worth taking seriously given the documented engine issues from that generation. For 2020 and newer, self-insuring is the smarter financial move.

Is the Jeep Wrangler expensive to maintain?

The Jeep Wrangler averages $694 a year in maintenance. That is $173 above the compact segment average of $521. Owners bring it in for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.25 times per year, below the compact segment at 0.3. Its reliability score is 7.0/10. Verdict: costlier than the segment, budget accordingly.

What is the best year for a Jeep Wrangler?

The weakest years by those same measures are 2018 and 2021 — worth closer inspection before buying, not an automatic pass. Verdict: no standout year — any of the stronger years is a reasonable buy.

How much does Jeep Wrangler insurance cost?

Full-coverage insurance for the Jeep Wrangler averages $1,984 a year, about $165 a month (industry average). That is less than the compact segment average of $2,056. Actual rates vary by trim, location, and driving record — compare quotes before buying.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Jeep Wrangler?

The chance of a major repair in a given year is 16%, so roughly 84 in 100 owners will not face one — above the compact segment norm of 11%. Reliability sits at 7.0/10. Verdict: optional — worth it only if you want predictable costs.

Honda CR-V vs Jeep Wrangler

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Honda CR-V — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the Jeep Wrangler if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Honda CR-V	Jeep Wrangler
Annual repairs	$407winner	$694
5-year repair cost	$2,035winner	$3,470
Scheduled service (to 150k mi)	$9,882winner	$21,803
Reliability score	9 / 10winner	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	9%winner	16%
Cargo space	76.5 cu ftwinner	72.4 cu ft
Starting price (new)	$33,500winner	$35,600

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Honda CR-V	Jeep Wrangler
RepairPal score	9 / 10winner	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	191.2winner	327.2
Strongest years	2010, 2011, 2012	2011, 2015, 2016
Weakest years	2016, 2017, 2018	2018, 2021, 2023
Value retained · 3 yr	86.7%winner	75.1%
Value retained · 5 yr	71.1%winner	68%
Value retained · 7 yr	58%winner	56.7%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Honda CR-V	Jeep Wrangler
Engine	22.9%winner	23.5%
Electrical	8.6%winner	11.4%
ADAS	16.8%	4.7%winner
Brakes	4.0%winner	5.8%
Suspension	—winner	2.7%
Steering	12.1%winner	27.2%
Fuel system	8.0%	5.1%winner
Tires/Wheels	2.0%	—winner
Glass/Windows	3.4%	1.8%winner
Airbags	8.0%winner	8.2%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Honda CR-V	Jeep Wrangler
Avg annual premium	$1,951winner	$1,984

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Honda CR-V

$407/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Jeep Wrangler

$694/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The CR-V averages $407/year in maintenance costs — $114 below the compact segment average of $521. Its 9/10 reliability score and 9% major repair probability are both better than the class averages of 8 and 11% respectively. Repair frequency of 30% matches the segment average, but the combination of low cost per visit and a below-average major-repair risk makes it the strongest long-term ownership value in the compact class.

How we calculated this. Repair costs, reliability scores, and maintenance schedules from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA and fuel prices from the EIA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →