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.

Honda CR-V vs Toyota Highlander

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 Toyota Highlander if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Honda CR-V	Toyota Highlander
Annual maintenance	$407winner	$489
5-year total cost	$2,035winner	$2,445
Reliability score	9 / 10winner	8 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	9%winner	13%
Cargo space	76.5 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$33,500winner	$45,870
Best years to buy	2013, 2014, 2015	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Honda CR-V	Toyota Highlander
RepairPal score	9 / 10winner	8 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	186	0winner
Years to avoid	2017, 2018, 2019	None identified
Value retained · 3 yr	86.7%winner	83.6%
Value retained · 5 yr	71.1%winner	63.7%
Value retained · 7 yr	58%winner	51.5%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Honda CR-V	Toyota Highlander
Engine	19.3%	—winner
Electrical	8.7%	—winner
ADAS	16.6%	—winner
Brakes	4.0%	—winner
Steering	11.6%	—winner
Fuel system	8.1%	—winner
Tires/Wheels	2.0%	—winner
Glass/Windows	3.4%	—winner
Airbags	8.1%	—winner
Seatbelt	1.0%	—winner

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	Toyota Highlander
Avg annual premium	$1,951winner	$2,401

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Honda CR-V

$407/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Toyota Highlander

$489/yr maint · 8 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. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →