Honda Celebrates 30th Anniversary of CR-V – Cumulative global unit sales exceeds the 15-million-unit mark –

TOKYO, Japan, October 9, 2025 – Honda today marked the 30th anniversary of the Honda CR-V, a global SUV model that debuted with the market launch of the first-generation model in 1995. CR-V sales started in Japan but quickly expanded worldwide, now sold in approximately 150 countries with cumulative global sales exceeding 15 million units^*1.

CR-V 30th Anniversary logo

CR-V 30th Anniversary special website: https://global.honda/en/CR-V30th/

The CR-V, which originally stood for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” was developed as an innovative SUV model under the concept of the “Creative Mover^*2” series, which aimed to support people in creating more fun and enjoyable lifestyles. It pioneered a new genre of “urban SUV” that offered excellent comfort and runabout capability. In the 30 years since its initial launch in Japan in 1995, the CR-V has gained and maintained popularity worldwide.

While expanding sales into more markets, CR-V continued to advance in line with customer needs in each era. In July 2024, the CR-V e:FCEV was launched^*3 as the first fuel cell vehicle with plug-in charging capability by a Japanese automaker^*4. In August 2025, cumulative global unit sales of CR-V reached 15 million. Based on total unit sales over the past ten years (2015–2024), the CR-V is the best-selling Honda automobile model, establishing itself as an important part of the Honda SUV lineup.

In 2022, Honda launched the sixth-generation CR-V model lineup. The CR-V e:HEV, a hybrid variant featuring a comfortable cabin and dynamic driving with the Honda two-motor hybrid system, has been well received around the world, mainly in North America and China, and is scheduled to be launched in Japan in the near future. Prior to its Japan launch, the CR-V e:HEV Prototype will be exhibited at the Honda booth during the Japan Mobility Show (Press days: Oct. 29–30, Public days: Oct. 31–Nov. 9, 2025).

Including CR-V models, Honda will continue to offer a lineup with a wide variety of mobility products and services that contribute to making life more enjoyable for more customers worldwide.

＜History of Honda CR-V＞

■ First generation (1995)

The first-generation Honda CR-V was introduced in Japan in 1995 as the second model of the “Honda Creative Mover” series, featuring both passenger car-like drivability and a spacious cabin. Equipped with distinctive features such as a built-in folding table that doubled as the rigid cargo floor underneath the carpeted mat, the first-generation CR-V established a new vehicle genre of “urban SUV.” Sales started in the U.S. in 1997 and expanded to Europe and Asia, becoming the starting point of Honda’s global SUV lineup.

First-generation Honda CR-V

■ Second generation (2001)

The second-generation Honda CR-V featured new packaging that further increased cabin size and usability. In addition to Japan, North America, and Europe, CR-V sales started in China, expanding its position as a global Honda SUV model.

Second-generation Honda CR-V

■ Third generation (2006)

The third-generation Honda CR-V featured a completely revamped styling design—from a boxy look to a more advanced and sophisticated urban SUV form. The 2.4L i-VTEC engine and newly developed suspensions enhanced driving performance, quietness, and occupant comfort.

Third-generation Honda CR-V

■ Fourth generation (2011)

The fourth-generation Honda CR-V achieved significant improvements in usability through a sleek, highly efficient aerodynamic body, excellent fuel economy, and a larger cabin and cargo space. In 2011, cumulative global CR-V sales reached the 5 million-unit milestone^*1.

Fourth-generation Honda CR-V

■ Fifth generation (2016)

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V introduced a hybrid variant for the first time, equipped with the Honda two-motor hybrid system, SPORT HYBRID i-MMD. It marked a new chapter as an environmentally responsible SUV model. In Japan, Honda SENSING became standard on all CR-V grades, enhancing safety for customer peace of mind. In 2018, cumulative global sales reached the 10 million-unit milestone^*1.

Fifth-generation Honda CR-V

■ Sixth generation (2022)

The sixth-generation Honda CR-V has been well received by customers worldwide—especially in North America and China—thanks to its dynamic yet sophisticated design, enlarged cabin space, and powerful performance of the Honda e:HEV two-motor hybrid system for hybrid variants.

Sixth-generation Honda CR-V (North American version)

■ Honda CR-V e:FCEV (2024)

Honda became the first^*3 Japanese automaker to introduce^*4 a fuel cell vehicle with plug-in charging capability. Developed based on the sixth-generation CR-V that is popular in North America, China, and other markets, the CR-V e:FCEV meets diverse customer needs with its SUV-specific utility and packaging.

CR-V e:FCEV

*1 Based on Honda internal research.

*2 Creative Mover: A series of automobile models developed by Honda with a new approach aimed at supporting people in creating more fun and enjoyable lifestyles. The first model of the series was the first-generation Odyssey launched in 1994.

*3 Through lease sales.

*4 As of July 2024, based on Honda internal research.