Fourth generation of the Japanese brand's first SUV was successful in Brazil thanks to the flex engine and interior space
The CR-V was the first SUV developed by Honda. And it can be said that one of the first to be considered a crossover. Much thanks to the fact that it keeps the versions with all-wheel drive.
As a result, the Honda CR-V has always kept a wheel in light off-road for much of its history. But offering an obvious comfort for use on asphalt and city jams.
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So much so that CR-V is an acronym for Confortable Runabout Vehicle. In free translation, “comfortable vehicle for daily use”.
We selected the fourth-generation Honda CR-V 2013, the first to have a flex engine in Brazil, in addition to having the top-of-the-line EXL version with all-wheel drive. See 10 facts about the SUV.
The first CR-V was launched by Honda in the United States in 1995. The medium SUV arrived in Brazil in 2000 with a 2.0 16V engine with 147 hp.
Two years later, the Japanese brand started importing the second generation of the crossover, this time with a 2.4 16V engine with 156 hp. In 2005, however, the Honda CR-V returned to using the 2.0.
The third era of the SUV debuted here in 2007, initially imported from Japan. Later, the CR-V was brought from Mexico with an all-wheel drive version.
In 2012, the fourth generation appeared, which we will deal with in this content. And, in 2013, the 2.0 16V engine of the Honda CR-V became flex and the car was only offered in automatic configurations.
Then, the CR-V gained new generations. It is currently in the sixth phase and in the Brazilian market it is traded only with a hybrid set and prices of R$ 350 thousand…
A curious fact is that the CR-V was already the best-selling medium SUV in the country at the end of the 2000s. Precisely because of the change of “origin”.
Until 2008 the model came from Japan. When it started to be brought from Mexico, it started to have a better cost-benefit ratio than most rivals, especially the Toyota RAV4.
From 2013 onwards, this generation of the Honda CR-V began to use a flex engine. With this, the well-known 2.0 16V generates 155 hp with ethanol and 150 hp with gasoline, in addition to 19,5/19,3 kgfm of torque.
The performance of the CR-V is typical of Honda models. Accelerations are gradual and with smooth changes cadenced by the five-speed automatic transmission.
In other words, don’t expect any breath of sportiness. The 0 to 100 km/h is around 12 seconds. Resumptions from 60 to 100 km/h require about 7 seconds.
The 2013 Honda CR-V offers all-wheel drive in the EXL version. The system is the one on demand for viscous drive, without differential lock or more robust features.
Obviously, the SUV was not made for trails. But with AWD it allows the driver limited adventures on slightly rougher roads, stretches of dirt and even that innocent mud.
With more than 1.5 tons, flex engine and all-wheel drive, there are no miracles. The CR-V drinks well.
According to Inmetro tests for the PBEV, the CR-V 4WD 2013 obtained average consumption with ethanol of 6.4 km/l in the city and 8.1 km/l on the highway. With gasoline, 9.2 km/l and 11.5 km/l, respectively.
A detail is that this generation of the Honda CR-V is equipped with the Econ function, activated by a green button on the dashboard. It relieves engine responses and makes a more rational management of the air conditioning.
In addition, it indicates when driving is more or less efficient by changing colors around the speedometer on the instrument panel.
The SUV has a commendable level of construction and good body rigidity. This is evident in corners and at higher speeds. Not to mention that all-wheel drive always corroborates with stability.
Honda and comfort are words that are difficult to distance themselves. The CR-V 2013 offers that pleasant ride, with smooth steering, dignified sound insulation, little vibration and soft suspension, but which filters holes well.
In the front, driver and passenger enjoy comfortable seats and good legroom. The rear seat takes two adults and a child. Negative point for the American-style pedal parking brake.
The trunk, in turn, makes the party of the family or those people who live with a crowded car. There are 589 liters of volume and the compartment is deep and wide, suitable for luggage of different sizes.
We recommend the Honda CR-V 2013 in the EXL version with all-wheel drive. At KBB Brasil, the SUV has a Dealer Price of R$ 85.131 (April/2026).
In safety, there are six airbags, stability, traction and climb controls and a reversing camera.
In comfort, multimedia with touch screen and integrated GPS, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, electric power steering, leather upholstery, electric trio with one-touch windows, steering wheel height and depth adjustments, driver’s seat with height adjustment, folding and split rear backrest, switchblade key and electric sunroof.
See the prices of parts for the Honda CR-V 2013 flex and AWD:
In the discussion forums of CR-V owners of this phase and on the Reclame Aqui website, the most common complaints refer to the early wear of the front tray bushings and brake pads.
There are also reports about valve clearances. In addition, it is essential to verify that the former owners made the correct changes and within the deadlines of the differential and automatic transmission fluids.
