Honda
CR-V
Honda
Crosstour
Honda CR-V vs Honda Crosstour: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
The Honda CR-V offers fuel economy, while the Honda Crosstour excels at power instead. Choose the Honda CR-V if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Honda Crosstour if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
CR-V
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment, particularly for the latest hybrid models (2023-2026). The vehicle is consistently praised for its exceptional practicality, spacious and high-quality interior, quiet and smooth ride quality, and refined hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system is noted for being seamless, powerful enough for daily driving, and more reliable in perception than the 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine due to its simpler eCVT design and lack of components like a serpentine belt.
Best version to buy
CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring. This top trim is repeatedly highlighted for its premium Bose sound system, additional sound dampening for a quieter cabin, comprehensive feature set, and the superior hybrid powertrain.
Known issues
- ⚠Narrow front seats with pronounced bolsters causing initial discomfort (breaks in over time). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Hybrid powertrain noise and struggle on steep highway inclines, with significant engine revving and reduced fuel economy. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine issues in older models (pre-2023), including oil dilution and head gasket failures. Frequency: recurrent (for specific model years).
Crosstour
Overall
Sentiment is predominantly positive among long-term owners, who frequently describe the vehicle as a practical, reliable, and surprisingly enjoyable "unicorn" or "perfect car" that was ahead of its time. It is praised for its versatile cargo space (capable of fitting full sheets of plywood), comfortable ride, robust V6 engine power, and the availability of AWD. Owner satisfaction is often tied to securing a well-maintained example, as the vehicle is noted to be increasingly hard to find in good condition.
Best version to buy
2013-2015 EX-L V6 AWD (Facelift Models). The facelifted models (2013-2015) are specifically sought after.
Known issues
- ⚠VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) System Problems: Causes excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, oil leaks from the VCM actuator solenoid onto the alternator (leading to alternator/battery failure), and excessive vibration that we…
- ⚠Oil Consumption: Significant oil usage, particularly in earlier V6 models (e.g., 2010), often linked directly to the VCM system. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Intermittent No-Start Condition: Push-button start models may fail to crank, displaying a "starter system fault" light, often related to electrical gremlins or a failing brake switch. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Honda CR-V is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Honda Crosstour, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Honda Crosstour is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda CR-V or the Honda Crosstour?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda CR-V and the Honda Crosstour. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda CR-V or the Honda Crosstour?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Honda CR-V is classed as a SUV, the Honda Crosstour as a Coupe, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda CR-V or the Honda Crosstour?
The Honda CR-V is more fuel-efficient on paper: 5.3 L/100km combined versus 9.3 L/100km for the Honda Crosstour, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda CR-V or the Honda Crosstour?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.