carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $17,280–$20,247 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2012 Honda CR-V at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.1/10, while Performance at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $17,280–$20,247, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Honda CR-V sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 7.2/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2012 Honda CR-V is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2012 Honda CR-V ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $17,280 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 52%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the CR-V model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.2/10 | $32,043 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.2/10 | $32,043 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $31,110 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $30,176 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $29,243 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $28,310 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $27,376 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.8/10 | $26,443 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.9/10 | $25,510 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.8/10 | $24,576 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.7/10 | $23,643 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.7/10 | $22,710 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Equipment / Other / Labels 16/10/2012 · 12V501000 | Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 CR-V, equipped with the LX trim level and manufactured from August 30, 2012, to August 31, 2012. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification." The incorrect values for… |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission 15/04/2013 · 13V143000 | Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park… |
| Latches/locks/linkages / Doors / Latch 19/07/2012 · 12V338000 | Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda CR-V and model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles. If the manual or power door lock is activated while an interior front door handle is being operated by an occupant, the cable connecting the interior door handle… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
