Are all first gen CR-V AWD?
The short answer: No. Not every first-generation Honda CR-V was all-wheel drive. The original CR-V lineup offered front-wheel drive as the standard setup, with Honda’s Real Time AWD available as an option on many trims and markets. This means you’ll find both FWD and AWD examples from the 1997–2001 era depending on where the car was sold and which model you’re looking at.
Understanding the first generation
The first-generation CR-V, produced roughly from 1997 through 2001 in the United States, was Honda’s compact SUV built on a Civic-like platform. It came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of drivetrain configurations. While some buyers encountered AWD from the factory, the baseline configuration was typically front-wheel drive, and AWD was offered as an optional feature rather than a standard one.
What Real Time AWD means
Honda’s Real Time AWD is an on-demand system that normally operates with front-wheel drive and automatically engages the rear wheels when traction is lost. It uses a center differential or viscous coupling to send torque to the rear axle as needed, without driver intervention. This setup prioritizes efficiency under normal driving while providing added grip in slick or uneven conditions.
Availability by year and market
To understand how widely AWD was offered, it helps to know that availability varied by year and region. In the United States, many first-generation CR-Vs were sold as FWD with an optional Real Time AWD package on several trims. In other markets, the balance between FWD and AWD could differ. Because the drivetrain was tied to option codes and specific model configurations, not every early CR-V left the factory with AWD.
Below are the core takeaways about how AWD appeared across the first generation:
- Not all first-gen CR-Vs were AWD—the base configuration was typically front-wheel drive (FWD).
- All-wheel drive was available as an option (Real Time AWD) on many US-market trims during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Availability varied by year and market; some regions or trims shipped with FWD only, while others offered AWD as standard or as part of a package.
- The AWD system is on-demand, designed to engage the rear wheels when traction is needed, rather than a full-time, heavy-duty 4WD system.
- To confirm a specific vehicle’s drivetrain, check the option codes or VIN, and look for the presence of a rear differential/driveshaft associated with Real Time AWD.
Conclusion: If you’re shopping for a 1997–2001 CR-V, expect a mix of FWD and AWD configurations. Always verify the drivetrain of the exact vehicle you’re considering.
How to verify AWD on a specific CR-V
Use a practical set of checks to determine whether a given first-generation CR-V is AWD:
- Review the vehicle’s window sticker or owner’s manual for drivetrain options listing AWD or 4WD.
- Inspect the underside for drive components: a rear driveshaft and a rear differential indicate AWD; a pure FWD model will lack these items.
- Check the VIN or build codes with the dealer or a reputable listing to see if AWD was included in the original specification.
- During a test drive on wet or slick pavement, note how the vehicle grips and whether it transfers power to the rear wheels automatically—this behavior is typical of Real Time AWD rather than a conventional fixed 4WD system.
- Ask the seller for the original window sticker or any service history that confirms the AWD option.
Bottom line: Drivetrain verification is essential, since AWD was not universal on the first-generation CR-V.
Summary
The first-generation CR-V encompassed a mix of FWD and AWD models. While Real Time AWD was available on many trims and markets, it was not universal, and buyers needed to verify the exact drivetrain of any given vehicle. For prospective buyers or enthusiasts, understanding the options and how to confirm them helps avoid surprises with older CR-Vs from 1997–2001.
Are all Honda CR-V AWD?
No, not all Honda CR-Vs are all-wheel drive (AWD), but every trim level offers AWD as an available option. The standard configuration for most models is front-wheel drive (FWD), with AWD being an upgrade you can choose.
- Standard configuration: The base model for most Honda CR-V trims is front-wheel drive, which provides better fuel efficiency.
- Optional upgrade: All-wheel drive, known as Real Time AWD™ with Intelligent Control System™, is available on every single trim level, giving you the choice for enhanced traction and control.
Are all 2001 CR-V AWD?
All 4WD models come with a five-speed manual transmission, while the four-speed automatic is optional. A front-wheel-drive model is offered, but it comes only with the automatic transmission. The result of using all of these car components is not surprising: The CR-V looks and feels like a car.
How do I know if my Honda CR-V is AWD?
The 4th-6th digits of the VIN are RD6 for fwd, and RD7 for awd. You can also look under the rear of the car for axles and a differential.
Is first gen CR-V AWD?
The 1997 model was only available with a four-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, but a five-speed manual all-wheel drive and four-speed automatic front-wheel drive was introduced in 1998.
