Does the Honda CR-V have a turbo?

Yes. In the United States, the gasoline CR-V trims use a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, while the CR-V Hybrid relies on a non-turbo 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with electric motors.

This article explains which CR-V versions use the turbo, how the hybrid powertrain differs, and how to tell which version you’re looking at when shopping or researching.

Turbocharged gas CR-V engines

Here’s what you should know about the turbocharged gas version and how it powers different trims.

• The gas CR-V lineup (LX, EX, EX-L, Touring) uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine.


• Output is typically around 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque when paired with the continuously variable transmission (CVT).


• Transmission is a CVT, designed to optimize low-end response and fuel efficiency with the turbocharged setup.


• Drivetrain options include front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the trim and market.

In short, if you buy a gas-powered CR-V in the current lineup, you’re almost certainly getting the turbocharged 1.5L engine (with CVT), not the hybrid powertrain.

Honda CR-V Hybrid: no turbo

The CR-V Hybrid uses a different approach altogether, combining a non-turbo engine with electric motors to deliver power and efficiency.

• Engine: 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors as part of Honda’s hybrid system.


• Total system horsepower is around 204 hp, produced through the combination of engine and electric motors.


• Transmission: electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that seamlessly blends gas and electric propulsion.


• Turbocharger: not present in the hybrid powertrain; there is no turbocharging in the CR-V Hybrid.

In short, the CR-V Hybrid offers a turbo-free powertrain focused on efficiency, contrasting with the turbocharged gas models that prioritize performance.

How to tell if your CR-V has a turbo

Use these quick checks to identify whether a CR-V has the turbo engine, especially when evaluating used models or showroom stock.

• Engine badge or window sticker: look for “1.5L VTEC Turbo” on the engine cover or in the specifications on the window sticker.


• Horsepower rating: gas models with about 190 hp (versus hybrid’s ~204 hp combined) typically indicate the turbo engine.


• Badges and labeling: turbo versions may carry specific exterior badges or trim naming that highlight the turbocharged engine.


• Hybrid indicators: CR-V Hybrid will be clearly labeled as “Hybrid” or “e:HEV” and won’t display turbo-specific terminology.

Understanding these cues can help you quickly distinguish turbo gas versions from the hybrid when shopping or inspecting a vehicle.

Summary

The Honda CR-V’s turbo presence depends on the powertrain. Gas-only trims use a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a CVT and options for FWD or AWD, delivering about 190 hp. The CR-V Hybrid uses a non-turbo 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors, producing around 204 hp combined, and it relies on an e-CVT. If you want turbocharged performance, look at the gas models; if you prioritize efficiency and hybrid technology, the CR-V Hybrid is the way to go.

Which Hondas have a turbo?

Several current and recent Honda models feature turbocharged engines, including many trims of the Civic (1.5L and 2.0L in the Type R), the Accord (1.5L), and the CR-V (1.5L). Additionally, high-performance versions like the Civic Si (1.5L) and Acura models (which are part of the Honda group, like the TLX and MDX Type S with a 3.0L V6 turbo) also use turbocharging.
 

• Honda Civic: Many models use a 1.5L turbocharged engine, but the high-performance Civic Type R uses a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine. The Civic Si model also features a 1.5L turbo engine, tuned for sport performance. 
• Honda Accord: The Accord is available with a 1.5L turbocharged engine and a hybrid option. 
• Honda CR-V: The CR-V offers a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine for its gas-powered models. 
• Acura Models: High-performance Acura vehicles, like the TLX Type S and MDX Type S, use a powerful 3.0L V6 turbo engine. 

Which Honda CR-V has turbo?

1.5L turbocharged engine standard on LX, EX, and EX-L.

Are Honda CRV turbos reliable?

The Honda CR-V turbo is generally considered reliable, earning high ratings from sources like J.D. Power and RepairPal, with many models lasting between 250,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, some potential issues have been noted, including oil dilution problems, particularly with many city-based short trips, and some owners report engine and forward collision avoidance system problems.
 
What makes the CR-V turbo reliable?

• High reliability ratings: The CR-V consistently receives high scores from organizations like J.D. Power and RepairPal. 
• Longevity: With proper maintenance, CR-Vs are known to last for 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more. 
• Strong build quality: Honda's commitment to quality engineering contributes to the CR-V's durability. 
• Lower-than-average repair costs: The CR-V generally has reasonable repair costs and good resale value, making it a cost-effective choice over the long term. 

Potential issues and considerations

• Oil dilution: Some owners report that the 1.5L turbo engine can experience oil dilution, especially with frequent short trips in cold weather. 
• Specific model year issues: Some online forums and consumer reports have mentioned issues with specific components, such as the forward collision avoidance system, steering, and visibility/wiper problems for the 2025 model. 
• Maintenance: Turbo engines may require more frequent or careful maintenance, such as for spark plugs and ignition coils. 

This video discusses potential problems with the Honda CR-V turbo engine: 59sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · May 8, 2025
What you can do

• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual to help ensure long-term reliability.
• Consider your driving habits. If you primarily drive short, city-based trips, be extra diligent with your oil changes to mitigate potential oil dilution issues. 
• Be aware of the potential issues mentioned in the 2025 model year, such as steering, collision avoidance, and visibility problems, especially when considering a new purchase. 

This video provides an overview of the Honda CR-V turbo engine: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Apr 15, 2025

What year did Honda put turbo in CR-V?

2017
Fifth-Generation CR-V: 2017 – 2022
The fifth-generation Honda CR-V, launched with bold new styling, brought significant improvements and new features to the popular crossover. One notable addition to the CR-V was its first-ever available turbocharged engine, offered on EX and higher trims.