Does the Honda CRV have daytime running lights?
Yes. On most modern Honda CR-V models, daytime running lights are standard and active during daylight hours. The exact appearance and availability vary by year, trim, and market.
Daytime running lights, or DRLs, are designed to boost daytime visibility. In the CR-V lineup, DRLs are typically separate from the main headlights and are on whenever the engine is running, though the hardware (LED vs. halogen) and whether they are always on can depend on the specific model year and trim level. Regulations in some regions, such as Europe and Canada, have helped push DRLs to standard status in many CR-V variants, while the United States has encouraged DRLs but not universally mandated them by law.
DRLs by generation and market
The following snapshot outlines how DRLs have appeared across recent CR-V generations and in key markets. Exact configurations can vary by year and trim.
- Current-generation CR-V (2023–present in most markets): DRLs are standard on all trims, usually as LED daytime running lights integrated into the headlight unit or along the outer edge of the lamp.
- Fifth generation (2017–2022): DRLs are generally standard across trims; higher trims often pair LED headlights with LED DRLs, while some lower trims may use halogen lows with DRL accents.
- Earlier generations (pre-2017): DRLs were not universally standard; some markets offered DRLs as an option or included them only on certain trims; others relied on conventional headlights with no dedicated DRLs.
- Regional variations: In Europe and Canada, DRLs are typically standard due to regulation, and CR-V models frequently use LED DRLs as part of the headlights’ design.
In short, if you’re buying or renting a recent CR-V, you should expect daytime running lights as part of the lighting package, with the hardware and exact look varying by year and trim. If you’re evaluating a used model, verify the DRL configuration for that specific vehicle.
How to verify on your specific vehicle
To confirm whether a particular CR-V has DRLs and how they behave, use these quick checks.
- Inspect the headlight cluster: LED DRLs typically appear as a separate daytime light strip or light ring that stays on during daylight hours when the engine is running and the headlights are off.
- Turn the ignition to the run position with the headlight switch in “Off” or “Auto”: DRLs should illuminate even if the main headlights are not switched on.
- Consult the owner's manual or window sticker: Look for a DRL entry under lighting or safety features to identify the type (LED vs. halogen) and how they operate.
These checks will help you determine whether DRLs are present on your CR-V and what to expect in daily use.
Summary
Across recent Honda CR-V generations, daytime running lights are common and often standard, designed to enhance daytime visibility. The precise hardware—LED DRLs, their brightness, and whether they operate automatically with the engine—depends on the model year, trim, and market. If you are shopping or buying used, verify the DRL configuration for the exact vehicle to understand how they’ll perform in everyday driving.
