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Is 5W-20 good for Honda CR-V?

For most Honda CR-V models sold in recent years, 0W-20 synthetic oil is the recommended grade. 5W-20 is not the primary choice and should only be used if your owner's manual explicitly allows it or if 0W-20 is unavailable. Always consult your specific model-year manual to confirm the exact requirement.

Honda’s official guidance in brief

Honda standardizes oil viscosity by model year and engine, and the CR-V is no exception. Across the latest generations, the manual typically specifies 0W-20 as the primary oil grade for optimal lubrication, fuel efficiency, and cold-start performance. Some manuals note that 5W-20 may be listed as a limited, temporary substitute only when 0W-20 cannot be obtained, after which you should revert to 0W-20 at the next possible service interval. Other oil grades—such as heavier viscosities—are generally not recommended unless explicitly approved by Honda for your engine and climate.

0W-20 is the primary recommended grade for most current CR-V engines and model years.

5W-20 may be listed as an acceptable substitute in certain regions or under certain circumstances, per the owner's manual. Treat this as a temporary option, not a long-term replacement.

Heavier viscosities (for example, 5W-30 or higher) are not typically approved for modern CR-V engines unless Honda explicitly states they are acceptable for your specific engine and climate.

In practice, the safest approach is to follow the manual’s guidance closely and choose 0W-20 unless the manual specifically permits 5W-20 as an alternative. When in doubt, contact a Honda dealer or a qualified mechanic for guidance tailored to your exact model and region.

When 5W-20 might appear as an option

There are scenarios where a manual could mention 5W-20 as an allowed option. Typically, these circumstances involve issues like temporary unavailability of 0W-20 or regional variations in recommended oils. In such cases, the manual will explicitly state that 5W-20 can be used temporarily and should be replaced with 0W-20 at the next opportunity.

Key considerations if you encounter 5W-20 in the manual

Use 5W-20 only if the manual explicitly allows it for your year and engine.

Do not treat 5W-20 as the standard or long-term solution; revert to 0W-20 at the next service when possible.

Ensure the oil you buy meets the appropriate specifications (for example, API and ILSAC standards) in addition to the viscosity grade.

Ultimately, the model-year-specific guidance is decisive. An allowance in one year’s manual does not automatically apply to another year’s CR-V.

Choosing the right oil for today’s CR-V

Here are practical steps to ensure you’re using the correct oil for your CR-V today, with an emphasis on current-generation models.

Check the owner’s manual or the maintenance minder information for the exact viscosity grade and specifications recommended for your engine.

Look for 0W-20, typically a synthetic or synthetic-blend oil that meets ILSAC GF-6 or equivalent standards, as the standard for most CR-Vs in recent years.

If you can’t access the manual, contact a Honda dealer or a trusted service center with your VIN to confirm the correct oil grade.

Choose an oil that meets the required standards (API SP or newer, ILSAC GF-6 or newer) and the correct viscosity (0W-20 or as specified).

Use a reputable brand of motor oil and a new filter during an oil change to maintain lubrication quality and engine cleanliness.

In short, for today’s CR-Vs, 0W-20 is the standard; ensure any deviation is explicitly allowed by your manual and is performed with a plan to revert to 0W-20 at the earliest opportunity.

What to do if you’ve already used 5W-20

If you previously used 5W-20 because it was what you had on hand or because the manual allowed it in your region, here are practical steps to minimize any potential impact and return to the recommended spec.

Schedule an oil change with 0W-20 at the next available service interval.

Monitor engine performance and listen for any unusual noises or rough running after the switch back to 0W-20; contact a technician if you notice changes.

Keep the vehicle records noting the temporary use of 5W-20, and ensure future oil changes adhere to the manual’s guidance.

If you’re under warranty, confirm with the dealer whether the temporary use of 5W-20 affects coverage; most cases tolerate a one-time deviation if addressed promptly and oil changes are kept on schedule.

While a single temporary use of 5W-20 is unlikely to cause long-term damage, sticking with the recommended grade going forward helps maintain optimal lubrication, fuel economy, and engine longevity.

Summary

For most Honda CR-V models available today, 0W-20 is the recommended oil viscosity and should be your default choice. 5W-20 is not the preferred grade and should only be used if the owner’s manual explicitly allows it or if 0W-20 is unavailable, with the understanding that you should revert to 0W-20 at the next opportunity. Always verify the exact specification for your specific model year and engine, and rely on official manuals or a Honda dealer for confirmation. By following the recommended oil grade and standards, you help ensure consistent performance, fuel efficiency, and engine protection across the life of your CR-V.

Can I use 5W20 instead of 0W20 Honda?

So, can I use 5W20 instead of 0W20? Yes, you probably can, especially in warm climates or when driving older Honda models. But for most modern Hondas, 0W20 is the best choice. Honda recommends it for better fuel efficiency, smoother cold starts, and better protection for newer engines.

What oil does Honda recommend for CR-V?

What is the best oil for the Honda CR-V? The experts agree that the only types of oil suitable for the Honda CR-V engine are synthetic 0W-20 and 0W-30 grades.

Is 5W20 better than 0W20 in hot weather?

For hot weather, 5W-20 is generally a safer bet than 0W-20, especially for engines with higher mileage or those that experience sustained high-heat conditions. While both oils have the same viscosity at operating temperature, 5W-20 has slightly higher viscosity when cold, which can be beneficial in high-mileage engines. In extreme heat, 0W-20 can lose more film strength, leading to increased wear, while 5W-20 may offer better protection due to its slightly higher viscosity in a hot climate.
0W-20 vs. 5W-20 in hot weather

Feature	0W-20	5W-20
Hot Weather Performance	Can lose more film strength in extreme heat, potentially leading to increased wear.	Offers better protection in high-heat conditions due to slightly higher viscosity.
High-Mileage Engines	Not ideal, especially with expanded bearing clearances. The higher viscosity of 5W-20 is better for oil pressure maintenance.	Benefits from slightly higher viscosity for better oil pressure maintenance.
Cold Weather Performance	Flows more easily at very low temperatures, providing better cold-start lubrication.	Flows slightly slower than 0W-20 at very low temperatures.
General Recommendation	Best for cold climates where the primary concern is cold-start protection.	Suitable for warm climates and year-round use, especially in high-mileage engines.

For a modern engine in a hot climate: Either is likely fine, but 5W-20 is a slightly safer choice if you frequently encounter high heat or have concerns about long-term engine health, say users on Reddit.
For an older or high-mileage engine: It is best to use 5W-20 to ensure proper oil pressure and reduce wear, according to heavyvehicleinspection.com.
For extreme temperatures: If you drive in both extreme cold and extreme heat, consider using a heavier weight oil like 5W-30 (if the manufacturer recommends it) for added protection during the hottest months, say users on Reddit and YouTube.
Always check your owner's manual: The manufacturer's recommendation is the most important factor in choosing the right oil for your engine, say users on Reddit and Quora.

Is the Honda CR-V 0W20 or 5W20?

Information

Accord	2003-2010 L4 & V6: 5W-20 (S/UFS), topped off with 0W-20 (UFS) 2011-2020 L4 & V6: 0W-20 (UFS) 2005-2007 Hybrid: 5W-20 (S/UFS) 2014-2020 Hybrid or Plug-in: 0W-20 (UFS)
Crosstour	2010-2015: 0W-20 (UFS)
CR-V	2003-2009: 5W-20 (S/UFS), topped off with 0W-20 (UFS) 2010-2020: 0W-20 (UFS)
CR-Z	2011-2016: 0W-20 (UFS)

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.