What year did the CR-V get bigger?
The CR-V first grew in size in the 2002 model year.
Since its debut in 1997, Honda has progressively increased the compact SUV's exterior dimensions to offer more interior room, cargo space and comfort. The big changes happened with successive redesigns in 2002, 2012, 2017 and 2023, each expanding the footprint compared with the previous generation.
Generational size milestones
The following milestones highlight the generations where the CR-V expanded its exterior dimensions compared with the prior version.
Second generation (2002–2006): First major size increase
Compared with the original CR-V (1997–2001), the 2002 redesign offered a longer wheelbase and more interior space, marking the model's first notable growth in size.
Fourth generation (2012–2016): Bigger and more spacious
The 2012 redesign increased overall length and interior volume, improving cargo capacity and rear legroom.
Fifth generation (2017–2022): Significantly larger footprint
With the 2017 refresh, the CR-V grew again in length and wheelbase, delivering more cabin space and a roomier rear area.
Sixth generation (2023–present): Continued size and packaging improvements
The current generation maintains the larger footprint while updating the platform for efficiency and modern styling, continuing the trend of a bigger CR-V.
These changes reflect Honda's emphasis on interior space and practicality in the competitive compact-SUV segment.
Summary
In short, the Honda CR-V began its growth with the 2002 model year, followed by further increases in 2012, 2017 and 2023 as each new generation arrived, yielding a larger overall package than earlier versions.
