Honda CR-V Ground Clearance

Your ground clearance in a modern CR-V depends on your drivetrain, but what about if you have an older CR-V? Click here to learn more.
Written by Cassandra Hamilton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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The ground clearance for the 2022 Honda CR-V varies between drivetrain options. If you opt for the standard two-wheel drive, your ground clearance is 7.8 inches. If you choose all-wheel drive, the ground clearance moves up to 8.2 inches.
The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular crossovers of all time. When you’re deciding between SUVs, you’re probably weighing options like fuel efficiency and cargo space, but have you ever stopped to think about ground clearance?
If you want to learn about how far above the ground the Honda CR-V sits, here's a guide for you.
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2022 Honda CR-V ground clearance

The ground clearance of the kid-friendly CR-V varies between drivetrain options. If you get the standard two-wheel drive, your ground clearance won’t match that of the models featuring all-wheel drive. 
The ground clearance levels are:
  • Two-wheel drive: 7.8 inches
  • All-wheel drive: 8.2 inches
Apparently, Honda figured customers who wanted all-wheel drive would need more ground clearance than those who opted for two-wheel drive. The 2021 Honda CR-V ground clearance is the same as the 2022 model. 

Honda CR-V ground clearance over the years

What about ground clearance through the other years? Is the 2019 Honda CR-V ground clearance any different from the 2009 Honda CR-V? 
Honda has been offering more ground clearance for its AWD options only in recent generations. Let’s take a closer look at what previous generations offered:
  • 1st generation (1995-2001): 8.1 inches for all drivetrains
  • 2nd generation (2002-2006): 8.1 inches for all drivetrains
  • 3rd generation (2007-2011): 6.7 inches for all drivetrains
  • 4th generation (2012-2016): 6.3 inches for 2WD; 6.7 inches for AWD
  • 5th generation (2017-present): 7.8 inches for 2WD; 8.2 inches for AWD
The exact clearance is going to vary based on the drivetrain and model year. A 2009 Honda CR-V’s ground clearance was only 6.7 inches, but you had to opt for AWD to keep the same clearance in 2014. 

What is ground clearance—and why does it matter?

Why should you care what the ground clearance is? Should it impact your decision on which drivetrain to choose when purchasing a CR-V? 
Ground clearance is a measurement of the distance between the ground and the lowest point of a vehicle’s chassis. Basically, it’s the space between your car and the ground.
The higher your ground clearance, the more confidently you can drive over rough terrain; your chance of damaging your vehicle’s undercarriage is lower. Experts suggest you should have at least 8.5 inches of clearance if you plan to take your vehicle off the road.
Following that guidance, it might not be such a great idea to go off-road in your CR-V, regardless of the drivetrain or model year.
MORE: Honda CR-V vs. Mazda CX-5
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Is the Honda CR-V a good off-road vehicle?

The Honda CR-V is a great option when you’re shopping for a crossover SUV. But while its low clearance makes it easy to load and unload and easier for small children to get in and out, it’s not so good when it comes to offroading.
If you’re looking for a crossover that has off-road capabilities, you’d be better off considering a
Subaru Forester
or
Toyota RAV4
. These vehicles offer downhill assist and skid plates as additional options in case you plan on taking your crossover off-road. 
But, if you’re looking for a straightforward family-friendly crossover, the Honda CR-V can’t be beaten. Just keep it on the road!

Guard against accidents with the best CR-V insurance

So maybe you’re not taking your CR-V off-road—you still need great
car insurance
in case you have a little mishap on the road! Make comparison shopping easy by downloading the
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