Importing a Honda CR-V from the USA: generations, model years and what to check

The Honda CR-V is one of the most in-demand compact crossovers in Georgia — reliable, roomy, economical, with good resale value. It appears often on US auctions (Copart, IAAI). The CR-V's key quirk for customs: the common 1.5L turbo engine (1498 cc) is small displacement, so its excise works out cheaper than a RAV4's 2.5L. Below are the generations, model years and what to check before you buy.

Generations and model years

4th generation (RM), 2012–2016

2.4L petrol engine (K24). The 2015 facelift added a direct-injection 2.4L (Earth Dreams, ~185 hp), a CVT replaced the 5-speed auto, and Honda Sensing appeared. A reliable budget pick — but it is over 6 years old and the 2.4L is a larger displacement, so a higher excise.

5th generation (RW), 2017–2022

All-new and roomier. This is where the 1.5L turbo (190 hp) appeared on EX and up, while the base LX kept a 2.4L (184 hp). The 2020 facelift made the 1.5 turbo standard across the range and added the CR-V Hybrid (2.0L + two motors, ~212 hp). This generation is the most popular to import.

6th generation (RS), 2023+

A new generation — bigger and more rugged. The base uses the 1.5L turbo (190 hp), while Sport/Sport Touring are hybrid (2.0L, ~204 hp). Slowly appearing at auction.

CR-V year by year — 2013 to 2024

Below, each model year is covered separately — what changed that year and what to keep in mind when importing in 2026 (age, engine displacement and excise).

CR-V 2013

Start of the 4th generation (RM) — 2.4L engine, 5-speed auto, a roomy cabin. Pre-facelift styling. In 2026 it is over 6 years old, so the higher (triple) excise applies, and the 2.4L displacement means a bit more excise — but it is the cheapest CR-V at auction.

CR-V 2014

A carryover of the 2013 with no major changes — a reliable, cheap budget option. Same 2.4L. It is over 6 years old, so the excise is high; if budget is the priority, it is a sound pick.

CR-V 2015

An important year: the facelift — a direct-injection 2.4L (Earth Dreams), a CVT replacing the old auto, Honda Sensing added, and refreshed multimedia. If you want an RM generation, 2015+ is more sorted.

CR-V 2016

The final RM year — the most refined of this generation, with a Special Edition added. Over 6 years old → higher excise, 2.4L displacement. A dependable option for a budget.

CR-V 2017

An all-new 5th generation (RW): this is where the 1.5L turbo (190 hp) first appeared on EX+ trims, with the LX keeping a 2.4L. A much roomier cabin and Honda Sensing. Importing a Honda CR-V 2017 from the USA pays off if you take the 1.5 turbo — the small displacement lowers the excise. It is over 6 years old (2026), but the turbo version is still cheaper to clear.

CR-V 2018

A carryover of 2017. Early 1.5 turbo cars in cold climates showed fuel mixing into the oil (oil dilution) — Honda fixed it with a software update. Check the oil level and smell. The small displacement remains an excise advantage.

CR-V 2019

Honda Sensing became standard across the range. Both the 1.5 turbo and 2.4L are available. A reliable, well-equipped used car. Over 6 years old in 2026 — factor in the higher excise (though the turbo's small displacement reduces it).

CR-V 2020

The facelift: refreshed styling, the 1.5 turbo became standard across all trims (the 2.4L was dropped), and the CR-V Hybrid was added (2.0L + motors, ~212 hp, AWD). Importing a Honda CR-V 2020 from the USA is popular — it turns 6 in 2026 (borderline excise, confirm with the calculator), and the 1.5 turbo already gives a low excise.

CR-V 2021

A carryover year with a Special Edition trim. Importing a Honda CR-V 2021 from the USA pays off: it is still under 6 years (low excise), and the 1.5 turbo's small displacement reduces customs further. The hybrid is available too.

CR-V 2022

The final RW year — the most sorted. In 2026 it is comfortably under 6 years, so clearing it is cheap, especially with the 1.5 turbo. A balance between price and being recent.

CR-V 2023

An all-new 6th generation (RS): bigger, more rugged styling and new multimedia. The base uses the 1.5 turbo, while Sport/Sport Touring are hybrid (2.0L, ~204 hp). Modern features plus a low excise — one of the best choices in 2026.

CR-V 2024

A newer 6th-generation year — the newest and most sorted, with the hybrid more widely available. The newest → the lowest excise (well under 6 years). If your budget allows, the CR-V 2024 is the best balance of recency and price.

For the exact customs on any year see the 2026 excise rules or use the calculator.

Engine and drivetrain — which to choose

• 1.5L turbo: common in the 5th/6th generations, 190 hp, economical. The small displacement (1498 cc) means a lower excise — the CR-V's main financial edge.
• 2.4L petrol: the RM generation and the LX base — simple and reliable, but a larger displacement, so a slightly higher excise.
• Hybrid (2.0L): from 2020, low consumption and smooth running. Ideal for the city.

What to check before bidding

• Damage history: most CR-Vs come with a salvage title — check the damage type and frame integrity.
• 1.5 turbo oil: on early cold-climate cars (2017–2019) check the oil level and for a fuel smell (oil dilution).
• CVT: listen to the transmission — there should be no shudder or hesitation under acceleration.
• Hybrid battery: on hybrid versions, battery health matters.
• Recalls: a VIN check is essential.

To assess a damaged lot see the Copart guide and run a VIN check.

Common problems — what to watch for

The CR-V is very reliable overall, but each generation has known weak spots:

• RM (2012–2016): some units show engine vibration at idle and CVT noise. Check the oil level and how the transmission behaves.
• RW (2017–2022): the 1.5 turbo had fuel mixing into the oil in cold climates (fixed), and occasional A/C compressor failures (2017–2018). The hybrid is smoother here.
• General: test the A/C, power windows and infotainment — on damaged lots these are often the affected parts.

Fuel economy and mileage

The 1.5L turbo uses about 8–9 L/100 km in the city and down to 7 on the highway. The 2.4L a little more. The hybrid is far thriftier — down to 6 L/100 km in town. The CR-V is known for longevity: with proper care, 250,000+ km is normal. At auction, 100,000–150,000 km (60,000–90,000 miles) is a good balance between price and remaining life.

CR-V vs the rivals — Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5

The CR-V's main edge is a roomy cabin/boot and the low excise of the 1.5 turbo thanks to its small displacement. The Toyota RAV4 holds resale value a touch better and shows up more often at auction, but its 2.5L displacement raises its excise. The Hyundai Tucson is cheaper to buy and well equipped, but depreciates faster. The Mazda CX-5 is more fun to drive but has a narrower cabin. If space and lower customs matter, the CR-V is a strong pick.

Why the CR-V is popular in Georgia

The CR-V combines a roomy, practical cabin, a dependable Honda engine and enough ground clearance for Caucasus roads. The all-wheel-drive version is practical in mountain regions, parts are available, and the 1.5 turbo's small displacement keeps customs down. That is why the CR-V stays one of the most in-demand crossovers to import.

Customs and price

The CR-V's excise depends on two factors: age and engine displacement. A model under 6 years is significantly cheaper, and the 1.5L turbo (small displacement) lowers the excise further compared with a RAV4's 2.5L. See the 2026 excise rules. For the exact cost of a specific lot use the calculator or get a personal quote.