A decade later, some used SUVs like the Honda CR-V are still good options. As one of the most affordable compact SUVs from 2013, this sport utility vehicle from Honda came well-equipped. The CR-V earned its spot among the best compact SUVs with strong scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What was the most affordable compact SUV in 2013?

According to U.S. News, the 2013 Honda CR-V was one of that year’s most affordable compact SUVs. The CR-V was a great option for drivers with an original MSRP of between $22,795 and $20,295. These days, the 2013 Honda CR-V costs between $14,448 and $16,917. Is it still an excellent used SUV to consider?

Some highlights of this used Honda SUV include its spacious interior and good handling. These compact SUVs were known for car-like handling, offering a more comfortable ride. It had room for five passengers, and the 185-hp engine was enough to power it around town.

Honda offered the CR-V in front and all-wheel drive, making it suitable for more drivers. Front-wheel drive versions got 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive drops that to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Either way that is good enough fuel economy for most daily driving situations. The five-year cost-to-own analysis put the CR-V’s ownership costs for gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs at around $21,461. That is about $1,500 below average for similar compact SUVs at the time.

Is the Honda’s affordable compact SUV safe?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave this affordable compact SUV a five-star overall safety rating. That means the 2013 CR-V earned five-star ratings on the front and side crash tests. Honda’s Electronic Stability Control system also met performance criteria.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also awarded this year of the SUV its Top Safety Pick award. The CR-V earned high scores in four critical areas on the main crashworthiness tests. This affordable compact SUV protected the driver in all areas in the moderate overlap test.

Honda has only issued one recall for the 2013 Honda CR-V at the time of publication. This addresses the brake shift interlock freezing in certain sub-freezing temperatures. It can allow the vehicle to roll away, but it should have been addressed in 2013. The NHTSA campaign number is 13V143000.

The 2013 Honda CR-V is still a good used SUV

While 2013 had many good vehicles, this affordable compact SUV from Honda remains a good option. Higher trim levels came with features like dual-zone automatic climate control and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The back of the CR-V offers 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row or 70.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. When properly equipped, the 2013 CR-V can tow up to 1,500 pounds. J.D. Power and U.S. News gave it an above-average reliability rating of four out of five stars.

With the cost of new and used vehicles at an all-time high, finding a reliable used SUV is more critical than ever. Honda remains a trusted brand that makes good sport utility vehicles, and the 2013 Honda CR-V is a shining example of that.