The new Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling cars in America, but that doesn’t mean consumers should ignore a used CR-V. After all, car prices are high right now, so many folks are trying to find more affordable models. Here’s a look at four of the best Honda CR-V model years for under $15,000.

The best used compact SUVs for under $15,000

A few brands dominate the used car market. After all, the best used cars have much in common. As a result, it’s unsurprising that automakers such as Honda, Toyota, and Mazda dominate U.S. News‘ list of the top used compact SUVs for under $15,000 in 2021. For example, Toyota has three cars in the top 20, Mazda has four, and Honda has five. 

Kia, GMC, Subaru, Chevy, Volkswagen, and, surprisingly, Saturn make up the rest. But the top five was a close race. The CR-V’s big rival is the Toyota RAV4, which is the case with this list too. Two CR-V model years rank in the top five, as do two RAV4s. The other entry in the top five is the 2010 Subaru Forester. 

4 of the top Honda CR-V model years for under $15,000

Ultimately, the Honda CR-V prevailed. U.S. News deems the 2010 model the best used compact SUV for under $15,000. The 2011 CR-V isn’t far behind. It ranks third, with a RAV4 getting second. Then, the 2009 CR-V comes in ninth place. Finally, the 2013 CR-V brings up the rear in 20th place. 

The 2013 model is the latest CR-V model year that ranks on the list, so it costs the most of the four. U.S. News says the average price buyers paid for a 2013 Honda CR-V ranges from $12,000 to $16,000. Meanwhile, the 2009 model is the oldest CR-V on the list, so it’s the cheapest. On average, customers paid between $8,000 and $9,000 for a 2009 model. 

The 2010 Honda CR-V doesn’t cost much more than the 2009 version. According to U.S. News, it should cost $9,000 to $11,000. Similarly, the 2011 CR-V isn’t that much more expensive. It should cost between $11,000 and $12,500.

Like most Honda CR-Vs, these four model years are excellent for various reasons.

For instance, U.S. News likes the 2009 CR-V for its generous cargo capacity, high-quality cabin, refined ride, and excellent safety ratings.

The site also touts the 2010 mode’s “comfortable ride, roomy interior, and excellent safety and reliability ratings.”

And the 2011 CR-V boasts “a perfect reliability rating, a carlike ride, and an upscale interior with comfortable seats.”

Finally, the 2013 Honda CR-V gets U.S. News’ approval thanks to “high safety ratings, a roomy interior with a good number of standard tech features, and generous cargo space.”

But despite the praise, some of the models have drawbacks too.

Drawbacks to these Honda CR-V model years

The 2010 and 2011 Honda CR-V received overall scores from U.S. News greater than 9 out of 10. Those overall scores explain why these CR-V model years are considered among the best. However, the 2010 and 2011 models had some early issues.

For example, these CR-V years suffered from an oil consumption problem traced to the piston rings. But Honda made things right by extending their warranty.

Also, the 2010 and 2011 models have had recalls for various issues. The problems concern the electrical system, transmission control modules, and airbags. 

However, it appears Honda has fixed those issues. So a used 2009, 2010, 2011, or 2013 CR-V is still a smart choice.