What Is the Estimated Total Cost To Own a Honda CR-V?

Why Knowing the True Cost Matters

Car ownership costs tell you the real story about what you'll spend on your CR-V over the years. The American Automobile Association found that new vehicles cost owners about $12,297 a year. That's $1,024 every month and $115 more than last year. Looking specifically at the Honda CR-V, you can expect to spend around $44,133 over five years of ownership.

Initial Purchase Price of a Honda CR-V

The 2025 Honda CR-V starts at $30,100 and climbs to $41,100. Each trim level has different features and capabilities. Don't forget that add-ons, your zip code, and your haggling skills at the dealership can push these numbers around.

According to Experian, most people paid about $737 monthly for new cars in late 2024. Consider how these payments fit into your budget before falling in love with a new CR-V. While this upfront cost matters, that's not all you'll pay while owning your vehicle.

Comparison of New vs. Preowned Prices

A factory-fresh CR-V comes with that new-car smell and full warranty protection. While a preowned model can save you a lot up front, weigh those initial savings against potential repair bills and shorter warranty coverage.

Used car payments average about $525 monthly, $212 less than new car payments. That's nearly $2,600 staying in your pocket annually.

Depreciation: What To Expect for a Honda CR-V

Value loss is the silent budget-killer many car buyers forget about. A new CR-V starts losing money as soon as you leave the dealership. Understanding this can help you make smarter buying decisions.

A new CR-V starts at around $31,495. After five years, the average CR-V is worth about $19,776. CR-Vs typically hold their value better than many competitors due to Honda's rock-solid reliability reputation and the model's popularity among buyers.

How Depreciation Affects Resale Value

How quickly your CR-V loses value directly affects your wallet when trade-in time comes. Not all vehicles depreciate equally. The CR-V's strong reputation for not breaking down and its popularity work in your favor when you're ready to sell.

A 2024 CR-V will likely lose about $15,480 over five years, leaving you with around $17,925 at trade-in time. That works out to roughly $3,096 in value loss each year. Most cars drop by 15% to 20% in value in the first year alone, then by another 8% to 12% yearly for the next four years. The CR-V generally does better than these averages, which is good news when you're ready to upgrade.

Tips To Minimize Depreciation

Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled maintenance are good for your car. They also create a paper trail that boosts resale value, so keep your service records organized.

Don't ignore the little things. Fix small dings promptly, keep the interior clean, and park in garages when possible. If you're buying new, pick colors such as silver or black that appeal to more buyers. And remember, lower mileage means higher resale value, so think twice about that cross-country road trip every summer.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

Even the reliable CR-V needs some TLC to keep running smoothly. These regular upkeep costs add up over time. AAA says the average driver spends about $126 monthly on repairs, maintenance, and tires for a new car. For the CR-V, budget around $2,035 for these expenses over five years.

Breaking it down further, expect to pay $400-$500 yearly to keep your CR-V in good shape. That's less than the cost of many competing SUVs, another point for Honda's reliability. This yearly average includes routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks. Following Honda's maintenance schedule prevents minor problems from becoming major repairs and protects your investment.

Fuel Expenses

Gas money adds up. Thankfully, the CR-V sips fuel compared to many SUVs. According to industry data, this Honda averages about 32 mpg. Over five years, you'll likely spend around $7,700 on fuel, roughly $1,540 annually.

For comparison, AAA found that average drivers paid about 14.9 cents per mile for regular gas during the year ending in May 2024. Driving 15,000 miles annually (like most Americans) is $2,235 just for gas. The CR-V's better-than-average fuel economy means more money stays in your wallet.

Honda CR-V Fuel Economy Ratings

Your mileage will vary depending on the CR-V you choose. The standard front-wheel-drive version gets about 28 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on highways. Go with the hybrid, and those numbers jump to an impressive 43 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

These are EPA estimates based on controlled testing with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving. Your results depend on your driving style, traffic conditions, and the weather. Lead-footed drivers or those dealing with steep hills may see lower numbers, while careful drivers may beat the estimates.

Strategies To Improve Fuel Efficiency

Smooth acceleration and steady speeds work wonders to get more miles from each gallon. Use cruise control on highways. And don't ignore maintenance basics; properly inflated tires and clean air filters make a real difference.

Keep the windows closed at highway speeds to cut wind resistance. Take roof carriers off when not using them. Even your air conditioning use matters; turning it off saves engine power, especially during city driving. Every little bit helps when you're trying to stretch your gas budget and reduce ownership costs.

Test-Drive a Used Honda CR-V Today at Easterns Automotive Group

The true cost of CR-V ownership includes the purchase price, value loss, maintenance, and fuel. While you may pay more initially, the CR-V's reliability, good fuel economy, and strong resale value often make it cheaper in the long run.

To check out a Honda CR-V for yourself, visit Easterns Automotive Group. Our team can walk you through all the ownership costs and help you find a CR-V that fits your budget. Call us at 240-200-5256 to set up your test-drive today.