What Oil Should You Put in a Honda CR-V?

For most late-model Honda CR-Vs (2012–present, including 1.5L turbo and Hybrid), use SAE 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil that meets API SP and ILSAC GF-6A standards—Genuine Honda 0W-20 is ideal. Older CR-Vs may specify 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on the model year; always confirm with the owner’s manual or the under-hood label.

Recommended Oil by Model Year

The viscosity grade and certification vary slightly across CR-V generations. Use the following model-year guide to choose the correct oil quickly.

• 2012–present (gasoline, including 2017–2025 1.5L turbo and 2020–2025 Hybrid): SAE 0W-20, full synthetic, meeting API SP and ILSAC GF-6A (Genuine Honda 0W-20 recommended).
• 2007–2011 (2.4L): SAE 5W-20 (synthetic or conventional meeting spec). 0W-20 is generally acceptable in very cold climates; follow manual guidance.
• 2002–2006 (2.4L): SAE 5W-20 per Honda specifications of the period (modern API SP/GF-6A oils are backward compatible).
• 1997–2001 (2.0L): Typically SAE 5W-30; 0W-30 may be used in very cold conditions if permitted by the manual.
• Markets with diesel CR-Vs (e.g., 1.6 i-DTEC, 2.2 i-DTEC, not sold in North America): Low-SAPS oil meeting the ACEA C2/C3 spec, commonly 0W-30 or 5W-30; follow regional handbook.

If your vehicle sits on a model-year cusp or has regional differences, verify the exact recommendation in the owner’s manual—Honda occasionally updates specs mid-generation.

What the Labels Mean: Specs to Look For

The certification symbols on the bottle matter as much as the viscosity. These markings confirm the oil meets performance and emissions standards Honda expects.

• API service category: API SP (or newer) for modern gasoline engines, improving protection against low-speed pre-ignition and timing-chain wear.
• ILSAC rating: GF-6A for fuel economy and emission system compatibility in 0W-20 grades.
• Viscosity grade: SAE 0W-20 for 2012–present gas/Hybrid CR-Vs; earlier models per the year-based list above.
• For diesels outside North America: ACEA C2/C3 low-SAPS spec in the viscosity your manual lists (often 0W-30/5W-30).

Sticking to these specs preserves warranty coverage, protects the engine, and maintains emissions-system health.

Oil Capacity and Filter Guidance

Capacity varies by engine and model year, and even slightly by trim. Use the figures below as typical ranges, but confirm with your manual or under-hood label before filling.

• 2017–2025 1.5L turbo (gas): about 3.7–3.9 US qt (≈3.5–3.7 L) with filter.
• 2020–2025 2.0L Hybrid: about 4.3–4.6 US qt (≈4.1–4.4 L) with filter.
• 2012–2016 2.4L: about 4.4 US qt (≈4.2 L) with filter.
• 2007–2011 2.4L: about 4.4 US qt (≈4.2 L) with filter.
• 2002–2006 2.4L: about 4.4 US qt (≈4.2 L) with filter.
• 1997–2001 2.0L: roughly 4.4–4.6 US qt (≈4.2–4.4 L) with filter.

Always replace the drain-plug washer and use a Genuine Honda oil filter (or a high-quality equivalent that matches Honda’s specs) to ensure proper filtration and fit.

Change Intervals: What Honda Recommends Now

Modern CR-Vs use Honda’s Maintenance Minder, which calculates oil-life based on driving conditions. That’s more accurate than fixed intervals, but these general guidelines help.

• Normal service: Change oil when the Maintenance Minder prompts (often 7,500–10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first).
• Severe service (frequent short trips, extreme cold/heat, heavy loads, dusty roads): Consider 5,000–7,500-mile intervals or follow more frequent Minder prompts.
• After many short cold trips—especially on the 1.5T—change oil sooner if the Minder indicates accelerated degradation (fuel dilution risk).

Trust the Maintenance Minder first; adjust only if your usage is exceptionally harsh or specified differently in your manual.

Notes for 1.5L Turbo Owners

Early 1.5L turbo models in very cold climates could experience fuel dilution during repeated short trips. Honda issued software updates and service guidance; using the specified 0W-20 and heeding the Maintenance Minder are key.

• Warm the engine fully on cold days and combine errands when possible to reduce fuel dilution.
• Ensure the latest PCM updates and TSBs have been applied; a dealer can check by VIN.
• If you detect fuel odors in oil or rising oil levels, don’t delay service—have it inspected.

These steps help maintain oil integrity and protect the turbocharged engine under challenging conditions.

Choosing a Brand (What’s “Good” Oil?)

Brand is less important than meeting the correct viscosity and certifications. Still, reputable options can make selection easier.

• Genuine Honda 0W-20 (factory fill spec for late-model CR-Vs).
• Major full-synthetic 0W-20s that meet API SP and ILSAC GF-6A, such as Mobil 1, Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil, and Shell.
• For diesel CR-Vs (outside North America), choose ACEA C2/C3 low-SAPS oils from established brands at the manual’s viscosity.

When in doubt, match the exact labels in your owner’s manual—those standards are the non-negotiables.

Quick FAQs

These are the most common owner questions about CR-V engine oil.

• Can I use 5W-30 in a newer CR-V? Only in an emergency top-off. Return to 0W-20 at the next change.
• Do I need full synthetic? For 2012–present CR-Vs, yes—Honda’s recommended 0W-20 is full synthetic.
• Can I mix 0W-20 and 5W-20? Small top-offs are acceptable, but stick to the specified grade long term.
• Will “thicker” oil reduce consumption? Not recommended—use the factory grade and address underlying causes.

Following the factory spec preserves efficiency, reliability, and warranty coverage.

Summary

Use SAE 0W-20 full synthetic meeting API SP and ILSAC GF-6A for nearly all 2012–present Honda CR-Vs, including 1.5T and Hybrid models. Earlier CR-Vs typically call for 5W-20 (2002–2011) or 5W-30 (1997–2001). Verify capacity and change interval via the owner’s manual and Honda’s Maintenance Minder, and always choose oil that meets the listed certifications for your specific engine and market.

Can I use 5W-30 for Honda CR-V?

Using 5W-30 oil won’t automatically void your warranty, but it may complicate warranty claims if oil-related engine problems occur. Honda specifies 0W-20 oil for optimal performance, and warranty coverage depends on following manufacturer recommendations.

Which engine oil is best for a Honda CR-V?

What is the Recommended Honda CR-V Oil Type? What is the best oil for the Honda CR-V? The experts agree that the only types of oil suitable for the Honda CR-V engine is 0W-20 and 0W-30 oil. On top of this recommended CR-V oil type, we strongly suggest that you use synthetic oil.

Does Honda recommend full synthetic oil?

Understanding Honda’s Oil Recommendations
Our service experts are happy to help you select the right oil. Most Hondas from the last decade require synthetic oil due to its high durability and engine protection properties.

Can a Honda CR-V use full synthetic oil?

Yes, as long as the synthetic motor oil is labeled with the API Certification Seal and is the specified viscosity grade. Keep in mind that your vehicle’s oil change intervals will remain the same even if you use synthetic oil.