What Type of Headlights Does the Honda CR-V Have?

They vary by model year and trim: new Honda CR-Vs (2023–2025, North America) have full LED headlights as standard across all trims, while older models used projector-style halogen units on lower trims and LED headlights on higher trims. In earlier generations (pre-2017), halogen reflector headlights were typical.

What’s on Today’s CR-V (2023–2025)

The current-generation CR-V, sold from the 2023 model year onward, equips LED headlights on every trim in North America, including hybrid variants. These typically include automatic on/off and automatic high-beam functionality as part of Honda Sensing. LED daytime running lights are also standard, and upper trims add LED fog lights. This move improves visibility, efficiency, and styling consistency across the lineup.

How Headlights Have Evolved on the CR-V

Across its six generations, the CR-V transitioned from basic halogen reflector lamps to projector halogens and, finally, to full LED units. The specifics can differ by region and trim, especially in the 2017–2022 period when Honda phased LEDs in more broadly but still offered halogens on some lower trims.

Model-Year/Generation Breakdown

The following list summarizes the typical headlight technology found on the CR-V by generation and timeframe. Because equipment can vary by market and trim, use it as a guide and confirm for your vehicle.

• 2023–2025 (6th generation): Full LED headlights standard across all trims (North America), with automatic high beams; LED DRLs standard; LED fog lights on upper trims.
• 2020–2022 (5th generation, refresh): Wider availability of LED headlights; many mid-to-upper trims equipped with LEDs, while some base trims in certain markets retained projector-beam halogen units.
• 2017–2019 (5th generation, launch): Projector-beam halogen headlights common on lower trims; LED headlights typically fitted to top trims (e.g., Touring) and select higher trims depending on market.
• 2007–2016 (3rd and 4th generations): Halogen headlights predominant, often reflector-type; some trims used projector-style halogens.
• 1997–2006 (1st and 2nd generations): Halogen reflector headlights across the range.

In short, LEDs are now standard on new CR-Vs, while earlier models range from halogen reflectors to projector halogens, with LEDs appearing first on higher trims and later filtering down.

How to Tell Which Headlights Your CR-V Has

If you’re unsure what’s on your specific vehicle—especially for 2017–2022 models—there are quick visual and documentation checks that can help you identify the headlight type and any related features.

• Look at the headlamp elements: Multiple small emitters or a light “bar” typically indicate LEDs; a single large round lens suggests a projector (often halogen on older trims).
• Color and beam pattern: LEDs usually appear whiter (cooler color temperature) with a crisp cutoff; halogens look warmer/yellower.
• Owner’s manual and window sticker: Equipment lists often specify “LED headlights” or “projector-beam halogen headlights.”
• Bulb markings: Halogen setups list replaceable bulb types (e.g., H11, 9005), while many LED units are integral modules not designed for simple bulb swaps.
• Feature cues: Automatic high beams and LED daytime running lights are common on newer trims and correlate with LED headlight adoption.

These checks usually confirm your headlight technology without needing to remove components or visit a service center.

Why the Shift to LEDs Matters

LED headlights deliver brighter, more focused illumination than traditional halogens while using less power and generating less heat. They also integrate more easily with safety features like automatic high beams. For drivers, that translates to improved nighttime visibility and potentially lower maintenance over time, though LED units can be costlier to replace if damaged.

Bottom Line

New CR-Vs (2023–2025) come standard with full LED headlights. From 2017 to 2022, trims varied—top trims commonly had LEDs while base models often used projector halogens, and pre-2017 models largely used halogen reflector setups. Check your trim, region, and documentation to confirm the exact configuration on your vehicle.

Summary

The Honda CR-V’s headlight type depends on model year and trim. Current models (2023–2025) use full LED headlights across all trims in North America. The 2017–2022 generation mixes projector halogen and LED units depending on trim and market, while older generations primarily used halogen reflectors.

What type of headlights does the Honda CR-V have?

light-emitting diode (LED)
All CR-V trims feature light-emitting diode (LED) headlights.

How do I know what type of headlights I have?

To identify your car’s headlights, observe the light color (yellow=halogen, white/blue=HID, instant bright white=LED) or check the owner’s manual. You can also remove the bulb to inspect it (halogens are visible with a filament, HIDs are glass tubes) or look for markings like “D2S” on the housing for HIDs. If you cannot remove the bulb, or it requires replacing the whole assembly, it is likely an LED light. 
1. Observe the Light Color and Startup 

• Halogen: Produces a dim, yellowish light that may take a moment to reach full brightness. 
• HID (High-Intensity Discharge): Lights have a distinct startup sequence, flashing on and then becoming bright white or bluish-white. 
• LED (Light-Emitting Diode): Lights are instantly bright and have a clear white color. 

2. Check the Bulb by Removing It (If Possible) 

• Halogen: The bulb will have a visible filament inside the glass. 
• HID: These are specific, glass-tube bulbs that are different from halogen bulbs. 
• LED: You typically can’t remove an individual LED bulb; instead, you have to replace the entire headlight assembly. 

3. Inspect the Headlight Housing and Markings 

• HID: Look for specific bulb size codes on the projector shroud or lens, such as D1S or D2S. 
• LED: There will be no bulb to remove, only the intact assembly. 

4. Use Your Vehicle’s Documentation or VIN 

• Owner’s Manual: This is the most reliable source for bulb type specifications, such as size and wattage. 
• VIN Lookup: You can provide your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the dealership to get information on your factory-installed headlights. 

Does the Honda CRV have LED headlights?

Running light now as far as how good these headlights. Are um over the past week actually two weeks that we’ve had this Honda.

Does Honda use LED headlights?

All Pilot trims come with LED headlights. All trims come with auto high-beam.