What Type of Headlights the Honda CR-V Uses

Most current Honda CR-V models (2023–2025) come standard with LED headlights across all trims; earlier generations primarily used halogen units on lower trims and introduced LEDs on higher trims starting in 2017. The exact headlight type on a CR-V depends on model year, trim level, and market.

The Current Picture: LEDs Are Now Standard

For the sixth-generation Honda CR-V, sold in North America since the 2023 model year, LED headlights are standard equipment on every trim. These lamps provide a whiter, brighter beam than older halogen designs and typically include automatic on/off and automatic high-beam functionality as part of Honda Sensing. Upper trims often add LED fog lights. This setup applies to both gasoline and hybrid versions.

What that means on the road

LED headlights generally offer better nighttime visibility, quicker illumination, and lower power draw than halogens. They’re also designed for longevity, often lasting the life of the vehicle under normal use. Real-world performance will still vary by lens design (reflector vs. projector) and beam tuning, but the move to LEDs has been a consistent upgrade for the CR-V’s lighting.

How It Changed Over Time

The Honda CR-V’s headlight technology evolved across generations. The following list outlines typical factory setups by era, noting that final equipment can vary by region and trim.

• 2023–2025 (6th generation): LED headlights standard across all trims; LED fog lights on select upper trims; auto high-beam commonly included.
• 2020–2022 (late 5th generation): Mix of halogen and LED depending on trim and market; LEDs increasingly common or standard on higher trims; auto high-beam widely available.
• 2017–2019 (early 5th generation): Halogen projector headlights on lower/mid trims; factory LED headlights on upper trims (e.g., Touring in North America).
• 2015–2016 (4th generation facelift): Predominantly halogen (often projector-style for low beams); LEDs were not broadly offered in most North American trims.
• 2012–2014 (4th generation launch): Halogen headlights (reflector or projector depending on market/trim); no factory LED headlamps in most regions.
• 2007–2011 (3rd generation) and earlier: Halogen reflector headlights were the norm; factory HID/LED options were generally not offered in North America.

In short, halogens dominated early CR-Vs, LEDs appeared on top trims starting in 2017, and LEDs became the mainstream standard in the latest generation.

Trim Levels, Markets, and Options

Headlight equipment also varies by trim designation and where the vehicle was sold. These common patterns can help explain differences.

• North America: Recent CR-Vs feature standard LEDs, with top trims adding LED fog lights; no factory HID option.
• Europe and select markets: LED headlights are common on mid-to-upper trims; some markets may offer adaptive or cornering light features depending on regulations and packages.
• Lower vs. upper trims (pre-2020): Lower trims often used halogen projectors; upper trims gained LED arrays and additional lighting features.

Because packaging differs by country and year, checking the original window sticker or regional brochure is the best way to confirm exact equipment.

How to Tell What Your CR-V Has

If you’re unsure which headlight type is on your specific CR-V, a few quick checks can help you identify it without tools.

1. Look at the light color: LEDs emit a crisp, white light; halogens are warmer/yellower.
2. Inspect the housing: Many halogen setups use a single round projector lens or a simple reflector bowl; LED assemblies often have distinct segments or a more modern, multi-element design.
3. Check the owner’s manual or window sticker: The features section typically lists “LED headlights.”
4. Use the VIN: A dealer or online VIN decoder can pull the original build sheet with lighting equipment.

These steps are especially useful for used CR-Vs, where trim lines and mid-cycle updates can complicate assumptions.

What About Brightness and Regulations?

Factory LED systems on the CR-V are tuned to meet regional beam-pattern and glare regulations. While LEDs can be brighter, proper aim and lens design are crucial. If you’re considering aftermarket changes, be aware that bulb “upgrades” in non-LED housings can cause glare and may not be street-legal. It’s best to stick with OEM-spec parts or approved accessories and ensure headlight aim is correct.

Summary

Today’s Honda CR-V uses LED headlights across all trims (2023–2025), delivering brighter, more efficient illumination. Older models commonly used halogen units, with LEDs entering higher trims around 2017 and expanding from there. For exact details on a specific vehicle, verify by trim, model year, market, and the original equipment list.

How do I know my headlight type?

To identify your car’s headlights, observe their color and behavior when turned on – yellowish light is likely halogen, while a bright white or blue-tinged light could be HID (which warms up to full brightness) or instant-on bright white light is typical of LED. You can also check for markings like H11 for halogen or D2S for HID on the bulb or housing, or look at the bulb’s construction. Alternatively, you can look up your vehicle’s information or contact a dealership using your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
 
This video explains the different types of headlights and how to identify them by color and behavior: 54sHeadlight RevolutionYouTube · Oct 18, 2022
Observe the Light:

• Halogen: Produces a yellowish beam, which has a typical power uptime. 
• HID (High-Intensity Discharge): A white or blue-tinged light that takes a few seconds to reach full brightness. 
• LED (Light Emitting Diode): An instant-on, very bright white light. 

Inspect the Headlight Housing: 

• Look for Markings: Check the headlight housing or bulb itself for codes like H7, H11 for halogen, or D2S for HID. 
• Check the Bulb: If you can access the bulb, a halogen bulb will have a visible filament wire, while HID and LED bulbs have different constructions. LED lights may be part of an entire assembly with no single bulb to remove. 

This video shows how to identify headlights by looking at the bulb construction: 58sHeadlight RevolutionYouTube · Mar 6, 2020
Other Methods: 

• Consult Your Vehicle’s Manual: Your car’s owner’s manual will specify the type of headlights it uses.
• Use Your VIN: Call a dealership and provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out the exact type of headlights your car came with.

What vehicles use H11 LED headlights?

An H11 LED bulb fits many modern vehicles from brands like Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and Ford, primarily used for low beams, fog lights, and some high beams. However, to confirm if it fits your specific car, model, and year, you must consult your owner’s manual or use an online vehicle fitment guide from an LED bulb manufacturer, as bulb types vary even within the same make.
 
How to Check for Your Car

1. 1. Check Your Owner’s Manual: The most accurate way is to find the bulb type in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, often in the maintenance or specifications section. 
2. 2. Use an Online Fitment Guide: Websites from LED bulb manufacturers like Novsight, Super Bright LEDs, and Extreme LED Light Bars offer tools where you can input your vehicle’s make, model, and year to find compatible bulb sizes. 
3. 3. Look at the Old Bulb: Examine the old bulb for the required size, though this information is not always printed on the bulb itself. 

Common Uses for H11 Bulbs

• Low Beam Headlights: H11 is a popular choice for low-beam headlights on modern cars due to its defined light cutoff. 
• Fog Lights: The H11 bulb is also commonly used in fog light housings. 

Important Considerations

• H11 vs. H8/H9: While H11, H8, and H9 bulbs have similar physical characteristics, they are not always interchangeable without modification. 
• H11 vs. H11B: The H11 and H11B are different designs and are not interchangeable; each fits different vehicles. 
• Vehicle-Specific Fit: Some vehicles may require additional components like a decoder to prevent flickering or error messages when using LED bulbs. 

What kind of headlight bulb for Honda CRV?

The headlight bulb type for a Honda CR-V can vary depending on the year and trim, but generally, they use H11 for low beams and 9005 (HB3) for high beams. Some older models may use 9003 (H4) for both high and low beams. Always confirm the specific bulb type for your CR-V year and trim using resources like the Bevinsee guide or your owner’s manual. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Low Beam: Often H11 or 9003 (H4).
• High Beam: Often 9005 (HB3) or 9003 (H4).
• Fog Lights: Often H11 or 9006 (HB4). 

This video demonstrates how to replace headlight bulbs in a Honda CR-V (2012-2014): 57sVirar AutomotiveYouTube · Oct 26, 2023
To find the exact bulb type for your Honda CR-V, consider these options:

1. Consult your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source of information.
2. Check the existing bulb: Look for the bulb number printed on the bulb itself. 
3. Use an online bulb finder: Many websites allow you to enter your vehicle’s information to find the correct bulb type. 
4. Visit an auto parts store: Ask a salesperson to help you identify the correct bulb for your CR-V. 

Does the Honda CR-V 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. CRV.