As the first generation released in 1997 was the best-selling compact on the US market, Honda made sure that the 2nd generation was better in all aspects.
More powerful, with more interior room and cutting-edge safety technology, increased comfort and practicality, the CR-V was updated in 2002.

The old engine that felt a bit underpowered with the previous model was replaced by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 160 hp and 162 pound-feet of torque. Mated with the new unit was a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission.

The 4-speed automatic featured the Grade Logic Control system designed to downshift automatically and hold a lower gear while climbing. Besides the new system, the reworked gearbox was smoother and offered better fuel efficiency.

For 2002, the CR-V was based on Honda’s Global Compact Platform that was used on the Civic and the RSX. The new platform offered more torsional and bending rigidity, thus the ride quality was improved and the CR-V got even safer.

The roomy cabin offered excellent headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, better than the space offered by the competitors.

For 2002, the CR-V was available in three trim levels: 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel drive LX and the four-wheel-drive EX. The 2-wheel-drive LX was available only with the 4-speed automatic transmission, while both 4-wheel-drive trims offered both manual or automatic transmission.

Standard equipment with the LX included air conditioning, power windows and power locks, rear-seats heater ducts and a CD player, while the upper trim level EX added an upgraded audio system, keyless remote, a power moonroof, antilock brakes and side airbags.

Federal government crash tested, the CR-V obtained the maximum 5 stars for both frontal and side impact tests.