2012 Honda CR-V EX-L

The 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD 4-door SUV is a well-rounded compact crossover that blends practicality, comfort, and all-weather capability. As the top luxury trim for that generation, the EX-L adds upscale touches over the base and mid levels, while retaining everything that made the CR-V a strong choice for families and daily drivers.


Powertrain & Fuel Economy


This model is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine with DOHC i-VTEC, producing about 185 horsepower and 163 lb-feet of torque. It’s paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system (Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control) provides added traction when needed, though when driving normally, much of the power goes to the front wheels to conserve fuel. Fuel economy for the AWD version is around 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / ~25 mpg combined.


Dimensions, Seating & Cargo Space


The 2012 EX-L AWD seats five people. Front legroom and headroom are generous, and the rear seat also offers respectable comfort for adults, though with somewhat less space than in larger SUVs. The cabin feels roomy thanks to a well-designed interior layout. Cargo capacity with the rear seats up is about 37.2 cubic feet, which expands to roughly 70.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. At about 178.3 inches in length, and a wheelbase of around 103.1 inches, it strikes a balance between maneuverability and usable interior space.


Features & Comfort Level


As an EX-L, this version of the CR-V comes with numerous comfort and luxury upgrades. Standard interior appointments include leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Exterior enhancements include a power moonroof, heated side mirrors, roof rails, and alloy 17-inch wheels. The audio system is upgraded to a premium 7-speaker setup, plus Honda’s in-vehicle technologies: Bluetooth connectivity, rear-view camera, and an intelligent multi-information display (i-MID) that shows driving data, vehicle status, and more.


Ride, Handling & Safety


The ride is smooth and composed for its class. Suspension uses a front MacPherson-strut and rear multi-link setup, which handles rough pavement and road imperfections well; body roll is modest, and AWD helps with grip in adverse weather. Ground clearance is slightly higher than standard sedans, aiding in snowy or wet conditions. On the safety front, the EX-L trim comes equipped with multiple airbags (front, side-impact, side curtain), vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a backup camera.


Strengths & Trade-Offs


Pros:
Very usable interior space with flexible cargo capacity.
Upscale features and comfort in the EX-L trim give it a more premium feel.
AWD adds confidence in rain, snow, or slippery roads.
Honda reputation for reliability, resale value, and durable mechanics.


Cons:
Power is adequate but not overly strong; the 4-cylinder can feel taxed under heavy load or steep grades.
The 5-speed automatic is smooth, but doesn’t offer the refinement or responsiveness of more modern transmissions with more gears.
Fuel economy, while good for AWD in this class, is still lower in city driving compared to smaller crossovers or those with fewer drivetrain losses.
Some drivers may notice more road and wind noise at higher speeds compared to luxury crossovers.

Overall Impression

The 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD is a strong choice if you want the utility of a compact SUV combined with comfort and a richer feature set. It excels for those who need passenger space, cargo flexibility, and reliable performance year-round in varied weather. If you care most about towing, sporty handling, or cutting-edge tech, there might be other vehicles that outperform in those areas—but for balance, this CR-V trims in near the top.