What is the best year for a Honda CR-V?

The 2022 CR-V is the strongest used buy. It sits at the mature end of the fifth generation — after Honda resolved the early oil dilution complaints that plagued 2017–2019 models — with just 216 complaints and only 8 severe issues on record. The 2020–2022 range is generally clean. Strongly avoid the 2017–2018 model years; they generated over 1,700 and 2,000 complaints respectively, driven by a well-documented 1.5T engine oil dilution problem.

How much does Honda CR-V insurance cost?

The CR-V averages about $1,951/year to insure — roughly $163/month. That's among the lower rates in the compact SUV class, reflecting its strong safety scores and moderate repair costs. Actual rates vary by trim, model year, and driver profile, but the CR-V is consistently a favorable quote for buyers prioritizing low total cost of ownership.

Is the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 cheaper to maintain?

The CR-V and RAV4 are nearly identical in maintenance cost — $407/year versus $429/year — a difference of about $22 annually. Over five years that's roughly $110, which is negligible. The CR-V holds a slight reliability edge (9 vs. 8) and a lower major repair probability (9% vs. 10%), but both are among the most cost-efficient compact SUVs you can buy.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Honda CR-V?

For most buyers, no. The CR-V's 9% major repair probability is below the compact class average, and its 9/10 reliability score means you're statistically unlikely to need expensive unscheduled repairs. The exception: if you're buying a used 2017–2019 model, coverage is worth taking seriously given the documented engine issues from that generation. For 2020 and newer, self-insuring is the smarter financial move.

Is the Nissan Armada expensive to maintain?

The Armada averages $550/year in maintenance — $234 below the fullsize segment average of $784, by far the lowest in the class. Major repair probability of 13% is well below the 15% norm. Reliability score of 7 is above the segment average of 6. Repair frequency of 42% is slightly above the class average of 40%. On cost and reliability, the Armada outperforms the fullsize class significantly.

What is the best year for a Nissan Armada?

The Armada has maintained consistently low complaint counts throughout its production. The 2024 model (4 complaints, 8/10 safety, 0 severe) is the best on record. The 2023-2024 window is the strongest. Earlier years from 2010-2015 also showed very low activity — under 50 complaints annually. Note that complaint data has gaps in our records for 2016-2019 and 2022.

How much does Nissan Armada insurance cost?

Armada insurance averages around $2,642/year — roughly $220/month. Toward the higher end for fullsize despite its favorable maintenance costs.

Is the Nissan Armada or Chevrolet Tahoe cheaper to maintain?

The Armada is cheaper to maintain by $194/year — $550 versus $744 for the Chevrolet Tahoe, nearly $1,000 in savings over five years. The Armada also has a lower major repair probability (13% vs. 16%). The Tahoe has lower repair frequency (30% vs. 42%) and stronger resale value. On pure maintenance cost, the Armada wins decisively.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Nissan Armada?

Major repair probability of 13% is well below the fullsize class average, and reliability score of 7 is above it. The lowest-risk ownership profile in the fullsize segment. Extended warranty isn't strongly warranted — self-insuring is the better financial choice.

Honda CR-V vs Nissan Armada

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Honda CR-V — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the Nissan Armada if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Honda CR-V	Nissan Armada
Annual maintenance	$407winner	$550
5-year total cost	$2,035winner	$2,750
Reliability score	9 / 10winner	7 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	9%winner	13%
Cargo space	76.5 cu ft	97.1 cu ftwinner
Starting price (new)	$33,500winner	$60,900
Best years to buy	2013, 2014, 2015	2014

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Honda CR-V	Nissan Armada
RepairPal score	9 / 10winner	7 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	186	104.8winner
Years to avoid	2017, 2018, 2019	2010, 2011, 2013
Value retained · 3 yr	86.7%winner	58.5%
Value retained · 5 yr	71.1%winner	43%
Value retained · 7 yr	58%winner	32.8%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Honda CR-V	Nissan Armada
Engine	19.3%	6.1%winner
Electrical	8.7%winner	14.3%
ADAS	16.6%	6.1%winner
Brakes	4.0%winner	12.9%
Suspension	—winner	2.7%
Steering	11.6%	4.1%winner
Fuel system	8.1%	4.8%winner
Tires/Wheels	2.0%	—winner
Glass/Windows	3.4%winner	3.4%
Airbags	8.1%winner	15.0%
Seatbelt	1.0%winner	4.1%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Honda CR-V	Nissan Armada
Avg annual premium	$1,951winner	$2,642

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Honda CR-V

$407/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Nissan Armada

$550/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The CR-V averages $407/year in maintenance costs — $114 below the compact segment average of $521. Its 9/10 reliability score and 9% major repair probability are both better than the class averages of 8 and 11% respectively. Repair frequency of 30% matches the segment average, but the combination of low cost per visit and a below-average major-repair risk makes it the strongest long-term ownership value in the compact class.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →