Honda CR-V Overland (Beginner's Guide & Build)

The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that’s popular worldwide for its versatility. Whether you’re using it for daily commuting, weekend adventures on light trails, or even overlanding, the CR-V can handle a variety of driving needs.

If you’re wondering whether your CR-V is capable of overlanding, you’re in the right place.

Overlanding with the CR-V is becoming increasingly popular, and if you’re ready to hit the road and take advantage of its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and surprising off-road capabilities, keep reading.

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with CR-V overlanding as a beginner.

Lifted CR-V with Roofbox — Image Courtesy of joedago

What Is Overlanding?

Simply put, overlanding is all about self-reliant travel, where the journey itself is the main focus. Unlike regular road trips that are often about reaching a destination, overlanding is more about the experience along the way.

It can be done using various off-road capable vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, SUVs, and vans. When it comes to lodging, most overlanders rely on camping, either in tents or by sleeping inside their vehicles.

Overlanding trips can last anywhere from a few days to several months or even years, often crossing national borders or entire continents.

CR-V Overland Builds

Building an overland-ready CR-V is usually about making the vehicle suitable for extended travel and living on the road. This setup is not ideal for extreme off-roading or rock crawling because the focus is on versatility rather than tackling the toughest terrain. Overland vehicles also tend to be heavier due to all the gear they carry.

There are some essential items that every overlander should have, including remote communication devices, maps and navigation tools, medical supplies, spare parts, recovery points, recovery gear, a proper spare tire, camping equipment, etc.

I will go into more detail about the essential gear in the next section. But before that, I want to show you a fully equipped Honda CR-V overland build. Check out these photos!

Photos

Videos

Check out this cool YouTube video for a more in-depth look at the CR-V overland build!

Capabilities

So, is the Honda CR-V good for overlanding? Absolutely! The CR-V is a solid choice for an overlanding vehicle.

It offers almost everything needed for a great overland setup, including:

Plenty of cargo space
A comfortable ride

Affordable ownership and maintenance
Decent off-road capability

In addition, the CR-V is easy to modify, making it simple to add the equipment needed for overlanding. If your main goal is to build an overland-ready vehicle, the first, second, and third-generation CR-Vs are great options to consider.

All three models come with all-wheel drive, which is essential for tackling tough terrain. They are also equipped with automatic transmissions, which tend to be more reliable than modern CVTs.

These generations also offer good ground clearance and a more rugged construction. If you want to enhance the CR-V’s capabilities even further, there are plenty of lift kits available in various types and sizes for these models.

What about the fourth, fifth, or even sixth-generation CR-V

The latest CR-V models are not a bad choice for an overland build. They are still great options, but they come at a higher price. For that reason, I suggest sticking to the older CR-V models. This way, you can save money and invest in other essential equipment for your overland setup.

Getting Started

The most important part of preparing for an overland trip is equipping your vehicle with essential gear and comforts to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

This usually includes adding off-road modifications and camping accessories. There are no strict rules in this case. You can adjust based on the terrain you will be traveling through and the length of your adventure.

Overlanding Mods & Accessories

Here are some recommended modifications and accessories to help prepare your vehicle for overlanding.

Lift Kit

Installing a lift kit can make a significant difference to the CR-V by increasing ground clearance. In addition, a suspension lift kit improves the look, feel, handling, and overall capability of your CR-V.

A lift kit is one of the most recommended modifications for overlanding. If you are considering installing one, I suggest checking out my article “CR-V Lift: How a Suspension Lift Kit Can Make a Big Difference.“

Tires

All-terrain tires play a major role in off-road modifications. They improve traction on various surfaces, whether you are driving on pavement or tackling off-road trails.

These tires combine the open tread design of off-road tires with the solid handling and functionality of street tires. When building a vehicle for overlanding, getting high-quality tires is essential, and all-terrain tires should be your top choice.

There are many brands and sizes available on the market. Visit a nearby store to find the ones that best suit your needs.

Roof Rack

A roof rack helps you carry all the gear you need for your adventure. While the CR-V already offers plenty of cargo space, adding a roof rack provides extra convenience, especially since your luggage will likely take up a lot of room during your trip.

Lighting

Having a good lighting system is a big advantage when overlanding. While the CR-V’s built-in lights may be enough for everyday use, upgrading them can make a huge difference, especially since you will often be using the car in the dark.

Adding light bars and light pods will make navigation easier, particularly on unlit roads. They are also useful at night when you need extra visibility for pitching a tent, cooking, or handling other tasks.

Rooftop Tent

A rooftop tent is one of the best modifications for added comfort when overlanding, it allows you to sleep comfortably on top of your vehicle.

Many people prefer this option for accommodation because it is much cheaper than a trailer and far more convenient than a ground tent. With a few simple modifications, you can turn your CR-V into a mobile home.

A rooftop tent also saves you the hassle of assembling a traditional tent, especially when setting up at the last minute. Plus, sleeping higher off the ground can make some people feel safer since it is less accessible to animals or strangers.

Retractable Awning

Retractable awnings are a must if you love outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and overlanding.

These accessories are easy to deploy, and in just a few steps, you will have a comfortable space to relax, cook, or hang out around your car.

Since you will be spending a lot of time near your vehicle, a roof awning is a great way to add shade and shelter to your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can! The CR-V’s rear seats fold down to create a flat surface, providing enough space for sleeping.

Yes, you can! An air mattress is a great way to add comfort while sleeping in your CR-V. Some people prefer foam mattresses instead, as they tend to be more durable and provide better support.

Yes, the Honda CR-V is a reliable vehicle for mountain driving, especially models with manual or traditional automatic transmissions, as they tend to handle mountain roads better than CVTs. For better performance on steep terrain, I recommend using Sport Mode to keep the engine responsive and maintain control.

Yes, the Honda CR-V can handle a rooftop tent. However, the factory roof rack (if equipped) is not very strong. I recommend upgrading to an aftermarket roof rack, such as Prinsu or ARB, which provides a stronger and flatter surface for your rooftop tent.

Final Words

The Honda CR-V, especially older generations, provides a solid foundation for overlanding adventures.

With the right modifications and gear, you can turn your CR-V into a capable and comfortable off-road traveler. While it is not built for extreme terrain, its versatility and reliability make it an excellent choice for beginner overlanders.

Overlanding might seem intimidating at first, but with proper preparation, your CR-V can help you embrace the freedom and excitement of this travel style.

Good planning ensures your trip is safe, comfortable, and fun.

Share your CR-V overlanding plans in the comments below!

Honda CR-V Overland (Beginner’s Guide & Build)

What Is Overlanding?