Quick answer: the 2012–2014 Honda CR-V takes 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) of oil with a filter change. The 2015–2016 CR-V takes 4.6 US qt (4.4 L). Honda specifies 0W-20 for all of them.
| Model years | Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Without filter | Oil type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2014 | 2.4L 4-cylinder (2,354 cm³) | 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) | 4.0 US qt (3.8 L) | 0W-20 |
| 2015–2016 | 2.4L direct-injection 4-cylinder (2,356 cm³) | 4.6 US qt (4.4 L) | 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) | 0W-20 |
Watch out: there is no single oil capacity for the whole 2012–2016 CR-V. Honda’s manuals show two: the 2015 update brought a new 2.4L engine that takes 0.4 quart more oil.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | Oil capacity (with filter) | Checked in |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) | 2012 owner’s manual |
| 2013 | 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) | 2013 owner’s manual |
| 2014 | 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) | 2014 owner’s manual |
| 2015 | 4.6 US qt (4.4 L)* | Manual not published by Honda |
| 2016 | 4.6 US qt (4.4 L) | 2016 owner’s manual |
Every 2012–2016 CR-V sold in the U.S. has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 2015 update replaced it with a direct-injection version, which is why the oil capacity changes.
Recommended oil type
All four manuals we checked list Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20 or an API premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil. Any brand with the API Certification Seal and the 0W-20 grade meets Honda’s requirement.
How to reset the oil life on the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V
See also: Honda oil life reset for all models.
The procedure depends on the display in your CR-V. These steps come from the 2012 and 2016 owner’s manuals.
Cars with a SEL/RESET knob (information display)
- Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Press the SEL/RESET knob repeatedly until the engine oil life is displayed.
- Press and hold the knob for 10 seconds or more. The oil life indicator and the maintenance codes blink.
- Press the knob for five seconds or more. The codes disappear and oil life returns to 100%.
Cars with the i-MID screen
- Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Go to the Maintenance info screen.
- Press the SOURCE button. The oil life reset mode appears.
- Select Yes and press SOURCE again. Oil life returns to 100%.
2015–2016 cars with the multi-information display
- Set the power mode to ON.
- Select VEHICLE SETTINGS with the arrow button, then press the SEL/RESET button.
- Select MAINTENANCE RESET, then press SEL/RESET.
- Select RESET, then press SEL/RESET. The service code disappears and oil life returns to 100%.
Oil change tips
- Use the figure for your model year: 4.2 quarts for 2012–2014, 4.6 quarts for 2015–2016.
- Add a little less than the full amount, check the dipstick, then top up to the upper mark.
- Do not fill above the upper mark on the dipstick. Honda warns that overfilling can damage the engine.
- A 5-quart jug covers one change on any year of this generation.
- There is no fixed mileage interval in the manual: follow the Maintenance Minder percentage.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Honda’s owner’s manuals on Honda’s technical information server (techinfo.honda.com), Specifications and Maintenance Minder sections:
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 21, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V take?
It depends on the year. The 2012–2014 CR-V takes 4.2 US quarts (4.0 L) with a filter change. The 2015–2016 CR-V takes 4.6 US quarts (4.4 L).
What oil does a 2012–2016 CR-V use?
Honda specifies Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20 or an API premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil for every year of this generation.
Why does the 2015 CR-V take more oil than the 2014?
The 2015 update brought a new direct-injection 2.4L engine (2,356 cm³ instead of 2,354 cm³). Its oil change with filter is 4.6 quarts, against 4.2 quarts for the earlier engine.
How much oil without changing the filter?
4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) for 2012–2014 and 4.4 US quarts (4.2 L) for 2015–2016.
How do I reset the oil life on a 2012–2016 CR-V?
With the ignition ON, hold the SEL/RESET knob for 10 seconds and then 5 seconds, or, on cars with the i-MID screen, open Maintenance info, press SOURCE and select Yes. 2015–2016 cars with the multi-information display use Vehicle Settings, Maintenance Reset, Reset.
Newer CR-V? See the 2017–2022 Honda CR-V oil type and capacity.
Older CR-V? See the 2007–2011 Honda CR-V oil type and capacity.