While considering modifying the Honda CR-V, most users often face a similar question, “Honda CR-V lift kit or bigger tires?”
If you want a more aggressive setup on your Honda with more traction and off-road control, you should go for bigger tires. But first, you need to check out whether your model of Honda CR-V can hold such big tires.
This article will discuss the benefits of using a suspension lift kit and bigger tires. How are they increasing your Honda’s performance, durability, and more?
Next, we will see all the sizes of tires compatible with the Honda CR-V and, finally, draw a conclusion about which modification to start with- lift kit or bigger tires.
Suspension Lift Kit and Its Benefits
First, before deciding on adding a suspension lift kit to your car, someone must know what a lift kit is and how does it work?
As we mentioned earlier, a lift kit is considered a customized modification that, in general, is used in Trucks, SUVs, and in this case, Honda CR-V. The lift kit’s function is to increase the vehicle’s overall height.
It lifts the suspension in the Honda CR-V to absorb more significant shocks during the complex terrain on the road. Numerous other benefits come from adding a suspension lift kit to your car. They are as follows:
- It increases the visibility range of the road to the driver.
- Lift kit enhances better off-road performances such as driving on sand, high rock mountains, and slippery roads.
- The lift kit also allows bigger diameters of tires to fit with your car model, which increases the overall traction in the off-road performance.
- It provides a great outlook on your CR-V.
- Cars equipped with a good brand of suspension lift kit will have an increased sale value if any owner wishes to sell their version of CR-V.
Sizes of Lift Kits Available for Honda CR-V
Let’s assume that some drivers are looking for some models of lift kit to add to their versions of CR-V.
We have mentioned the sizes of lift kits available for the Honda CR-V model for their simplicity. First of all, one has to know the list of versions of CR-Vs. They are as follows:
- 1007 – 2001 CR-V
- 2002 – 2006 CR-V
- 2007 – 2016 CR-V
- 2017 – 2022 CR-V
The lift sizes may vary according to the different year models of CR-V. The available sizes are as follows:
- 1.5-inch Lift Kits – Compatible year model of CR-V: 1997 – 2001, 2002 – 2006, 2007 – 2016
- 2-inch Lift Kits – Compatible year model of CR-V: 1997 – 2001, 2017 – 2022
- 2.5-inch Lift Kits – Compatible year model of CR-V: 1997 – 2001, 2017 – 2022
- 3-inch Lift Kits – Compatible year model of CR-V: 1997 – 2001, 2002 – 2006, 2007 – 2016,
- 4-inch Lift Kits – Compatible year model of CR-V: 1997 – 2001, 2017 – 2022
- 6-inch Lift Kits – Compatible year model of CR-V: 2002 – 2006, 2017 – 2022
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bigger Tires on Honda CR-V
Most importantly, upgrading the tire size will provide an excellent outlook for your Honda CR-V, but there are certain drawbacks to consider while getting a greater diameter.
At a glance, here are the advantages and disadvantages of bigger tires for your Honda CR-V:
Advantages of Bigger Tires on Honda CR-V
Provides More Traction and Grip on the Surface
When you set large tires on the car, they will simply have better rubber contact with the road surface. More rubber means there will be more frictional force when you are driving. Therefore, it lets you handle your CR-V on slippery roads during the rainy season.
Improve Handling
Bigger tires come with more handling on the steering wheels. This process allows you to make tight corners (during parking) very quickly.
More Efficient Braking
As we said earlier, bigger tires come with a more incredible grip; this allows you to initiate smoother brakes on the road, thus lasting the braking gears for a more significant amount of time.
Better Outlook
Last but not least, we have mentioned that bigger tires are also a part of showing off to your closed ones because it adds quite a look to your CR-Vs.
Disadvantages of Bigger Tires on Honda CR-V
Decreases Fuel Economy
On the other hand, attaching bigger tires adds weight to your car. It burdens the engine, which needs to develop more torque for the same level of acceleration. Hence, more fuel will be burned, which results in a decrease in fuel economy.
Provides Less Acceleration
As mentioned in the previous section, due to the enormous weight of the tires, the engine might not be capable of producing the required torque. So, one might observe that their CR-V’s acceleration is not up to the mark.
Frequent Wearing of Tires
As bigger tires will have more contact with the road surface, these tires will have a more chance of wearing out than normal-sized ones. So, one might keep an eye on the lasting period because they will require replacement after a certain period.
Wrong Readings in the Speedometer
All internal parts of the CR-V are calibrated according to the parts provided by the manufacturers. Hence, modifying them might fail in the synchronization process.
So, bigger tires might produce wrong readings in the speedometer, which will be troublesome in the long run.
Now that you have a clear idea about the effects of bigger tires on your CR-V, you should know the sizes available so they can assume the type of modification they need.
Sizes of Tires Available for Honda CR-V
First and foremost, Honda CR-V allows bigger tires as a part of the modification. Still, according to our research, the manufacturers suggest staying within the sizes available according to the model.
If you take a closer look at the recent models of the Honda CR-V, the 2022 and 2021 models come with tire sizes of 235/60 R18 and 235/65 R17, respectively.
On the other hand, different versions of the 2020 Honda CR-V come with a tire size of 235/60 R18 or 235/55 R19. In some cases, the LX 2WD and 4WD come with a tire size of 235/65 R17.
Additionally, the 2018 and 2019 models of the Honda CR-V get the exact tire size as the 2020 model, which is 235/60 R18. Now, one might get puzzled after reading all the tire sizes. What does each number mean? Let us clarify that with an example!
Assume that you have a tire size of 235/60 R18. The number 235 represents the tire’s section width. On the other hand, 60 represents the tire’s aspect ratio. R stands for Radial, 18 represents the tire’s diameter (wheel), and the unit is in inches.
Therefore, next time you visit a store to look at different tire models, look primarily for the wheel diameter and check it with your existing tire. It will help you to develop a better comparison.
Nonetheless, if you have further problems figuring out the measurement of a tire, check on the tutorial video link below for a better understanding:
Honda CR-V Lift Kit or Bigger Tires – Which is the Best Solution?
Now let’s come to the main question, which will be the best solution- A lift kit or bigger tires?
Based on our intensive research, we have found that if someone wants to set a tire more extensive than the sizes mentioned above, they should purchase a suitable model of lift kit first.
Many cars are entitled to fit bigger tire sizes, but when it comes to Honda CR-V, the manufacturers suggest sticking to the sizes available in the display.
But, if someone wants to add some aggressive or better outlook to their CR-V, they should go for a lift kit first and purchase suitable tire sizes for the modification.
But one must remember that going for a suspension lift kit and oversized tires can be expensive. Therefore, ensure a wealthy budget if your target is to make your Honda CR-V more fashionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can We Put Bigger Tires on Honda CR-V?
There are numerous options available for the tire sizes in Honda CR-V. The general rule is to apply the modification within the given tire sizes. But, if someone wants to add massive tires, they must add a component to the specification, a suspension lift kit that will make room for larger tires.
- Are Bigger Tires Beneficial?
In simpler terms, bigger tires are beneficial in providing greater friction on the road surface, enabling more control during tight turns, and increasing the car’s outlook.
- What are the Consequences of Bigger Tires in the Engine?
Bigger tires add more weight to the cars. Engines need to produce more torque on the wheels to provide the same amount of acceleration to compensate for this additional weight. In the long run, the engine’s fuel economy decreases, which requires frequent fuel re-filling.
- Is There Any Possibility of Bigger Tires Damaging the Transmission System?
As bigger tires keep the engine busy, the transmission system that transmits the delivered power from the engine to the wheels will have to work with more pressure than often. Hence, the gears inside the transmission system will generally wear out in time.
Conclusion
So, how are you deciding? Is it a Honda CR-V lift Kit or bigger tires? We have provided all the necessary guidelines, like the benefits of the lift kit, the effects of bigger tires, and tire sizes available in every model of the Honda CR-V.
Honda CR-V has some dedicated tire sizes, and if someone wants to modify their tires even to bigger sizes, they should install a lift kit first and then purchase big tires or wheels.
But the whole process will be costly. So, research before making such decisions, and have fun with your modifications!
About the author
Marcus Brown is editor-in-chief of The FatMech and is a mechanic with ten years' experience based in London, UK. Having worked for major dealerships for many years, Marcus now works for a local independent garage and has experience working on nearly every make and model of car. Marcus also has a passion for writing and teaching, which is where the idea for The FatMech came from. In his spare time, Marcus enjoys playing golf, doing home renovations and gardening. He lives just outside London with his wife and son.