Best Lift Kits for 6th Gen Honda CR-V: Running Larger All-Terrain Off-Road Tires
You’ve spent hours looking at photos of lifted CR-Vs with aggressive all-terrain tires, and now you’re wondering if your sensible family SUV can actually pull off that rugged look—without ruining the ride you’ve come to love.
Maybe you’re planning a weekend overlanding trip, or you just want a more commanding presence on the road. Whatever the reason, lifting your 6th Gen CR-V and fitting larger tires is absolutely doable. But here’s the thing—not all lift kits are created equal, and if you pick the wrong one, you’ll end up with a bouncy ride, uneven tire wear, or worse. Let’s break down what actually works for your CR-V.
TL;DR
The best lift kits for the 6th Gen Honda CR-V (2017–present) use strut spacers to raise the front by 30mm to 1.5 inches without changing the factory suspension tuning. The Tema4x4 30mm Complete Lift Kit is a top choice for a modest, durable front lift, while the ReadyLIFT 1.5″ SST Lift Kit provides a full 1.5-inch lift that works for many 2017–2021 models. For a more substantial upgrade, the Rough Country 2-inch Lift Kit with N3 Loaded Struts replaces the struts entirely for improved off-road performance. Remember that you’ll need a rear camber kit to correct alignment after lifting, and you may need to trim or modify wheel wells to fit larger tires. Professional installation and a full alignment are always recommended after any lift.
Key Takeaways
- The 6th Gen CR-V (2017–present) can be lifted using strut spacers or full replacement strut systems.
- Tema4x4 and ReadyLIFT offer reliable spacer-based lifts that preserve factory ride quality.
- Rough Country provides a more complete 2-inch lift with upgraded N3 struts and rear coils.
- Adding a lift allows for larger all-terrain tires, but you’ll need to check fitment and possibly trim fenders.
- A rear camber kit is essential to correct alignment and prevent uneven tire wear after lifting.
- Expect some trade-offs: slightly reduced fuel economy, altered speedometer readings, and increased road noise from aggressive tires.
Why Lift Your CR-V?
Lifting your CR-V isn’t just about looking cool—though that’s definitely part of it. A proper lift kit improves ground clearance, which helps you clear obstacles on off-road trails, handle deeper snow, and navigate rutted dirt roads without scraping your undercarriage.
It also creates room for larger tires. And larger tires mean more rubber on the ground, which translates to better traction on loose surfaces like gravel, mud, or sand. You’ll also get better approach and departure angles, making it easier to tackle steeper inclines without dragging your bumpers.
The Best Lift Kits for 6th Gen CR-V
1. Tema4x4 30mm Complete Lift Kit (Best Quality)
This kit is a favorite among CR-V owners who want a modest, reliable lift without altering the factory suspension tuning. It uses polyurethane (PU) strut and coil spacers to raise the front by 30mm (about 1.18 inches).
- Fitment: 2017–present Honda CR-V
- Material: Polyurethane (durable and corrosion-resistant)
- What’s Included: Coil spacers and strut spacers
- Best For: Drivers who want improved clearance and a slight stance upgrade without changing ride quality
- Limitation: Front-only lift—the rear stays at factory height unless you add a separate rear spacer
Italics: One owner who installed this kit noted that the difference in ground clearance is subtle but noticeable, especially when navigating steep driveway entrances or light trail sections.
2. ReadyLIFT 1.5″ SST Lift Kit (Best Overall)
ReadyLIFT’s Smart Suspension Technology (SST) kit is a complete bolt-on spacer system that raises both the front and rear, giving you about 1.5 inches of additional ground clearance. It’s engineered to maintain the factory ride and handling characteristics.
- Fitment: 2017–2021 Honda CR-V
- Lift Height: 1.5 inches front, approximately 1–1.5 inches rear
- Material: Steel and billet aluminum components
- Best For: Owners who want a balanced lift and the ability to run larger tires without sacrificing daily drivability
- Limitation: Does not include upgraded shocks or struts; factory components remain
3. Rough Country 2-inch Lift Kit with N3 Loaded Struts (Most Capable)
If you want a more substantial lift and improved off-road performance, Rough Country’s 2-inch kit is worth a serious look. It replaces your factory struts with premium N3 loaded struts and includes application-specific rear coils for better ride quality.
- Fitment: Honda CR-V (specific years vary by application)
- Lift Height: 2 inches, with a leveling effect to eliminate the factory nose-down rake
- Includes: N3 loaded front struts, rear lift springs, and all necessary hardware
- Best For: Off-road enthusiasts who want increased ground clearance and a more aggressive stance
- Limitation: More expensive than spacer kits, and installation is more involved
“A small lift makes a big difference! By leveling your CR-V, you achieve a balanced stance that’s sure to turn heads. Not only does this kit improve aesthetics, but it also enhances off-road capability, providing the clearance needed for oversized wheels and tires that set your vehicle apart from the rest.”
4. SPACCER Lift Kit (Premium German Option)
For those who want precision engineering, SPACCER offers customizable aluminum spacer kits that can be stacked to achieve up to 48mm (about 1.89 inches) of lift. Each SPACCER is custom-milled based on your vehicle’s chassis number for a perfect fit.
- Fitment: 2023–present CR-V VI (e:HEV and PHEV models)
- Lift Height: Adjustable from 12mm to 48mm (0.47 to 1.89 inches)
- Material: Black anodized aluminum, TÜV certified
- Best For: Owners who want a bespoke, high-quality lift with German engineering
- Limitation: Custom order with 8–14 day delivery; higher price point
The Essential Companion: Rear Camber Kit
Here’s something many first-time lifters overlook. When you lift a CR-V, the rear suspension geometry changes, and the wheels can tilt inward—a condition called negative camber. This will chew through your tires unevenly unless you correct it.
The Truhart Rear Camber Kit is designed specifically for lifted CR-Vs. It replaces the factory rear camber link with an adjustable version, letting you dial the alignment back to factory specs.
- Fitment: 1997–2001 CR-V (and similar setups for other generations)
- Why You Need It: Prevents uneven tire wear, improves handling, and protects your suspension investment
- Limitation: Only addresses the rear; front alignment must be handled separately
Running Larger Tires: What You Need to Know
Once your CR-V is lifted, you’ll have room for bigger, more aggressive tires. But the lift alone isn’t always enough. You may also need to:
- Check wheel offset and backspacing to ensure the tires don’t rub on the suspension components or wheel wells.
- Trim or modify fender liners if you’re going with a particularly aggressive size.
- Re-calibrate the speedometer—larger tires spin slower, which throws off your speed and odometer readings.
Tire Fitment Considerations
- Factory CR-V Tire Sizes: Typically 235/60 R18 or 235/65 R17 on recent models.
- After a 1.5-inch Lift: You can usually step up to a 245/65 R17 or similar without major modifications.
- After a 2-inch Lift: Some owners have fit 245/70 R17 or even 235/75 R15 with minor trimming.
Italics: Keep in mind that larger tires add weight and rolling resistance, which will reduce your fuel economy and may make acceleration feel slightly slower. It’s a trade-off for that aggressive look and off-road capability.
Comparison Table: Top Lift Kits for 6th Gen CR-V
| Lift Kit | Lift Height | Type | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tema4x4 30mm | 30mm (front) | Spacers | Polyurethane | Reliable, factory-like ride |
| ReadyLIFT 1.5″ SST | 1.5″ front & rear | Spacers | Steel & aluminum | Balanced lift, daily drivability |
| Rough Country 2″ | 2″ | Full strut replacement | N3 struts + coils | Off-road performance, aggressive stance |
| SPACCER | Adjustable 12–48mm | Spacers (stackable) | Aluminum (custom) | Precision fitment, German quality |
Chart: Lift Height vs. Tire Size Compatibility
FAQs
What is the best lift kit for a 6th Gen Honda CR-V?
The Tema4x4 30mm kit and ReadyLIFT 1.5″ SST are top choices for reliable, factory-quality lifts. For more off-road capability, the Rough Country 2-inch kit with N3 struts is excellent.
Will a lift kit ruin my CR-V’s ride quality?
Spacer-based kits like Tema4x4 and ReadyLIFT preserve the factory ride quality because they don’t change the springs or shocks. Full strut replacement kits like Rough Country are designed to improve off-road performance while maintaining comfort.
Do I need a camber kit after lifting my CR-V?
Yes, especially for the rear. A lift changes the suspension geometry, causing negative camber that leads to uneven tire wear. An adjustable rear camber kit corrects this.
What size tires can I run after lifting my CR-V?
With a 1.5-inch lift, you can typically run 28.5-inch diameter tires. With a 2-inch lift, 29-inch tires may fit with minor trimming. Always check fitment based on your specific lift and wheel offset.
Can I install a lift kit myself?
Spacer kits are designed for bolt-on installation and can be installed by a competent DIYer with basic tools. Full strut replacement kits are more involved and may be better left to a professional shop.
Will a lift kit void my Honda warranty?
Aftermarket suspension modifications can affect warranty coverage on related components like suspension and drivetrain parts. The warranty on other systems typically remains intact. Check with your dealer for specifics.
Have you lifted your CR-V or installed larger tires? Which lift kit did you choose and how did it turn out? Share your experience in the comments below!
For further reading on Honda CR-V lift kits and off-road modifications:
