I Took the Honda CR-V Up Into the San Juans Sitting at 12.2K Feet, I Think It’s Safe To Say I’ve Officially Found Its AWD Limit Compared To a True Jeep 4x4

Aaron took his lifted 2025 Honda CR-V to 12.2K feet, testing his prototype suspension to the limit and chilling with the Jeepers after a brutal climb... until the icy descent. AWD vs. 4x4: The ultimate test!, and 119 days on the road and counting.

I've often said that the real heroes of the automotive world aren't the engineers in sterile labs, but the drivers pushing the envelope in the wild. When I saw this post from Aaron about his trek through the San Juans (a mountain range in southern Colorado), specifically the 12,200-foot saddle between Hurricane and California Gulch, I knew there was a story that confirms what I've thought for years: the Honda CR-V is tougher than it gets credit for. However, even with off-road upgrades, Aaron found the absolute limit.

Aaron Chokbengboun on the Honda CR-V Community Facebook page says,

"I took the CR-V up into the San Juans — sitting at 12.2K feet between Hurricane and California Gulch. I think it's safe to say I've officially found the limit of what AWD can do compared to a true 4x4. My prototype suspension held up, and I was chilling with the jeepers! However, coming down was scary due to the icy trail with snow on top."

"I honestly don't care what people say. I've been testing the durability of the 6th-gen CR-V, and it's taken me to cool places. With the upgraded prototype suspension from Dobinson, I've taken this off-roading more than I wanted, and I'm super excited about how it's been performing! Next up is the front and rear aluminum bumper coming soon!" 

Here is what Aaron put on his CR-V (sponsor build).

• midlandusa - MXT275 GMRS
• rigidarmor - full platform rack and tire carrier
• inspired_overland - rooftop tent
• primoworkz - trasharoo bag
• dobinsonsusa - prototype first suspension kit for 6th gen CRV
• cargokits - full kitchen set up USA MADE!!
• atturotires - 245/70r17 ATS
• novsight - full X series lights
• openroad_4wd - 180 awning
• voxxwheel - Enzo wheels
• howlcampfires - R1 fire pit, coming soon!
• seasuckercamp -sea suckers roto mounts
• rotopaxofficial -roto packs and traction board
• icecofreezer -APL55 fridge
• bluetti_official - AC200+240 with Charger1
• mictuning2 -switch panel
• r1concepts off-road rotor and brake package

He concludes with, "119 days of full-time life on the road in my CR-V, and the journey has been unreal! After two years with this build, we're still testing, creating, and developing new parts to bring even more to the adventure community."

What Aaron Proved About Honda's AWD Limits at 12,200 Feet: The Prototype Suspension is the Game Change

Aaron's commitment to 6th Gen CR-V Off-Road durability testing is relentless. For two years, he's been living the full-time overlanding life, using his CR-V as the ultimate test mule. The key component allowing him to "chill with the Jeepers" is undoubtedly the suspension. 

The fact that the Dobinsons Prototype Suspension 6th Gen CR-V kit held up under the extreme load of a full-platform rack, rooftop tent, fridge, and full kitchen is a testament not just to the aftermarket supplier but to the inherent durability of the CR-V chassis itself.

This prototype suspension isn't just about lift; it's about managing weight and articulation—forces the stock CR-V was never designed to handle. For owners looking to enter the soft-roading or overlanding space, this is a clear takeaway: the suspension and tire combination (Atturo 245/70R17 ATS) is the foundation that unlocks the CR-V's potential. Without this prototype setup, Aaron would have been stranded long before the 12,000-foot mark.

When AWD Hits the Limit

Aaron's most significant observation was that the AWD system hit the "limit of what AWD can do compared to a true 4x4." This is the reality check that every AWD owner needs to heed, especially at high altitudes. The danger came on the descent due to an icy trail with a fresh layer of snow on top.

Here's the technical breakdown: Honda's AWD system is good at preventing wheel slip by quickly distributing torque. However, it lacks the low-range gearing and mechanical locking mechanisms of a true 4x4 system (like those found in a Jeep or a Tacoma). 

On sheer ice, where four wheels are desperately seeking traction simultaneously, a transfer case and a low-range reduction gear provide the fine-grained control and engine braking force needed to crawl safely. When descending a steep, icy grade, the CR-V's system—even with the best tires—exposes its weakness due to the lack of true low-range. This is the definitive finding on AWD vs actual 4x4 icy trail performance.

For those attempting similar feats, here are practical safety recommendations for high-altitude off-roading:

• Chains Are Non-Negotiable: Carry and know how to install high-quality tire chains, especially for descents on snow and ice.
• Air Down: Use the MidlandUSA GMRS radio to coordinate and air down your Atturo tires to 18–20 psi for greater surface area and grip on soft or uneven surfaces.
• Never Over-rely on Brakes: Use engine braking as much as possible, regardless of transmission, to avoid locking up on ice.

119 days require robust, reliable gear.

The sheer scope of Aaron's overland build list for the Honda CR-V demonstrates the dedication required for this lifestyle. Living a full-time life on the road in a Honda CR-V for 119 days requires robust, reliable gear, not just bolted-on fluff. 

Key components like the Rigid Armor rack/tire carrier, the inspired_overland rooftop tent, and the Bluetti AC200 power station underscore a genuine, self-sufficient setup. The upcoming aluminum bumpers are a smart next step, offering critical departure and approach angle protection that the stock CR-V sorely lacks.

What the Community is Saying

The off-road community is watching builds like Aaron's closely, recognizing the value proposition of the CR-V: affordable reliability with vast aftermarket potential.

"Forget the TrailSport package. This build is what Honda should offer from the factory." (CR-V Enthusiasts FB Group)

"The CR-V is proving it's the next budget-friendly overlander. That Dobinsons lift makes it look like a baby Passport." (r/crv, Reddit)

"I've seen this rig in person in Moab. It keeps up. The only difference is the driver commitment." (Overland Forum)

Related Analysis: Check out these CR-V owner stories.

This report urges Honda to up its game: New Off-Road Ready CR-V Exploit Is What You Want, and Honda Desperately Needs It Now.

For my look at CR-V models for extreme trails, read: Honda Wants You To Dream With These Two New CR-V Adventure Builds

In this story, an owner of a new 2025 Honda Civic Type R expresses buyer's remorse, noting that the new car is missing features that his older 2005 Honda CR-V had: "I Just Wasted $50K On a 2025 Honda Civic, My 2005 Honda CR-V Had More Features Than This New Model"

Conclusion

Aaron Chokbengboun's adventure validates two things: 

First, the 6th Gen CR-V is fundamentally durable and, with the right prototype suspension, can tackle genuinely challenging terrain. 

Second, it serves as a crucial, hard-won lesson on the critical difference between the dynamic, adaptable nature of modern AWD and the raw, low-range mechanical dominance of a true 4x4 on icy slopes. 

The fact that Aaron came down safely proves not just the vehicle's capability, but the driver's respect for the limitations he identified. His CR-V has transitioned from being a humble grocery-getter to a legitimate, albeit modified, overlanding platform.

My question to you: 

Given Aaron's successful testing, do you believe Honda should collaborate with the aftermarket community (like Dobinsons and Rigid Armor) to offer a genuine, factory-backed "Overland Edition" of the CR-V? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts.

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Aaron Chokbengboun