How to Open Honda CR-V Trunk from Inside: A Complete Guide

Ever found yourself sitting in your Honda CR-V, needing to access the trunk without stepping out? You’re not alone. Whether you’re driving a brand-new model or an older generation CR-V, knowing how to open your trunk from inside can save time and hassle.

Understanding Your CR-V’s Tailgate System

Before attempting to open your CR-V’s trunk from inside, you need to identify which system your vehicle has. This varies by model year and trim level.

Manual Tailgate System

Most base models and older CR-Vs have a manual tailgate system with no power assistance.

How to identify: No “Power Tailgate” button on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

Power Tailgate System

Common in fifth and sixth generations, especially in higher-end trims.

How to identify: Look for a dedicated button on the driver’s side dashboard panel, marked with an icon of a vehicle with its tailgate open.

Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate

Found in the highest trim levels of newer models.

How to identify: Same as the power tailgate, plus the ability to open by making a kicking motion under the rear bumper.

Opening Your CR-V Trunk from Inside

For Models WITH a Power Tailgate Button

If your CR-V has a power tailgate system, opening from inside is straightforward:

1. Put your vehicle in Park
2. Locate the power tailgate button on the driver’s side control panel
3. Press and hold the button for about one second
4. The tailgate will begin to open automatically with audible and visual cues

Pro tip: A short press while the tailgate is moving will stop it. Another press and hold will reverse its direction.

For Models WITHOUT an Interior Release Button

This is where many CR-V owners get confused. For vehicles with manual tailgates, there is no dedicated “trunk release” button inside the cabin. Instead:

1. Press the master door unlock button on the driver’s door armrest
2. This unlocks all doors including the tailgate
3. Someone outside the vehicle must then press the exterior handle to physically open the tailgate

Unlike sedans that have a separate trunk release, the CR-V’s cargo area is considered part of the main cabin, so it locks and unlocks with all other doors.

Using the Key Fob from Inside

Another method that works from inside your vehicle:

1. Press and hold the tailgate button on your key fob for about one second
2. For power tailgates: The tailgate will open automatically
3. For manual tailgates: The latch will disengage (you’ll hear a “clunk”), but someone must still physically open it from outside

Emergency Release: The Universal Backup

Every Honda CR-V with a top-hinged tailgate has an internal mechanical emergency release. This works regardless of model year, trim level, or battery status.

When to Use the Emergency Release

• When your vehicle’s battery is dead
• If there’s a malfunction in the electronic latch or switch
• In case of accidental entrapment
• When experiencing electronic system glitches

How to Use the Emergency Release

1. Access the cargo area by folding down the rear seats
2. Look for a small, removable cover on the interior plastic trim panel at the bottom of the tailgate
3. Remove this cover using the physical key from your key fob or a small flathead screwdriver
4. Inside the opening, locate a small metal lever or tab
5. Push or slide this lever while pushing outward on the tailgate
6. The tailgate will unlatch and can be pushed open

Troubleshooting Common Trunk Opening Issues

Tailgate Completely Unresponsive

If no electronic method works:

1. Check for a blown fuse: Consult your owner’s manual to locate the fuse box and identify the fuse for “tailgate release” or “power locks”
2. Cold weather issues: Fourth-generation CR-Vs (2012-2016) are known for exterior handle switch failures in cold weather. Honda issued a Technical Service Bulletin about this issue

Power Tailgate Operates Erratically

Try this reset procedure:

1. Manually open the tailgate fully
2. Disconnect the negative terminal from your vehicle’s 12V battery
3. Wait five minutes
4. Manually close the tailgate completely
5. Reconnect the battery and start the engine
6. Test the tailgate using the dashboard button

Tailgate Won’t Stay Open

This is typically caused by worn support struts:

1. Look for gas-pressurized support struts on either side of the tailgate
2. If they fail to hold the tailgate up, replace both struts (a two-person job)

Generation-by-Generation Guide

Sixth Generation (2023–Present)

The latest CR-Vs have standardized the interior power tailgate release button for most trims. The power tailgate is standard on Sport Touring trim and optional on others. After any body work, verify that wiring connectors behind rear panels haven’t been swapped.

Fifth Generation (2017–2022)

Power tailgates became widespread on higher trims (EX-L, Touring). The LX trim continued with the manual system with no interior release button. For power tailgate issues, the battery disconnect reset procedure often resolves problems.

Fourth Generation (2012–2016)

This generation has no interior release button on most trims. The most common issue is the exterior handle switch failing in cold weather. Honda’s service bulletin addresses this known problem.

Third Generation (2007–2011)

These CR-Vs feature fully manual tailgates across all trims with no interior release button. Operation requires unlocking doors with the central locking system, then using the exterior handle.

Older Generations (1997–2006)

The first generation had a side-hinged door instead of a top-hinged tailgate. Second-generation models introduced the top-hinged design, with some featuring a mechanical release lever on the floor or an electronic button on the driver’s door.

Understanding your specific CR-V model is key to successfully opening your trunk from inside. With these methods, you’ll never be stuck wondering how to access your cargo area again!