Overview
The 2019 Honda CR-V is a highly capable utility vehicle thanks for its comfortable ride, lively engine options, and excellent safety rating. Furthermore, it also includes premium cabin facilities with generous passenger space and immense cargo capacity. It ranks no 1 in the Compact SUV class on U.S. News and won Motor Trend SUV of the Year Award as well. Moreover, it is Edmunds’ Best Family SUV and Best Small SUV for this year.
What’s New in 2019 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V was refreshed in 2017 with the better exterior styling, enhanced interior materials, extra passenger and cargo room. Moreover, a fresh infotainment system (also offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and a turbocharged engine choice. The SUV only received small tweaks in 2018 and 2019. We expect major changes in the 2020 model.
2019 Honda CR-V Trim Levels and Engines
The Japanese automaker introduced the 2019 Honda CR-V in four trim levels namely LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. There are two engine choices including a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a 1.5-liter turbo-four. Both assisted by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The base variant LX retains the 2.4L engine generating 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The EX variant comes with a more powerful 1.5L turbo-four pumping out 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. However, Honda offers front-wheel drive as standard while the all-wheel is optional.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Although both the engines are highly capable. The turbo-four is also quicker in acceleration and delivers better fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive model with 2.4L engine delivers 26/32 mpg city/highway. The turbo-four with front-wheel-drive offers 28/34 mpg city/highway, which is pretty good for a compact SUV.
Exterior and Interior Features
The 2019 Honda CR-V features generous standard equipment including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, a rearview camera, and automatic climate control. Furthermore, it includes cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, Bluetooth, two USB ports. And a four-speaker audio system with a 5-inch color display. On the safety front, it does not include advanced safety facilities.
As obvious, the EX variant is better with a remote start, 18-inch wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, and a retractable cargo cover. Furthermore, it includes keyless entry and start, an upgraded driver information display, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats. The Infotainment facilities comprise of a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Audio phone integration, satellite radio, an improved rearview camera and second-row USB charging ports. Its safety facilities also include automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The EX-L takes a step forward to receive a programmable-height power liftgate, driver-seat memory settings, and leather upholstery. Furthermore, a power-adjustable passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio.
The range-topping Touring encompasses LED headlights, dual chrome exhaust tips, roof rails, automatic wipers, and hands-free functionality for the power liftgate. Furthermore, it also includes the ambient interior lighting, the navigation system and a subwoofer for the audio system.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested the 2019 Honda CR-V and ranked it 2019 Top Safety Pick. It also achieved the maximum rating of Good in all crash tests except in the Headlights department in which it received an Acceptable rating for outward visibility. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it four out of five stars in the rollover test. The standard safety features consist of lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, collision mitigation, and forward collision warning. Furthermore, it also includes automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.
Technology
In the tech department, the automaker did a good job. Apart from the standard variant, which features a 5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, others have a 7.0-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and four USB ports. A navigation system with HD Digital Traffic is standard on the Touring trim and optional for others. The EX and EX-L models also come equipped with a 180-watt audio system. However, the Touring variant also offers a 330-watt premium audio system.
Pricing
The base LX costs $24,350, the EX starts at $27,250, the EX-L trim costs $29,750 while the Touring sets you back $32,740.
Key Competitors
The two biggest competitors of the 2019 Honda CR-V are Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. Although, the popular SUV ticks every box it is not necessarily best in every department. Those who desire carlike handling, gorgeous looks and better performance should pick the CX-5. However, if you have a bigger family and needs more space for passengers and luggage. The CR-V is a better option.
Pitting it against the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V falls behind in terms of standard tech and safety features, which include the smartphone integration technology. As well as forwarding collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 is also even more powerful than its competitor. However, the CR-V again wins when we consider it as a full package
Which 2019 Honda CR-V Model Is Right for You?
The 2019 Honda CR-V is an excellent family vehicle. However, if you want to enjoy more safety, convenience and technology equipment. You should move up to at least the CR-V EX. However, It is not only more capable and powerful it is fuel efficient too. Of course, as you go up, the offers beef up.
Pros
- The turbocharged engine is not only quick to accelerate but fuel efficient too
- Lots of space for the passengers and the cargo
- Comfy ride and handling
- Lots of storage compartments
Cons
- The touchscreen is not very user-friendly
- The standard engine option leaves too much to desire
Our Verdict
As stated in the start, the 2019 CR-V has already won many accolades. Which speak volume about its key strengths. It is also a top option for a family of five with tons of passenger and cargo space. Furthermore, a good-looking cabin, advanced safety features, and a comfortable ride quality.
