Entering this year, the 2019 Honda CR-V offers no significant changes in the face of the 2019 Subaru Forester and 2019 Toyota RAV4’s complete overhaul.
Subaru increased the Forester’s well-rounded character, as Toyota beefed up the RAV4’s appearance and capability, making it a bit more rugged. However, ruggedness isn’t what the CR-V is all about. Despite its optional ($1,400) all-wheel drive (AWD), it’s best to think of the CR-V as more of a station wagon for today’s SUV-crossover world. When painted in that light, the CR-V is everything you want it to be: roomy, passenger-friendly, fuel-efficient, and packed with safety tech.
Broken into four trim levels (LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring), the CR-V sources its thrust from two 4-cylinder engines. An automatic transmission delivers engine torque to the front wheels or all wheels with AWD. The CR-V features an instrument panel-mounted shifter.
2019 Honda CR-V LX (Original starting price when new: $24,350)
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The 2019 Honda CR-V LX starts at $24,350.
Unique to the LX is a 184-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. According to government estimates, the FWD version gets 26 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg in combined driving. Opting for AWD scrubs 1 mpg from each number.
The standard features are hill-start assist, 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, and power accessories (door locks, windows, and outboard rearview mirrors).
Also included are active grille shutters, remote keyless entry, a heated rear window, single-zone automatic climate control, and cruise control.
Other standard fare includes a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, a conversation mirror, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, two 12-volt power ports, and one USB port.
The infotainment system features a 5-inch display, a 4-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth.
Other than the government-mandated safety features like stability control, traction control, and a rearview camera, the LX doesn’t offer advanced driver aids.
Beyond AWD, the only factory-installed option Honda provides is for the EX-L grade.
Who is this trim for? Buyers looking for a basic family/cargo hauler with an affordable price will gravitate to the LX.
2019 Honda CR-V LX includes:
Remote keyless entry – You can unlock and lock the vehicle remotely when in range using the fob.
Conversation mirror – Housed in the overhead console, this mirror folds down to provide the driver with a view of the rear-seat passengers.
Cruise control – This is also called speed control. You can lock the system to that speed when you reach the desired speed. The vehicle will maintain that speed until you engage the brakes.
2019 Honda CR-V EX (Original starting price when new: $27,250)
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The 2019 Honda CR-V EX starts at $27,250.
A 190-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine drives the wheels for the EX and upper trim levels. RWD delivers 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway/30 mpg highway. Again, AWD diminishes mileage by 1 mpg in each category.
To the LX, the EX adds remote start, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, an anti-theft system, roof rails, and keyless entry with push-button start. Also standard is a dual-zone automatic climate control, Walk-Away Auto Lock, heated front seats, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Other additions include auto on-off headlights, a 6-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, test messaging, a 7-inch touchscreen, and two additional USB ports.
EX also picks up a driver-aid bundle with forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Other aids include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist.
Who is this trim for? Buyers on the hunt for a full range of driver aids at a price well under $30,000 should appreciate the EX. They get the bonus of comfort and convenience features like heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start.
2019 Honda CR-V EX includes:
Auto-locking – The Walk Away Auto Lock automatically locks all the doors and rear liftgate when the key fob moves more than 8.2 feet from the vehicle.
Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allow your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
2019 Honda CR-V EX-L (Original starting price when new: $29,750)
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The 2019 Honda CR-V EX-L starts at $29,750.
Building on the EX, the EX-L adds a power rear liftgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a Homelink transceiver. Leather seating, driver’s two-position memory, a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and an 8-speaker audio system are also standard. Honda offers an optional navigation system for the EX-L.
Who is this trim for? Honda added some luxury touches to the EX-L like leather seating, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power rear liftgate. So, the EX-L should appeal to buyers looking for a hint of luxury without moving into a more expensive luxury brand.
2019 Honda CR-V EX-L includes:
Power liftgate – It opens with a push of a button on the key fob.
Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind. It then automatically dims the reflection of those lights.
Homelink – This universal transceiver offers programming for your automatic garage door, as well as other functions like your home’s interior light operation.
2019 Honda CR-V Touring (Original starting price when new: $32,750)
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The 2019 Honda CR-V Touring starts at $32,750.
Adding to the EX-L, the Touring grade includes rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free power rear liftgate, LED headlights with auto on-off, and roof rails.
Also standard are a navigation system, a 9-speaker audio system, and a compass.
Who is this trim for? Buyers who want the whole shebang should appreciate the extras like rain-sensing wipers and a hands-free power liftgate provided by the Touring grade.
2019 Honda CR-V Touring includes:
Rain-sensing wipers – It automatically engages the wipers when the system senses moisture on the windshield. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
Hands-free power liftgate – With the key fob on your person, stick your foot under the rear bumper. The liftgate automatically opens.
LED headlights – These auto-on-off LED headlights illuminate a broader and longer area than regular incandescent or halogen lights. That means they are also easier for other drivers to see.
