The 2019 Honda CR-V is one of the bestselling vehicles in the country, and while popularity doesn't necessarily go hand-in-hand with excellence, it most certainly does in this case. The CR-V is impeccably well-rounded with space, fuel economy, performance, value, safety and quality that betters most of its compact crossover SUV competitors. And while some of its rivals may be sportier, more characterful or off-road capable, none manage to cater to such a wide audience. We highly recommend any search for a small SUV include the 2019 CR-V.
What's new for 2019?

The CR-V provides a tasteful, if a tad dull, design aesthetic backed up with above-average materials and build construction for this segment. If you're a previous CR-V owner, you'll note that this most recent version features a higher-quality and more premium environment than past models. If you aren't, you'll still find it to have one of the nicest cabins in terms of quality, and also one of the most functional, as it boasts a number of clever storage solutions in the center console.

Starting with the EX trim, the CR-V comes standard with an abundance of tech for a reasonable price that makes the base LX trim a bit of a moot point. You get three USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a variety of other smartphone integration apps and a six-speaker sound system. Controlling them is a seven-inch touchscreen, which isn't the CR-V's strongest element due to iffy responses, lack of physical menu buttons, and an occasionally confusing menu structure. Honda's newer interface found in the Odyssey and Accord corrects these issues. Rival systems, particularly the Subaru Forester's, offer comparable features with a more user-friendly interface.

The CR-V is one of the larger "compact SUVs," at least on the inside, as Honda typically does a better job than most of maximizing every bit of interior space possible. Although its overall exterior length and width are average for the segment, its passenger and cargo space are better than nearly every competitor. The 60/40-split reclining back seat provides genuine space and comfort for even large adults, while a rear-facing car seat should be able to fit in the middle position — even with taller passengers up front. Honda also provides LATCH anchors in all three seating positions. Headroom is abundant regardless of the seating position or the presence of the available sunroof.

Behind that back seat is a large and versatile cargo area (37.6 to 39.2 cubic feet) with one of the lowest, most easily loaded cargo floors in the segment. That's good news if you'll be lifting a big, heavy stroller, or the dog needs to jump aboard. Folding the back seat down using the two remote pulls in the cargo area reveals 75.8 cubic feet of maximum capacity. That's better than most midsize SUVs like the Ford Edge and better than all its fellow compact SUVs, save the Subaru Forester, which nicks it by a mere 0.3 cubic feet of space.

The 2019 Honda CR-V is technically available with two engines, but only the base CR-V LX comes with the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Front- and all-wheel drive are available, and like every CR-V, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard. This engine's output of 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque is actually pretty good for the segment, as is its fuel economy of 28 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined (FWD). AWD lowers those figures by 1 mpg each.

Nevertheless, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in all other trim levels is one of the most appealing engines in the segment (at least on paper). Its output of 190 hp and 179 lb-ft is better than most, while fuel economy improves to 28 city/32 highway/30 combined with FWD. AWD drops those figures by 1 mpg. This performance-to-fuel-economy balance is exceptional.

Today's CR-V drives with greater refinement and sophistication than past versions. It's more comfortable, there's less wind and road noise, and the turbo engine's low-end power results in quieter, less strained noises when driven around town. These observations largely apply in relation to most competitors as well.

In general, the CR-V is well-rounded. Its steering is nicely weighted and imparts sufficient confidence, but doesn't make parking a chore. Its handling certainly isn't the most responsive or road hugging in the segment, but it also inspires confidence while not taking away from the comfortable ride. As for the engine, that low-end power from the turbocharged engine makes the CR-V feel like a strong performer at more mundane, around-town speeds. Open it up and it starts to run out of steam, and you'll notice some droning from the CVT.

ENGINEERING LX EX EX-L Touring
Engine Type In-Line 4-Cylinder In-Line 4-Cylinder with Single-Scroll MHI TD03 Turbo and Internal Wastegate In-Line 4-Cylinder with Single-Scroll MHI TD03 Turbo and Internal Wastegate In-Line 4-Cylinder with Single-Scroll MHI TD03 Turbo and Internal Wastegate
Boost Pressure 18.5 psi 18.5 psi 18.5 psi
Displacement 2356 cc 1498 cc 1498 cc 1498 cc
Horsepower (SAE net) 184 @ 6400 rpm 190 @ 5600 rpm 190 @ 5600 rpm 190 @ 5600 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 180 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm 179 lb-ft @ 2000-5000 rpm 179 lb-ft @ 2000-5000 rpm 179 lb-ft @ 2000-5000 rpm
Bore and Stroke 87.0 mm x 99.1 mm 73.0 mm / 89.5 mm 73.0 mm / 89.5 mm 73.0 mm / 89.5 mm
Compression Ratio 11.1 : 1 10.3 : 1 10.3 : 1 10.3 : 1
Valve Train 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC® 16-Valve DOHC 16-Valve DOHC 16-Valve DOHC
Fuel Injection Direct Direct Direct Direct
Drive-by-Wire Throttle System • • • •
Electric Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold • • • •
Eco Assist™ System • • • •
Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) • • • •
Hill Start Assist • • • •
Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer • • • •
Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ Available Available Available Available
CARB Emissions Rating1 LEV3-ULEV70 LEV3-ULEV70 LEV3-ULEV70 LEV3-ULEV70
Remote Engine Start • • •

TRANSMISSION LX EX EX-L Touring
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode • • • •
Gear Ratios: 2.645~0.405, Reverse: 1.859~1.265, Final Drive: 5.05 (LX), 5.64 (EX > Touring)

BODY/SUSPENSION/CHASSIS LX EX EX-L Touring
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension • • • •
Multi-Link Double Wishbone Rear Suspension • • • •
Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) • • • •
Stabilizer Bar (front/rear, 2WD) 23.0 mm (tubular) / 17.7 mm (solid) 23.0 mm (tubular) / 17.7 mm (solid) 23.0 mm (tubular) / 17.7 mm (solid) 23.0 mm (tubular) / 17.7 mm (solid)
Stabilizer Bar (front/rear, AWD) 23.0 mm (tubular) / 13.0 mm (solid) 23.0 mm (tubular) / 13.0 mm (solid) 23.0 mm (tubular) / 13.0 mm (solid) 23.0 mm (tubular) / 13.0 mm (solid)
Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock 2.30 2.30 2.30 2.30
Steering Ratio 12.30 : 1 12.30 : 1 12.30 : 1 12.30 : 1
Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (2WD/AWD) 37.4 37.4 37.4 37.4
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (front/rear) 11.1 in / 10.2 in 11.1 in / 10.2 in 11.1 in / 10.2 in 11.1 in / 10.2 in
Wheels 17 in Alloy 18 in Alloy 18 in Alloy 18 in Alloy
All-Season Tires 235 / 65 R17 104H 235 / 60 R18 103H 235 / 60 R18 103H 235 / 60 R18 103H
Compact Spare Tire T155 / 90 D17 112M T155 / 90 D17 112M T155 / 90 D17 112M T155 / 90 D17 112M

EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS LX EX EX-L Touring
Wheelbase 104.7 in 104.7 in 104.7 in 104.7 in
Length 180.6 in 180.6 in 180.6 in 180.6 in
Height (2WD/AWD) 66.1 in / 66.5 in 66.1 in / 66.5 in 66.1 in / 66.5 in 66.1 in / 66.5 in
Width 73.0 in 73.0 in 73.0 in 73.0 in
Track (front/rear) (2WD) 63.0 in / 63.7 in 63.0 in / 63.7 in 63.0 in / 63.7 in 63.0 in / 63.7 in
Track (front/rear) (AWD) 62.9 in / 63.5 in 62.9 in / 63.5 in 62.9 in / 63.5 in 62.9 in / 63.5 in
Ground Clearance (unladen, 2WD/AWD) 7.8 in / 8.2 in 7.8 in / 8.2 in 7.8 in / 8.2 in 7.8 in / 8.2 in
Approach/Departure Angles (2WD) 19.3° / 23.5° 19.3° / 23.5° 19.3° / 23.5° 19.3° / 23.5°
Approach/Departure Angles (AWD) 20.8° / 24.8° 20.8° / 24.8° 20.8° / 24.8° 20.8° / 24.8°
Curb Weight (2WD/AWD) 3307 lbs / 3421 lbs 3358 lbs / 3473 lbs 3377 lbs / 3492 lbs 3397 lbs / 3512 lbs
Weight Distribution (front/rear, 2WD) 59% / 41% 59% / 41% 58% / 42% 58% / 42%
Weight Distribution (front/rear, AWD) 58% / 42% 58% / 42% 57% / 43% 57% / 43%
Towing Capacity 1500 lbs 1500 lbs 1500 lbs 1500 lbs

INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS LX EX EX-L Touring
Headroom (front/rear) 40.1 in / 39.2 in 38.0 in / 39.1 in 38.0 in / 39.1 in 37.8 in / 38.3 in
Legroom (front/rear) 41.3 in / 40.4 in 41.3 in / 40.4 in 41.3 in / 40.4 in 41.3 in / 40.4 in
Shoulder Room (front/rear) 57.9 in / 55.6 in 57.9 in / 55.6 in 57.9 in / 55.6 in 57.9 in / 55.6 in
Hiproom (front/rear) 55.1 in / 49.5 in 55.1 in / 49.5 in 55.1 in / 49.5 in 55.1 in / 49.5 in
Cargo Volume (rear seat up/down) 39.2 cu ft / 75.8 cu ft 39.2 cu ft / 75.8 cu ft 39.2 cu ft / 75.8 cu ft 37.6 cu ft / 75.8 cu ft
Passenger Volume 105.9 cu ft 102.9 cu ft 102.9 cu ft 101.6 cu ft
Seating Capacity 5 5 5 5

EPA MILEAGE RATINGS2/FUEL LX EX EX-L Touring
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (2WD; City/Highway/Combined) 26 / 32 / 28 28 / 34 / 30 28 / 34 / 30 28 / 34 / 30
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (AWD; City/Highway/Combined) 25 / 31 / 27 27 / 33 / 29 27 / 33 / 29 27 / 33 / 29
Fuel Tank Capacity 14.0 gal 14.0 gal 14.0 gal 14.0 gal
Required Fuel Regular Unleaded Regular Unleaded Regular Unleaded Regular Unleaded

ACTIVE SAFETY LX EX EX-L Touring
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control3 • • • •
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) • • • •
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) • • • •
Brake Assist • • • •
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)4 • • • •
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) • • • •
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera5 with Guidelines with Dynamic Guidelines with Dynamic Guidelines with Dynamic Guidelines
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)6 (HS) • • •
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)7 (HS) • • •
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)8 (HS) • • •
Road Departure Mitigation System9 (RDM) (HS) • • •
(HS) = feature is a component of the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive features
PASSIVE SAFETY LX EX EX-L Touring
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure • • • •
Advanced Front Airbags (i-SRS) • • • •
SmartVent® Front Side Airbags • • • •
Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor • • • •
3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions • • • •
Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System • • • •
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All) • • • •
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat-Belt Reminder • • • •
Child-Proof Rear Door Locks • • • •

DRIVER-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LX EX EX-L Touring
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)10 (HS) • • •
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow11 (HS) • • •
Auto High-Beam Headlights • • •
Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor12 • • •
(HS) = feature is a component of the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive features
EXTERIOR FEATURES LX EX EX-L Touring
2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers •
Power Side Mirrors •
Active Shutter Grille • • • •
Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights with Auto-Off • with Auto-On/Off with Auto-On/Off
Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna • • • •
Remote Entry System • • • •
One-Touch Turn Indicators • • • •
Reverse-Linked Intermittent Rear Window Wiper/Washer with Heated Wiper Zone • • • •
Body-Colored Roofline Spoiler with Integrated Brake Light Black • • •
Body-Colored Door Handles Black • • •
Rear Privacy Glass • • •
Security System • • •
Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® • • •
One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature • • •
Fog Lights • • •
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers • • Rain-Sensing
Heated, Body-Colored Power Side Mirrors including Integrated Turn Indicators • • •
Power Tailgate with Programmable Height • Hands-Free Access
Roof Rails •
LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off (low & high beam) •
Dual Chrome Exhaust Finishers •

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE LX EX EX-L Touring
Automatic Climate Control System •
Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window •
Power Door and Tailgate Locks •
Cruise Control • • • •
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column • • • •
Instrument Panel-Mounted Shifter • • • •
Capless Fuel Filler • • • •
Multi-Functional Center Console Storage with Sliding Armrest • • • •
Sliding Sunvisors • • • •
Conversation Mirror with Sunglasses Holder • • • •
Beverage Holders, Front and Rear • • • •
Lockable Glove Compartment • • • •
Door-Pocket Storage Bins • • • •
Map Lights • • • •
Floor Mats • • • •
Rear-Seat Center Armrest • • • •
Driver-Side Garment Hook • • • •
Remote Fuel Filler Door Release • • • •
Rear-Seat Heater Ducts • • • •
Rear-Window Defroster • • • •
Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors • • • •
Cargo Area Lights • • • •
Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls • • • •
Driver's and Front Passenger's Vanity Mirrors • Illuminated Illuminated Illuminated
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System • • •
Push Button Start • • •
Front Passenger's Seatback Pocket • • •
Retractable Cargo Area Cover • • •
Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's and Front Passenger's Windows • • •
Power Door and Tailgate Locks with Walk-Away Auto-Lock Feature • • •
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob • •
Automatic-Dimming Rearview Mirror • •
HomeLink® Remote System13 • •

SEATING LX EX EX-L Touring
Driver's Seat with 6-Way Manual Adjustment •
Adjustable Front Seat-Belt Anchors • • • •
Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat • • • •
Head Restraints at all Seating Positions • • • •
Heated Front Seats • • •
Driver's Seat with 12-Way Power Adjustment, including 4-Way Power Lumbar Support • with Two-Position Memory with Two-Position Memory
Leather-Trimmed Seats • •
Front Passenger's Seat with 4-Way Power Adjustment • •

AUDIO & CONNECTIVITY LX EX EX-L Touring
160-Watt Audio System with 4 Speakers •
5-Inch Color LCD Screen •
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®14 • • • •
Bluetooth® Streaming Audio14 • • • •
Pandora®15 Compatibility • • • •
Radio Data System (RDS) • • • •
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC) • • • •
USB Audio Interface16 1.0-Amp Charging Port in Center Console 1.5-Amp and 1.0-Amp Charging Ports in Center Console 1.5-Amp and 1.0-Amp Charging Ports in Center Console 1.5-Amp and 1.0-Amp Charging Ports in Center Console
12-Volt Power Outlets Front and Center Console Front and Center Console Front and Center Console Front and Center Console
180-Watt Audio System with 6 Speakers •
7-Inch Display Audio with High-Resolution WVGA (800x480) Electrostatic Touch-Screen, Customizable Feature Settings with Compass with Compass •
HondaLink®17 • • •
Apple CarPlay™18 / Android Auto™19 • • •
SiriusXM® Radio20 • • •
SMS Text Message Function21 • • •
USB Ports 2.5-Amp Charging Ports in 2nd-Row 2.5-Amp Charging Ports in 2nd-Row 2.5-Amp Charging Ports in 2nd-Row
180-Watt Audio System with 8 Speakers •
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition22, Compass, Honda HD Digital Traffic and HD Radio™23 •
330-Watt Premium Audio System with 9 Speakers, including Subwoofer •

MULTI - INFORMATION DISPLAY LX EX EX-L Touring
Average Fuel Economy Indicators •
Digital Speedometer •
Exterior Temperature Indicator •
Instant Fuel Economy Indicator •
Maintenance Minder™ System •
Miles-to-Empty Indicator •
Odometer and Trip Meters (2) •
Shift Lever Position Indicator •

DRIVER INFORMATION INTERFACE LX EX EX-L Touring
Audio Settings • • •
Customizable Feature Settings • • •
Digital Speedometer • • •
Driver Attention Monitor • • •
Maintenance Minder™ System • • •
Phone • • •
Shift Lever Position Indicator • • •
System Message Indicator • • •
Trip Computer • • •
AWD Torque Distribution Monitor AWD models AWD models AWD models
Compass •
Turn-By-Turn Directions •

INSTRUMENTATION LX EX EX-L Touring
12-Volt Battery-Charging System Indicator • • • •
ABS Indicator • • • •
Airbag System Indicator • • • •
Automatic Brake Hold Indicators • • • •
Brake Depress Indicator • • • •
Brake System Indicator • • • •
Coolant Temperature Indicator • • • •
Cruise Control Indicators • • • •
Door-Open Indicator • • • •
ECON Button • • • •
ECON Mode Indicator • • • •
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator • • • •
Fuel Level Indicator • • • •
Headlights-On Indicator • • • •
High-Beam Indicator • • • •
Low-Fuel Indicator • • • •
Low-Oil Pressure Indicator • • • •
Low-Tire Pressure Indicator • • • •
Maintenance Minder™ Indicator • • • •
Malfunction Indicator • • • •
Power Reduced Indicator • • • •
Seat-Belt Reminder Indicator • • • •
System Message Indicator • • • •
Tachometer • • • •
Tailgate-Open Indicator • • • •
TPMS Indicator • • • •
Turn Signal/Hazard Indicators • • • •
VSA Off/Engaged/System Indicators • • • •
AWD System Indicator AWD models AWD models AWD models AWD models
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) On and System Indicators • • •
Auto High-Beam On Indicator • • •
Blind Spot Information System (BSI) System Indicator • • •
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) Off and System Indicators • • •
Fog Lights Indicator • • •
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System Indicator • • •
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) On and System Indicators • • •