2019 Honda CR-V Review

Name: 2019 Honda CR-V Review
Brand: Honda

Price Range: $15,837 - $31,998

Honda CR-V Touring 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJames Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick has been testing cars and writing about them for more than 20 years. He was the senior reviews editor for Autoblog and previously served multiple editor roles here at Edmunds. He has also contributed to Autotrader, Car and Driver, Hagerty, JD Power and Autoguide Magazine. He has been interested in cars forever; his mom took him to the Toronto Auto Show when he was 18 months old and has attended at least one every year since (OK, except in 2020). He owns a babied 1998 BMW Z3 in James Bond blue and a 2023 Kia Niro EV.}

Pros

Turbocharged engine delivers a rare combination of thrift and zest
Roomy interior with cavernous cargo capacity for this class
Rides comfortably yet handles corners athletically
Plentiful and thoughtful storage areas

Cons

Touchscreen can be finicky to use and lacks a separate tuning knob
Underwhelming base engine on the LX trim

What's new

For 2019, the CR-V is essentially unchanged
Part of the fifth CR-V generation introduced for 2017

Just because something sells in massive numbers doesn't mean it's the best thing to buy. When it comes to fast food, for instance, popularity doesn't necessarily equal quality. The 2019 Honda CR-V, however, is one example where the masses are definitely on the right track: Honda sold nearly 400,000 last year and it's one of our top-rated small SUVs.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$128/mo

$172/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The 2019 CR-V checks virtually every box on car shoppers' list in this increasingly popular vehicle segment. It makes family life easier with a cavernous cargo area, abundant back seat room, easily accessed LATCH anchors and more clever storage solutions than an Ikea. It will also keep you safe. Crash test ratings are flawless, and accident avoidance technologies are standard on all but the base trim.

Behind the wheel, the 2019 CR-V responds smartly to inputs and handles well, yet its comfortable ride and quiet cabin won't wake the kids. Under the hood, the turbocharged engine found in most trim levels provides best-in-class acceleration and fuel economy. Wrapping everything up is the CR-V's excellent reputation for resale value and reliability.

Quite simply, the CR-V makes a ton of sense. If anything, its greatest flaw might be that it makes too much sense. There are rivals that definitely offer more memorable styling and personality, such as the Mazda CX-5 and the new Toyota RAV4. Technophiles may also find Honda's touchscreen to be frustratingly behind the times. Yet those are minor quibbles. In general, joining the CR-V owning masses would be a pretty good idea.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Honda CR-V as one of Edmunds' Best Family Cars, Best Family SUVs and Best Small SUVs for this year.

What's it like to live with?

Want to learn even more about what it's like to own a CR-V? Edmunds bought a Honda CR-V EX-L to find out. It proved to be comfortable, roomy and practical, but not without its flaws. It even required a few surprising repairs. You can read our long-term test coverage to find out why this generation of CR-V became our top-rated small SUV. Note that while we tested a 2017 CR-V, the current 2019 model is fundamentally the same.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.1 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our Full Test of the Honda CR-V EX-L (turbo 1.5L inline-4 | CVT automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	8.1 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	9.5
Technology	8.0

Driving

8.0

With capable acceleration, composed handling and confident highway manners, the turbocharged CR-V is a multidisciplined competitor. If you're looking for a small SUV that doesn't makes compromises for its size, this Honda fits the bill.

Acceleration

8.0

Small-displacement turbocharged engines can struggle in SUVs, but not the turbo 1.5-liter engine in the CR-V. It's powerful and provides good low-end oomph for scooting through city streets. You won't be nervous on a freeway onramp, and you won't need to slam on the gas to pass slowpokes. In our testing, the CR-V sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 7.5 seconds.

Braking

8.0

Drivers will find linear and progressive responses from the brake pedal during both light and hard stops. In our emergency braking testing, the CR-V's best stop from 60 mph took 116 feet, which falls in line with what we expect from small SUVs.

Steering

9.0

The steering resistance builds naturally as you turn the wheel, which gives you a useful feel of precision and confidence. The wheel also returns to center smoothly, ensuring stability on the freeway. A standout in the class.

Handling

8.0

The CR-V strikes an admirable balance between handling and ride quality. Midcorner bumps and other road irregularities don't upset it, and body roll is minimal. You can confidently snake up a curvy road without sickening your passengers or unnecessarily triggering the stability control.

Drivability

8.0

The nature of continuously variable automatic transmissions often seems strange to drivers used to traditional automatics, but the CR-V's is among the best. Accelerating from a stop feels natural. Only at full throttle does acceleration seem a bit odd as the engine speed remains constant. Cruise control doesn't manage speed going downhill, a potential annoyance.

Off-road

7.0

Though it isn't designed for challenging off-road driving, ground clearance of 7.8 inches (front-wheel drive) to 8.2 inches (all-wheel drive) means you won't have problems with the occasional unpaved road. Hill descent control is not available.

Comfort

8.0

The CR-V's ride is quiet and supple, and accommodations for front and rear occupants are spacious and inviting. You'll hear some engine noise while accelerating up a freeway on-ramp, but the sound falls on the pleasing side of the spectrum.

Seat comfort

8.5

The power driver's seat (EX models and up) provides eight-way adjustment, plus four-way lumbar, ensuring a fit for drivers of all sizes. You won't hear complaints during long trips from the back seat unless you have someone in the center. Alas, only the driver gets to adjust seat height

Ride comfort

8.5

The CR-V is composed and settled over almost any kind of surface. Impacts occur once and that's it. There's plenty of tire sidewall to absorb the bumps, resulting in a smooth ride.

Noise & vibration

7.5

You'll notice some wind and tire noise, but the engine is only noticeable when you step hard on the gas — and it doesn't sound bad either. None of it is loud enough to drown out conversations or force occupants to raise their voices.

Climate control

8.0

Drivers sensitive to temperature changes might need to fiddle with the controls more than they prefer since the system doesn't work as well at low settings. Heated front seats are standard on all trims except the LX. Rear passengers will appreciate having their own vents.

Interior

8.5

The CR-V's cabin is especially spacious and thoughtful. Owners will appreciate the nearly unmatched passenger room, ease of entry and superior visibility. There are also some nice touches such as the ability to vent all four windows on hot days by holding the unlock button.

Ease of use

7.5

Using the physical controls is very intuitive. But some on-screen buttons are difficult to locate and press while driving. The digital temperature and fuel gauges flanking the speedometer wash out in sunlight.

Getting in/getting out

8.5

The wide front and rear door openings provide plenty of head and leg clearance on the way in. The CR-V is a little taller than past versions, but it remains just as easy to step inside — overlapping doors with narrow sills help. Occupants of all sizes will have little difficulty entering or exiting.

Driving position

8.0

It's simple to put the seat and steering wheel right where you want, and the gauge cluster is easy to see in its entirety. The armrests sit at equal heights. What looks like a pad for your right knee is actually hard plastic, which might be uncomfortable for the longer-legged.

Roominess

9.0

The CR-V's interior dimensions are generally larger than those of rivals, with exception of front head- and legroom. But even those are by no means tight. Rear seating space is the biggest you'll find in a small SUV. Four full-size adults will fit with zero problems.

Visibility

8.5

The windshield pillars don't obstruct your front view, and it's easy to sense the front bumper's location. Blind spots are minimal, and monitoring is standard on all but the LX. Rear headrests encroach slightly on the rear window but don't obstruct. The rearview camera covers a wide viewing angle.

Quality

8.0

Flowing interior panels and trim inserts exhibit convincing quality, as does the leather adorning the seats and steering wheel (on EX-L and Touring trim levels). It's a well-built vehicle in every respect.

Utility

9.5

The CR-V is a master of practicality. From its enormous and configurable storage capacity to its many clever compartments, this Honda makes you question if a larger SUV is necessary.

Small-item storage

9.5

The reconfigurable center console has a deep storage well and a sliding tray that's rubberized and textured. It also doubles as a cover for hiding small valuables. The CR-V also has large cupholders, a phone shelf and deep door pockets. There's a place for everyone's stuff.

Cargo space

9.5

At 39.2 cubic feet, the CR-V's rear storage space is among the biggest in the class, rivaling room in larger SUVs. The rear seats flip down easily and softly, expanding space to a massive 75.8 cubic feet. A clever height-adjustable cargo floor lets you choose between a flat loading surface or more space.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

All rear seats have easily accessible LATCH anchors. The large rear passenger area means car seats fit without moving the front seats. The outboard rear seats each have a tether anchor on the rear seatback. The center seat's tether anchor is in the roof, which can slightly obstruct rear visibility.

Hauling

7.0

The CR-V offers a 1,500-pound towing capacity, which is about the norm for the class. It cannot be towed behind a motorhome.

Technology

8.0

With smartphone integration and advanced safety features standard on the majority of trims (all but the LX), the CR-V makes a strong case on paper. Alas, the entertainment system and voice controls can be annoying. But that doesn't matter much if you plug in your smartphone, which is fully supported.

Audio & navigation

7.5

Unlike some other Hondas, the CR-V has a physical volume knob, but other aspects of the touchscreen's menus still feel clunky and stilted. Smartphone owners with good reception can get navigation for free via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so they can think twice about buying the EX-L's optional navigation system.

Smartphone integration

8.5

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration are standard on all but the base LX trim. There are two standard USB ports up front, and all but the LX get another pair in the rear.

Driver aids

8.0

Lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard on all but LX trims. Collision monitoring throws the occasional false positive in congested city driving, but most systems are otherwise unobtrusive or easily disabled.

Voice control

7.0

The standard voice controls are somewhat cumbersome, such that it's often faster to rely on the physical or on-screen controls. Fortunately, a long press on the voice control button lets you engage the advanced Siri or Google Voice voice recognition system when your smartphone is plugged in.

Compare 2019 Honda CR-V trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Honda CR-V models

The 2019 Honda CR-V is offered in four trim levels and virtually no options. The base LX is decently equipped, but the EX comes with a substantial bump in desirability. It provides an abundance of equipment, including more advanced driver safety aids, and a better engine. The EX-L really just adds leather and a few choice niceties, while the more luxury-oriented Touring piles on the features.

Honda CR-V LX

The base LX comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (184 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Although the LX is a base model, equipment is still generous with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, a rearview camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a four-speaker audio system with a 5-inch color display. As with all CR-Vs, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Honda's various advanced safety technologies are not offered on the LX, however.

Honda CR-V EX

The EX ups the ante with a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine (190 hp, 179 lb-ft), remote start, 18-inch wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, a retractable cargo cover, 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.

Infotainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Audio phone integration, satellite radio, an upgraded rearview camera and second-row USB charging ports. Numerous advanced safety features are also standard on the EX, including 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.

Honda CR-V EX-L

The EX-L's upgrades include a programmable-height power liftgate, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-speaker audio system with HD radio. A navigation system can be added and is the only factory option.

Honda CR-V Touring

The top-of-the-line Touring boasts LED headlights, dual chrome exhaust tips, roof rails, automatic wipers, hands-free functionality for the power liftgate, ambient interior lighting, the navigation system and a subwoofer for the audio system.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#6 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Honda CR-V from 2008-2022.}

$358/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.81x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.3%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Honda CR-V Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

234 reviews

5(58%)

4(16%)

3(12%)

2(5%)

1(9%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

beware of the collision avoidance system

John, 05/24/2019

2019 Honda CR-V EX 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

Overall a good car but my wife was driving it and the auto collision detector activated and brought the car to a halt with no cars on the road. Error came up said there was a problem with the anti-collision system. Scary. If she were on the highway and this happened with a semi behind her, I could only imagine what could've happened. We have owned this 2019 for four months. After it …

Great...if it starts

PenL, 02/28/2019

2019 Honda CR-V Touring 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

I have a 2 week old 2019 Honda CRV Touring. The battery was dead after 4 days being parked. Dealer says to expect this since the multiple computers use the battery during engine shut down. The battery was tested and CCA is well above rating. Also told TSB 17-032 which addressed 2017 CRV similar issues, does not apply. They did suggest installing a battery disconnect switch, battery …

Poor support

James Spencer, 03/19/2019

2019 Honda CR-V EX 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

Purchased a new 2019 Honda CR-V Ex in January 2019, Shortly after purchasing the Vehicle battery was dead, dealership replaced the battery, after the vehicle sitts for 2 days battery dead again, I called the dealership to report the problem, said it may be a mouse chewed a wire in two, as after calling Honda road side assistance several times I go online and did some research, this is a …

Glitchy

Rich Petrich, 03/01/2019

2019 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

The car is comfortable to drive. Gas mileage is great, handles good, and don’t have any complaints with the CVT transmission. It’s a fun and comfortable car to drive. My concern with this car is with the electronics. The infotainment system is glitchy. Sometimes it turns off by itself and CarPlay won’t start. (Restarting the phone doesn’t fix it, restarting the car does so I know the …

See all 234 reviews of the Honda CR-V

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2019 Honda CR-V videos

Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester ― Two Very Different Ways to Do a Crossover

Both the Subaru Forester and the Honda CR-V are competent family haulers with plenty of cargo space, high-tech safety features and available AWD for mild off-road driving. What makes them different, and which is the right one for you?

2019 CR-V Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$24,450
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$128/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	39.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the CR-V models:

Collision Mitigation Braking System: Detects and warns of potential frontal impacts, and automatically engages the brakes to mitigate or prevent a collision.
Lane Keeping Assist: Monitors the vehicle's position in its lane with a camera and automatically corrects your course to prevent inadvertent lane departure.
Blind Spot Information System: Monitors your blind spots for cars lurking back there. Flashes lights and emits an audible warning if necessary.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Honda CR-V Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

What's it like to live with?

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Hauling

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which CR-V does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Honda CR-V models

Honda CR-V LX

Honda CR-V EX

Honda CR-V EX-L

Honda CR-V Touring

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Honda CR-V Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

beware of the collision avoidance system

Great...if it starts

Poor support

Glitchy

2019 Honda CR-V videos

Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester ― Two Very Different Ways to Do a Crossover

2019 CR-V Highlights

Safety

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2019 Honda CR-V
LX 4dr SUV

2019 Honda CR-V
LX 4dr SUV

2019 Honda CR-V
EX 4dr SUV

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}