2019 Honda CR-V Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJames Riswickzzdcar Contributor

　　James Riswick is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

For 2019, the CR-V is essentially unchangedPart 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 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$132/mo  for CR-V LX

　　CR-V LX

　　LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl CVT) - $24,450 MSRPLX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl CVT) - $25,850 MSRPEX 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $27,350 MSRPEX 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) (Most Popular) - $28,750 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $29,850 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $31,250 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $32,850 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $34,250 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　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 zzdcar' Best Family Cars, Best Family Cars and Best Family Cars 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? zzdcar 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 Best Family Cars 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.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.1 / 10

　　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.

　　

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.

　　

Which CR-V does zzdcar recommend?

　　First and foremost, skip the base model LX. It's fine, but the EX is the one to get. Its engine is more powerful and fuel-efficient, and you get a lot of extra features for a relatively modest price premium. We'd actually stay right there on the trim ladder, but if you want a few extra niceties — especially leather upholstery — stepping up to the EX-L still keeps the price reasonable.

　　

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.

　　

2019 CR-V Highlights

Trim: LXEXEX-LTouringLX

　　

Base MSRP	$24,450
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$132/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	39.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles