2019 Honda CR-V is an Exceptional Pre-owned SUV with Loads of Standard Safety Features
The Good
Excellent fuel economy, category-topping cargo space, and an interior that feels expensive have made the CR-V one of the most popular crossovers on the market.
The Bad
The 2019 CR-V is less energetic than comparable options, even with the top-tier 1.8L turbocharged engine. In addition, drivers have reported frustrations with the infotainment system.
The Bottom Line
There’s little to dislike about the Honda CR-V. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it meets or exceeds in most categories compared to competitors.
2019 Honda CR-V: Quick Overview
Honda offered four trim levels for the 2019 CR-V: The base LX, the popular EX and EX-L, and the line-topping Touring offer options for every buyer.
2019 pre-owned CR-Vs should sell from $25,000 to $32,000 or more depending on configuration and condition, according to KBB’s used-car pricing.
There were two engine options in the 2019 CR-V: a 2.4L four-cylinder with 184 hp, and a 1.5L with 190 hp. Both deliver excellent fuel economy.
Performance-wise, the CR-V is a bit dull, but handling has been mentioned as responsive and quick, even for a vehicle with ample passenger and cargo space.
Five recalls have been issued, with the most rampant being a faulty fuel pump on nearly 625,000 units. All things considered, the 2019 CR-V is absolutely an SUV we recommend.
2019 Honda CR-V is Available Across 4 Distinct Trim Levels
Honda offered four trim levels for the 2019 CR-V. The base LX is the most economical option. Of the four, the EX and EX-L trim levels offer the most bang for your buck. The Touring trim package adds a touch of luxury with creature comforts and high-end materials.
LX
184 HP27 MPG
EX
190 HP29 MPG
EX-L
190 HP29 MPG
Touring
190 HP29 MPG
CR-V LX Might be the Base Trim but its 184-HP Engine, 5″ Screen & 17″ Alloys Make it Feel Luxurious
The base LX trim level is equipped with an 184 hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine. In addition, this trim level features 17-inch alloy wheels and power side mirrors. The interior boasts a 40/60 split rear seat, providing versatility for hauling cargo. The six-way driver’s seat is manually adjustable. This level includes basic technology features like a five-inch LCD multimedia screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. The interior is heated and cooled with single-zone automatic climate control.
CR-V EX Offers a Lot of Creature Comforts Like Apple CarPlay & Safety Tech Like Honda Sensing
The EX trim level comes highly recommended by sources like Edmunds and Car & Driver for being the best balance of value and features for the 2019 Honda CR-V. This trim level and each level above it are powered by a 190-hp turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine.
The EX trim level includes upgraded dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy rims, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a seven-inch display, and a power moonroof. Satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and four USB ports keep passengers connected and entertained. Heated front seats add comfort to the cabin.
This trim level features Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, optional blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking to give CR-V drivers peace of mind.
CR-V EX-L Adds Leather Seating & an Upgraded 8-speaker Premium Audio System
The EX-L trim level introduces leather upholstery available in two colors. Small features with a significant impact include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power tailgate. This trim level also adds a four-way, power-adjustable passenger seat, and eight-speaker sound system.
CR-V Touring Provides the Most Advanced Convenience & Safety Features
The line-topping Touring trim level adds a slew of high-end features, like rain-sensing windshield wipers, a hands-free access tailgate, and LED headlights. The Touring also adds roof rails, dual chrome exhaust tips, a navigation system, and a 330-watt sound system with nine speakers and a subwoofer. While every trim level of the 2019 CR-V gets high safety marks, the added front crash protection feature makes the Touring stand out.
A Used 2019 Honda CR-V Costs Between $25,000 to $32,000+ Depending on How it’s Configured
One good source for used-car pricing, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), which even dealers use when buying and selling inventory.
KBB find a Fair Purchase Price on a 2WD 2019 Honda CR-V LX with 50,000 miles to cost about $25,600.
Step up to an AWD EX with the 1.5L turbo, and you’re now at $29,500. A similarly configured EL-L will run closer to $31,200, while the range-topping Touring should come in around $32,300.
Buy from a private party and expect to spend around $1,500 less. Or, if you prefer a little peace of mind, a CPO should be around a $500 add-on.
Honda Certified Pre-owned Program Adds Lengthier Warranty Coverage
Buying through a CPO program is slightly more expensive than a private sale, but it’s worth the price difference. Each unit sold through a Honda CPO program includes a 12-month/12,000-mile extension on the bumper-to-bumper warranty and increases the powertrain coverage to seven years/100,000 miles. In addition, each car is put through a rigorous inspection process, ensuring it is safe and reliable.
What Engine Options are in the 2019 Honda CR-V? The 2.4L and 1.5L Turbocharged
Buyers of the 2019 Honda CR-V had two powertrain options to choose from. The LX trim level is equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine. This small but reliable powertrain delivers an impressive 184 hp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT.
A 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels. This option pulls 190 hp, and up to 179 lb.-ft. of torque. For buyers prioritizing fuel economy, this efficient option is the better choice.
How Fuel-Efficient is the 2019 Honda CR-V? Impressive
Both 2019 Honda CR-V engine options deliver impressive fuel economy. The 2.4L engine offered on the LX trim level scores an EPA fuel economy rating of 32 mpg highway and 26 mpg city.
The second engine option offered on the EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels pushes out two more mpg. The EPA estimates this engine gets 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg city. Car and Driver called the 2019 CR-V the most fuel-efficient SUV it has tested.
How Does the 2019 Honda CR-V Perform? Well in All Categories
The Honda CR-V has a reputation for excellent fuel economy and cargo space, but how does it drive? The compact crossover’s size makes it easy to park and maneuver in narrow city streets and crowded urban environments. As a result, finding parking is never an issue. In addition, the turbo engine standard in the EX and higher trim levels offers a punchier driving experience with faster acceleration and quick steering. Improvements to responsiveness make the CR-V fun to drive without sacrificing practicality.
Responsive acceleration makes this crossover easier to drive in any traffic. The CR-V can handle inclines, but drivers may hear more engine noise. This crossover is known to get loud when it’s pushed.
2019 Honda CR-V: Cargo Space & Dimensions
There are variations in interior and exterior dimensions across the four trim levels available for the 2019 Honda CR-V. However, many of these are subtle and represent nearly imperceptible differences. Other differences are noticeable changes. For instance, headroom shrinks across the lineup. The LX base trim has the most front- and second-row headroom of the nameplate.
The LX offers second-row passengers 40.4 inches of legroom. Front passengers stretch out into 41.3 inches of space. In terms of cargo space, each CRV trim level provides the same maximum cargo volume of 75.8 cubic feet of storage space.
The Touring trim sees more reduction in its interior dimensions. These subtle changes may seem like insignificant details, but the tallest drivers will appreciate the extra inch of headroom at the base trim level.
The 2019 Honda CR-V Comes Standard with a Lot of Safety Features
The IIHS grades vehicles for crashworthiness across multiple categories. The CR-V received the IIHS’ highest rating of “Good” in all of these categories and was named a Top Safety Pick.
The CR-V scored top marks with IIHS in their Crash Avoidance and Mitigation categories as well.
The 2019 CR-V also earned top scores from the NHTSA. The CR-V received a highest-possible rating of five stars in overall rating, frontal crash rating, and side crash rating. In addition, the NHTSA gave the CR-V a respectable four-star rating in rollover safety.
In part, these high safety ratings are due to sound structural engineering and included safety features. The CR-V offers advanced safety at every trim level. Starting at the LX base trim, every CR-V is equipped with brake assist, LED daytime running lights, SmartVent front and side airbags, vehicle stability assist with traction control, and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines.
Starting at the EX trim level, the CR-V is available with the Honda Sensing Safety Suite of advanced safety features, including lane-keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking system, and rear collision mitigation system.
The upper trim level has even more safety features to offer, including auto high-beam headlights, a blind-spot monitoring system with cross-traffic monitoring, and a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.
The 2019 Honda CR-V Sports All of the Latest Technology Features
Universally praised as the top compact crossover SUV, the CR-V has a laundry list of attractive tech features. At the base LX trim level, there is a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A four-speaker, 160-watt audio system connects to an AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth audio streaming keeps passengers entertained while hands-free phone use keeps drivers’ eyes on the road. A USB audio jack offers charging and wired connectivity.
The EX trim level expands on the standard tech equipment offered on the base LX. This trim level boasts an extra USB port in the front and two for the rear seats. The six-speaker audio system equipped on the LX trim level becomes an eight-speaker 180-watt system. The color touchscreen infotainment display increases to seven inches. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and hands-free SMS text messaging make the CR-V easy to pair with smartphone technology.
The Touring trim level has even more. Audiophiles will appreciate HD radio; it delivers cleaner, crisper sound. This trim level is an eight-inch touchscreen navigation system. A nine-speaker, 330-watt audio system makes the Touring perfect for music lovers. This trim level boasts an exclusive feature: A hands-free power tailgate allows drivers to open the rear cargo area with a foot-activated motion sensor.
Exterior Color Options for the 2018 CR-V
Honda offers the 2019 CR-V 13 exterior paint colors, some of which include Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Lava Pearl (pictured above), Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Basque Red Pearl.
Interior Color Options for the 2019 CR-V
The 2019 Honda CR-V interior color options are pretty basic monochromes available in either cloth or leather, depending upon trim level. The LX and EX trim levels offer gray, ivory, or black cloth. The EX-L and Touring trim levels include the same hues but in leather.
Vehicle History Real Owner Reviews Reveal the 2019 CR-V to Be a Well-loved SUV by Most
High praises from professional test drivers and reviewers are great, but nothing beats reviews written by daily CR-V drivers. The average Vehicle History reader gives the Honda CR-V a 4.6-star rating (out of five stars). Their thoughts offer insight into the CR-V features that make owning this compact crossover so popular:
Barbra P. loves the space offered by the compact crossover: “The size of this car is perfect for my family. And it rides smoothly. Also, it’s not a gas guzzler. The color was exactly what I wanted, and the price point was better than I saw elsewhere. It’s been great.”
The CR-V wins more praise from Bill M. who appreciates the interior sound reduction and excellent fuel economy that the CR-V has to offer: “Relatively quiet ride for an SUV, rarely have mechanical issues, good trunk space, plenty of room in front and back seats, terrific customer service at the dealer, competitive lease price, and not a gas guzzler.”
Kelly S.‘s only complaint is that she can’t drive her CR-V even further between trips to fill the tank: “My Honda CR-V is very comfortable and is very reliable! It has a very smooth ride. The only downside is it has a small tank, so I feel like I am always filling with gas. I enjoy taking trips to our lake house. Which is about an hour and a half from our house.”
How Much Does it Cost to Maintain a 2019 Honda CR-V? $407 Annually
Edmunds broke down the five-year cost of ownership of a 2019 Honda CR-V. Based on their assessment of the EX-L trim level, buyers can expect around $14,000 in depreciation over the first five years of ownership. That is a used car that holds its value well. Of that, $5,500 is lost over the first year. The second and third years take off another $2,500 and $2,200 from the resale value. Depreciation drops further over the fourth and fifth years, taking another $1,900 and $1,800 respectively.
Repair Pal estimates a 2019 CR-V will only set buyers back $407 annually in maintenance and repair. As a result, this compact crossover is a steal to own for less than $34 a month, or $1.13 a day.
2019 Honda CR-V: Known Issues, Recalls & Problems with Fuel Pumps
The CR-V’s reputation for reliability doesn’t mean it’s not without flaws. There are a few known issues that CR-V owners should be on the lookout for. Perhaps the least concerning of these is the most common issue for this year’s model: Some CR-Vs experienced dead batteries shortly after purchase. However, one of the benefits of buying used is that many early recalls and known issues have been resolved, such as these early battery issues.
Many drivers have reported that the CR-V’s infotainment system has been slow to respond or even glitchy, and a small number of drivers have mentioned other minor electrical problems.
There are five open recalls for the 2019 Honda CR-V. The largest of these affected 624,552 CR-Vs and is a fuel pump issue; this is repaired easily by replacing the affected part.
A further 3,364,468 vehicles were affected by misprinted owner’s manual airbag information, and 161,252 more were affected by a steering wheel core airbag issue. Smaller, but still worth noting, 358 vehicles were affected by a rear subframe issue, and 158 CR-Vs have a potentially faulty fuel-system weld.
It’s worth noting that 2019 has some of the fewest reported complaints of any used CR-V across the nameplate.
2019 Honda CR-V vs. the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester & Mazda CX-5
Comparing the CR-V to the competition reveals where the compact crossover stands above the rest of its segment, and why it remains a top-selling SUV year after year.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Has Less Cargo Space than CR-V & Aims for ‘Sleek’ Styling Over ‘Rugged’
2019 Toyota RAV4
Both the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V are top sellers. Both vehicles tie in fuel economy and owner satisfaction. The CR-V beats out the competition in cargo space, but some still prefer the RAV4’s more rigid exterior styling.
Bumper to bumper, the CR-V and RAV4 have less than an inch of difference between them. Interior space is generous in both vehicles, but the CR-V boasts more legroom and headroom for taller drivers and passengers.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Subaru Forester Offers More Cu. Ft. of Cargo Space Over CR-V & Standard AWD
2019 Subaru Forester
Spec by spec, these two competent family haulers are nearly identical. The CR-V has a sleeker exterior appearance than the Forester. The Subaru has some of the raised station wagon feel that made it quirky in the 1990s, whereas the CR-V embraced the more streamlined look of a modern crossover.
Buyers looking for a cargo space should stick to the CR-V, which has a few more cubic feet of cargo space. Both the Forester and the CR-V are available with AWD. If outdoor adventure is on the docket, the CR-V can hold its own.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Delivers Modern Styling Inside & Out but Struggles vs. CR-V with Performance
2019 Mazda CX-5
Mazda aimed to create an affordable, entry-level luxury compact SUV with the CX-5. Some interior touches like faux wood paneling are reminiscent of the Touring trim level CR-V. The CX-5 definitely has style on its side, but it can’t stand up to the CR-V in cargo space.
Where the CX-5 shines is in power and performance. It’s no secret that the CR-V was built with efficiency in mind; the small engine was never intended to win any races or turn heads. Depending on the trim level, the CX-5 is powered by either a 2.5L inline-four-cylinder, a 2.5L inline-four-cylinder turbo, or a 2.2L inline-four cylinder turbodiesel. The CR-V can’t compete in raw power, but for practicality, it beats the CX-5 hands down.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Is the 2019 Honda CR-V a Good Vehicle to Buy?
It’s hard to disagree with the popularity of the 2019 Honda CR-V. Safety, efficiency, and comfort come together in this popular crossover that’s a great value for its price. It’s a versatile, practical, and reliable choice that’s good at everything and bad at nothing.
If you’re in the market for a safe family hauler, the five-passenger CR-V has you covered. If flexible and ample cargo space is a priority, it wins again. Drivers interested in fuel economy could do much worse than the CR-V’s 34 mpg highway. Short of towing a large haul, there’s little that this versatile, affordable, and well-designed vehicle can’t do. Simply put, it’s hard to find a better value for most applications.
Should you buy a 2019 Honda CR-V? The answer is most likely “yes.”
