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2019 Honda CR-V 2019 Honda CR-V

2019 Honda CR-V

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V is a five-seat compact SUV that features more aggressive styling than its predecessor along with increased interior comfort, a smoother ride, less road noise and better fuel economy from its revised engine lineup. 

Overview

Outside, the CR-V is highlighted by a three-bar grille that emphasizes the width of the vehicle. Helping to stave off surface monotony on the sides are crisp character lines and flared fenders that create a stable look, while around back the rear window is more steeply sloped than before but, as with the outgoing model, is flanked by vertical taillights.

The CR-V's interior is less futuristic and more elegant than that of Honda’s less-expensive offerings, but there is no absence of technology. The dashboard and center stack feature a simple layout with relatively few buttons. A large center console storage bin provides enough space to stow a full-size purse and the hatch area features 39.2 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats up and 75.8 cubes with the bench back folded.

Frugal four-cylinders

The new CR-V gets a complete powertrain overhaul. The 2.4L, naturally aspirated engine is now only available on the entry-level LX. The 2.4L makes 184 horsepower and 180lb-ft of torque. Step up to the EX and higher trims and the turbocharged 1.5L makes 190, but you lose one pound-foot of torque. Both are paired only with a CVT.

Depending on the trim and your choice of front- or all-wheel-drive, city fuel economy ratings range from 25 to 28 mpg; highway estimates range from 27 to 30 mpg.

Trim level breakdown

The CR-V is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring.

Standard features on the LX model include 17-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, automatic halogen headlights, daytime running lights, one-touch turn signals, a rear window wiper, A/C, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows with an auto up/down function for the driver, power doors, cruise control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, and an AM/FM/CD sound system with four speakers and a 1.0-amp charging USB port.

The EX model adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen audio interface incorporating Honda's HondaLink infotainment system and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration and additional charging points. This is also the first trim with the available 1.5L turbo engine and high-resolution driver information interface, along with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and self-driving features.

The EX-L trim brings various comfort and convenience options (including two-position seat memory, a power liftgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and HomeLink Remote garage access) along with available navigation.

Finally, the range-topping Touring incorporates all available packages from lower trims, along with standard roof rails, LED auto on/off headlamps and a 330-watt premium audio system.

Honda Sensing

Standard safety equipment includes advanced front airbags, SmartVent side airbags, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, automatic front pretensioners, LATCH anchors in all second-row seats and child-proof rear locks and a rear-view camera with guidelines.

On EX and above models, Honda Sensing is also included. This suite adds forward collision warning, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam lamps, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic information.

Key competitors

The CR-V plays in the extremely crowded compact SUV segment against rivals like the powerful Toyota RAV4, the fuel-efficient Chevrolet Equinox and the popular Ford Escape. Potential CR-V buyers should also cross-shop the Nissan Rogue and the Subaru Forester.

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