A nimble yet roomy compact SUV.
Featuring smooth handling, an abundance of passenger and cargo space, and a generous list of technology features, the Honda CR-V is a compact SUV with plenty to offer. Starting with the 2017 model, the Honda CR-V entered its fifth and current generation. The CR-V was updated to include new engine options, exterior and interior styling updates, and new technology features. Today, both the fourth generation (2012-2016) and fifth generation (2017-2019) Honda CR-V models remain popular SUVs on the used car market. If you are looking for a well-rounded compact SUV that is nimble enough to serve as a daily driver yet roomy enough to be a family vehicle, a used Honda CR-V is an excellent choice. In this Honda CR-V review, we’ll cover:
Key Specs and Features
Equipped with a 184 hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine (2017-2019)
Optional 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine (2018-newer models)
Comes standard with a multiangle rearview camera (2017-2019)
Comes standard with LED daytime running lights. (2017-2019)
The 2012-2019 Honda CR-V comes standard with Bluetooth® audio streaming.
The 2019 Honda CR-V with FWD and a 1.5L, four-cylinder engine gets an EPA- estimated 30 mpg combined.1
Rankings
2nd - Best AWD SUVs (2019)
4th - Best Crossover SUV
6th - Best Compact SUV
5 Reasons to Buy
1. An Abundance of Cargo Space
The Honda CR-V may be a compact SUV, but it still offers more than enough cargo space to serve as a great family vehicle. The CR-V has plenty of legroom in the front and rear seats across all models and trim levels. On the 2017-2019 Honda CR-V, for example, you will get up to 75.8 cubic ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. This means plenty of space for the groceries, backpacks and other gear.
2. Smooth and Responsive Handling
The Honda CR-V is an SUV that handles like a sedan. If a smooth and comfortable ride is one of your top priorities, the Honda CR-V is an excellent SUV to consider. You’ll also enjoy both front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive options in all models. 2017 and newer models of the CR-V offer electronic stability control senses, designed for slippery and uneven surfaces.
3. Great Fuel Economy
Looking to make less stops at the pump? For the compact SUV class, the Honda CR-V gets great fuel economy. The 2018 Honda CR-V, for example, gets an EPA estimated 30 mpg combined when equipped with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission.1
4. Eye-Catching Interior and Exterior Design
There's no denying the fact that the Honda CR-V is a very attractive SUV. Both the interior and exterior of the Honda CR-V feature a sleek and eye-catching design all the way down to the smallest details. The 2017-2019 Honda CR-V comes available in ten different exterior colors. The EX-L trim and above in the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V, offers leather interior and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and beautiful chrome door handles in the Touring trim. So if you are looking for an SUV with great aesthetics and design, the Honda CR-V won't disappoint.
5. A Generous List of Standard Technology Features
The fifth-generation Honda CR-V comes standard with a wide range of convenient technology features. On the 2019 Honda CR-V, for example, you can look forward to standard features such as a rearview camera, a seven-inch display, remote start, LED daytime running lights, and more.
What You Need to Know
2012-2016 Honda CR-V Trim Configurations
The fourth generation Honda CR-V (2012-2016) comes available in five different trim configurations. These trim configurations include:
LX - The base trim of the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V, the LX trim includes features such as Bluetooth® audio streaming, a multiangle rearview camera, a 4-speaker audio system, a remote entry system, and more.
SE (2016 only) - The SE trim of the 2016 Honda CR-V includes everything found on the LX trim as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, and a security system.
EX - The EX trim of the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V includes everything found on the LX trim as well as a one-touch power moonroof, a 6-speaker audio system, auto on/off headlights, body-color door handles, and more.
EX-L - The EX-L trim of the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V includes everything found on the EX trim as well as a 7-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-way power driver's seat, and more.
Touring - The Touring trim of the 2012-2016 Honda CR-V includes everything found in the EX-L trim as well as a built-in navigation system, voice commands, chrome door handles, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more.
2017-2019 Honda CR-V Trim Configurations
The fifth generation Honda CR-V (2017-2019) comes available in four different trim configurations. These trim configurations include:
LX - The base trim of the 2017-2019 Honda CR-V, the LX trim includes features such as a 7-inch display with Apple Car Play™ and Android Auto™, heated front seats, push-button start, remote start, a 4-speaker audio system, and more.
EX - The EX trim of the 2017-2019 Honda CR-V includes everything found on the LX trim as well as a 6-speaker audio system, a 12-way power driver's seat, a one-touch power moonroof, fog lights, and more.
EX-L - The EX-L trim of the 2017-2019 Honda CR-V includes everything found on the EX trim as well as heated rear seats, driver's seat memory, leather seats, a power tailgate, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more.
Touring - The Touring trim of the 2017-2019 Honda CR-V includes everything found on the EX-L trim as well as a 9-speaker premium audio system with a subwoofer, a built-in navigation system, auto on/off LED headlights, roof rails, a blind spot information system, and more.
Honda CR-V Available Colors
The 2017-2019 Honda CR-V comes available in ten different exterior colors, including:
Crystal Black Pearl
Modern Steel Metallic
Lunar Silver Metallic
Obsidian Blue Pearl
White Diamond Pearl
Molten Lava Pearl
Dark Olive Metallic
Gunmetal Metallic
Sandstorm Metallic (2018 only)
Basque Red Pearl II (2018 only)
Similar Vehicles
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that was fully redesigned in 2019. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes equipped with a 203 hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine and standard features such as a seven-inch display, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker audio system. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 provides 37.5 cubic ft. of cargo space with the rear seats up and 69.8 cubic ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
he Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV that is capable of seating up to five passengers. The 2019 Honda HR-V comes equipped with a 141 hp 1.8L four-cylinder engine and standard technology features such as heated front seats, a seven-inch display, and automatic climate control. With the rear seats up, the 2019 Honda HR-V provides 24.3 cubic ft. of cargo space, and, with the rear seats folded down, the 2019 Honda HR-V provides 58.8 cubic ft. of cargo space.
The Subaru Forrester is a compact SUV that was fully redesigned in 2019. On the all-new 2019 Subaru Forrester, you can look forward to a 182 hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine as well as standard technology features such as a 6.5-inch display with Apple Car Play® and Android Auto™, a rearview camera, and automatic climate control. The 2019 Subaru Forrester provides 35.4 cubic ft. of cargo space with the rear seats up and 76.1 cubic ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
The Bottom Line
The Honda CR-V is a sleek and nimble compact SUV that offers an abundance of passenger and cargo space, as well as plenty of technology features. If you are in the market for an SUV that is agile enough to serve as a convenient daily driver yet spacious enough to serve as a capable family SUV, the Honda CR-V may be the ideal vehicle for you.
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