2019 Honda CR-V: Quick Take

Redesigned in 2017, the Honda CR-V has just had its first full year in its current form. The 5th-generation CR-V continues to be among the most popular compact SUVs you can buy.

With the 2019 Honda CR-V, what you’re getting is one of the most spacious compact sport utility vehicles you can buy right now. You’re also getting an SUV that puts comfort and refinement first, and sportiness second. You also get impressive fuel economy.

A Turbocharged Engine For The 2019 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Honda CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired exclusively with a CVT automatic gearbox, the engine has plenty of power on tap but the CR-V doesn’t really liked to be pushed.

Compared with a Volkswagen Tiguan, a Mazda CX-5, a Subaru Forester or a Kia Sportage, four SUVs that tend to get off the line quickly and feel quite springy, the CR-V feels heavy. On the other hand, the CR-V turbo mill returns very impressive fuel economy numbers. You’ll average around 9.0 liters per 100 kilometers in real-world driving conditions with an all-wheel drive Honda CR-V. You can do around 8 l/100 km if you drive to minimize fuel consumption.

Comfortable On The Road, Uncomfortable Off The Road

You may not get to experience super tight steering and dynamic accelerations in the new CR-V, but you will enjoy a quiet ride and comfortable seats. If we were going anywhere that takes a long time to get to, we’d go in a CR-V. Quiet with a soft suspension, the new Honda CR-V has the comfort level of many much more expensive sport utility vehicles.

We wouldn’t take it very off off the beaten path, however. The CR-V’s all-wheel drive system is fine for urban winter driving, but it’s a reactive system that won’t do very well off-road. You’ll want to check out the Forester (again), the Toyota RAV4 Trail, the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Jeep Cherokee if you intend to go deep in the forest with your compact SUV.

Behind the rear seats, CR-V owners get between 1,065 and 2,146 liters. Very few compact SUVs do better. You can check out the Nissan Rogue or Subaru Forester for more cargo space, but that’s about it.

The 2019 Honda CR-V also stands out in terms of reliability and resale value. Honda’s are known to be durable, and the CR-V is no exception. You rarely have to worry about something going wrong in a CR-V.

Who Will Like The 2019 Honda CR-V?

Buyers who want space and comfort first. Impressive fuel economy is a bonus. On the other hand, if you want to have fun behind the wheel of your compact SUV, forget the CR-V. It’s a little heavy and sluggish.