2019 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Honda CR-V
Overview | |
MSRP$24,450 | MSRP$25,150 |
Average price$22,641 | Average price$24,374 |
Listings1781 | Listings1294 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| |
2019 Honda CR-V Reviews SummaryRefined, roomy, and historically reliable, the Honda CR-V has earned its status as one of the best selling vehicles in America. This is a safe SUV, too, and it returns good fuel economy while delivering lively performance. There are few reasons to cross the 2019 Honda CR-V off of your shopping list, and numerous reasons to drive one home from the dealership. | |
2020 Honda CR-V Reviews SummaryHonda’s compact SUV has been satisfying buyers for more than two decades, with more than five million CR-V’s sold. Such a legacy means the CR-V has long had its wrinkles smoothed out into a comfortable and capable crossover package that’s only downside may be its sheer inoffensiveness. This year’s model gets engine and safety upgrades, which improve fuel economy and help to make Honda’s bestseller an even better value. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.4L 184 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower184 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway34 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.4L 184 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Torque180 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm | Torque179 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower184 hp @ 6400 rpm | Horsepower190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City28 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway34 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space39.2 cu ft | Cargo Space39.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight3307 lbs | Curb Weight3337 lbs |
Height66.1 in | Height66.1 in |
Length180.6 in | Length182.1 in |
Width73.0 in | Width73.0 in |
Wheelbase104.7 in | Wheelbase104.8 in |
Maximum Payload1388 lbs | Maximum Payload1358 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,450 | $25,150 |
Average price | $22,641 | $24,374 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
Summary | Refined, roomy, and historically reliable, the Honda CR-V has earned its status as one of the best selling vehicles in America. This is a safe SUV, too, and it returns good fuel economy while delivering lively performance. There are few reasons to cross the 2019 Honda CR-V off of your shopping list, and numerous reasons to drive one home from the dealership. | Honda’s compact SUV has been satisfying buyers for more than two decades, with more than five million CR-V’s sold. Such a legacy means the CR-V has long had its wrinkles smoothed out into a comfortable and capable crossover package that’s only downside may be its sheer inoffensiveness. This year’s model gets engine and safety upgrades, which improve fuel economy and help to make Honda’s bestseller an even better value. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.4L 184 hp I4 | 1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 184 hp @ 6400 rpm | 190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 34 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.4L 184 hp I4 | 1.5L 190 hp I4 |
Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm | 179 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower | 184 hp @ 6400 rpm | 190 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 28 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 34 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 39.2 cu ft | 39.2 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3307 lbs | 3337 lbs |
Height | 66.1 in | 66.1 in |
Length | 180.6 in | 182.1 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 73.0 in |
Wheelbase | 104.7 in | 104.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1388 lbs | 1358 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 1500 lbs |
The 2019 Honda CR-V maintained a sleek and modern exterior with available body-color trim and attractive 18-inch wheels on higher trims. The rear privacy glass added to the premium tone of the vehicle, and the interior was marked by a combination of high-quality materials and strategic use of high-end plastics that avoided feeling cheap. This model year Ford CR-V came across as a well-designed car both inside and out, albeit with a front end that some could find less appealing.
By contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V highlighted a slightly evolved exterior appearance, closely matching the family look seen in Honda’s sedans. Its car-like approach catered well to those seeking a family-oriented vehicle that stood out less as an SUV and more as an integrated element of everyday driving needs. Inside, mixed material quality hinted at both premium aspirations and budget constraints, feeling less cohesive compared to the 2019 model though roomier, which some might argue, detracts slightly from its overall appeal.
The 2019 model featured two engine options; the base model's 2.4-liter engine offered a solid 184 horsepower, while the upgraded 1.5-liter turbocharged variant available in higher trims produced a peak of 190 horsepower. Issues with the turbocharged engine in cold conditions and potential battery problems marred an otherwise robust performance report, which included commendable handling and economy especially when paired with its CVT and AWD options.
In 2020, Honda streamlined the engine choice to only include the previously optional 1.5-liter turbocharged engine across all trims, enhancing uniformity in performance. Despite the CVT's typical drawbacks, the car's tuning managed to deliver a satisfactorily responsive and efficient driving experience, markedly improved by the new standard powertrain setup. This model also boasted superior fuel efficiency and slightly better handling due to its reduced weight, despite carrying forward some of the infotainment and operational hitches of the previous year.
The 2019 CR-V was a masterclass in how to maximize interior space without sacrificing comfort. The absence of a front passenger seat height adjuster was a notable drawback, overshadowing the otherwise generous space offerings and exceptional cargo capacity – 39.2 cubic feet expanding to 75.8 with rear seats down. Its design smartly accommodated family needs with ample room and easy-to-access storage areas.
Meanwhile, the 2020 CR-V continued with the brand's emphasis on smart packaging. Interior space was once again a highlight, with thoughtful storage solutions and flexible cargo arrangements that mirrored the utility of the 2019 model but with advanced configurations like a two-position load floor. Both models offered exceptional room but the 2020 CR-V made a slight edge with its smarter accommodation of modern storage needs.
In terms of technology, both the 2019 and 2020 CR-V models showed strength and weaknesses. The 2019 model featured a decent blend of technological enhancements from the EX trim upwards, including a 7-inch touchscreen that though critiqued for being small, hosted a range of connectivity options. However, it was also noted for its somewhat cumbersome user interface.
The 2020 version, despite its updates, continued to struggle with infotainment system issues. While it upgraded some features like the addition of a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim, the system itself remained finicky, with its usability lagging behind competitors, despite incremental improvements like increased USB ports.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Honda CR-V is 8 out of 10, while the 2020 Honda CR-V scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these evaluations, the 2019 Honda CR-V presents a slightly better value proposition, primarily due to its more refined balance of style, performance, and interior design, making it the recommended choice between the two. The slight downgrade in the 2020 model's score likely stems from the ongoing issues with infotainment and slightly less cohesive design elements despite its technological and safety advancements.
Choose the 2019 Honda CR-V if:
- You appreciate a vehicle with a more universally appealing design.
- You desire robust engine choices, including a non-turbo option.
- Interior customization and traditional comfort features are more significant to your daily driving experience.
Choose the 2020 Honda CR-V if:
- You prefer standard advanced safety technology across all trims.
- Fuel efficiency, especially in city driving, is a priority.
- You value modern interior storage solutions and technology, including digital connectivity.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Honda CR-V is 8 out of 10, while the 2020 Honda CR-V scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these evaluations, the 2019 Honda CR-V presents a slightly better value proposition, primarily due to its more refined balance of style, performance, and interior design, making it the recommended choice between the two. The slight downgrade in the 2020 model's score likely stems from the ongoing issues with infotainment and slightly less cohesive design elements despite its technological and safety advancements.
Choose the 2019 Honda CR-V if:
Shop Now- You appreciate a vehicle with a more universally appealing design.
- You desire robust engine choices, including a non-turbo option.
- Interior customization and traditional comfort features are more significant to your daily driving experience.
Choose the 2020 Honda CR-V if:
Shop Now- You prefer standard advanced safety technology across all trims.
- Fuel efficiency, especially in city driving, is a priority.
- You value modern interior storage solutions and technology, including digital connectivity.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.