Specifications of Honda CR-V V (facelift 2019) 2.0 (212 HP) Hybrid AWD e-CVT
General characteristics of Honda CR-V V (facelift 2019) 2.0 (212 HP) Hybrid AWD e-CVT
Similar in size to the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V's dimensions include a length of 182.1 inches and a width of 73 inches. The wheelbase is 104.8 inches for 2WD models and 104.7 inches for AWD versions, while the height is either 66.1 inches for the former or 66.5 inches for the latter. One of the advantages of an SUV over a sedan is its ability to traverse a few tougher everyday obstacles, even if that's pavement in a crowded parking lot rather than a truly rocky 4x4 trail. To that end, the CR-V's ground clearance varies between 7.8 (2WD) and 8.2 inches (AWD). The curb weight begins at 3,337 pounds for 2WD variants and increases to 3,455 lbs when AWD is equipped, but the hybrid models weigh a heftier 3,649 lbs.
A sensible and fairly predictable range of colors is on offer for the Honda CR-V. The base CR-V LX is available in a choice of five colors: Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Radiant Red Metallic. The first three colors won't cost anything extra but the last two go for $395 each. Moving up to the EX adds the availability of Aegean Blue Metallic and Sonic Gray Pearl ($395), increasing the color palette to a total of seven. However, the hybrid versions trade Aegean Blue Metallic for Obsidian Blue Metallic. The top two trims have the same choice of seven colors, and while the CR-V looks perfectly fine in silver, it must be said that the Aegean Blue Metallic does add a bit more punch to its appearance.
The sensible theme that runs through almost every fiber of the Honda CR-V continues with its power plant. It's not the most powerful or thrilling engine in this segment, but for the needs of the average compact SUV owner, it doesn't miss a beat. The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft, with that torque figure on tap from a nice and low 2,000 rpm. This engine is paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a Sport Mode. The more powerful CR-V Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle engine with two electric motors. One is a generator/starter motor and the other is a propulsion motor with 181 hp and 232 lb-ft on its own. On its own, the 2.0-liter engine produces 143 hp and 129 lb-ft, but the total system output is 212 hp. This powertrain is paired with an electronic CVT.
At low to medium speeds, the non-hybrid CR-V performs well; the crossover gets off the mark with just enough gusto and the CVT is actually one of the more pleasurable iterations of this kind of transmission, ensuring smooth and easy progress. The CR-V manages passing maneuvers confidently and merging onto the highway isn't an unnecessarily sweaty-palmed undertaking. It's really only when you're in more of a hurry that another 20 to 30 hp would be welcome, and flooring it induces the typical engine drone that accompanies CVT 'boxes. The hybrid is even better, with improved low-end torque thanks to the electric motor, making it the more responsive powertrain around town. At higher speeds when the electric motor has done most of its work, it can feel a tad strained, but not terribly so.
As far as non-hybrid compact SUVs go, the Honda CR-V is one of the best for fuel efficiency. The latest EPA-rated figures indicate gas mileage of 28/34/30 mpg for FWD variants across the city/highway/combined cycles, with the AWD versions returning 27/32/29 mpg. By comparison, the most efficient Mazda CX-5 returns 25/31/28 mpg. However, the Toyota RAV4 is just as thrifty as the CR-V with best figures of 28/35/30 mpg from its larger 2.5-liter engine. The CR-V has a 14-gallon gas tank so has a maximum range between filling up of approximately 420 miles.
Our all-wheel-drive test vehicle indicated 29 mpg after a couple of days of running around town and a long freeway run, perfectly in line with its EPA estimates.
For maximum efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid will return an EPA-rated 40/35/38 mpg, which is good but can't quite match the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's 41/38/40 mpg. With the same-sized tank as the non-hybrid CR-V, the electrified version will travel for around 560 miles on a full tank in mixed driving conditions. An electric-only driving mode is available, but the small 1.4-kWh battery limits range in this mode to just a mile or two - perfect for sneaking in quietly at night.
The Honda CR-V exists in a segment that values space and utility and provides both in spades. Six footers have no trouble front or back, with a generous 41.3 inches of legroom in the front and 40.4 inches in the rear. There's seating for five available in total; the center seat in the back is adequate, but no full-size adult is going to volunteer to use it, though. The wealth of space and comfortable seats make this generation of CR-V particularly comfortable for a full family on long road trips. The driver has excellent forward visibility, and the EX trim and above introduces heating for both seats and 12-way power-adjustability for the driver.
Behind the second row of seats, the CR-V's trunk capacity measures 39.2 cubic feet, enough to cram in about ten carry-ons. With the 60/40 second-row rear seat folded flat and no 3rd row to worry about, utility space swells to 75.8 cubes. These numbers are excellent and place the CR-V well ahead of the Mazda CX-5, which can only manage 30.9 cubes behind the second row and 59.6 cubes when it's folded. The CR-V Hybrid's electric components reduce trunk capacity to 33.2 cubes behind the back seats and 68.7 cubes with the second row folded. If the CR-V still doesn't meet your cargo needs, the 7-occupant Honda Pilot offers around 46 cubes behind its second row. The CR-V's lower liftover height contributes to it being an excellent choice for cargo-carrying duties. Convenient latches either behind the rear seats or in the cargo area make it easy to tumble the second row.
Storage space in the cabin has been similarly well-considered. There are large door pockets and a deep enough center console to complement the usual glovebox. Only the EX and above have a seatback pocket on the passenger side, while front/rear cupholders form part of the storage solutions as well. A sunglasses holder doubles as a conversation mirror, making it easier for parents to keep an eye on the kids.
Unfortunately, Honda has been lagging behind on infotainment for a while compared to other brands. The LX model is weak on features, and owners have to make do with a five-inch LCD screen, four speakers, and basic Bluetooth compatibility in a world where Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are becoming standard fare. The rest of the CR-V's range of trims upgrade to a seven-inch touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It's a small screen compared to rivals and still not the fastest to react to inputs. The EX trim adds two more speakers and the Hybrid EX adds another two on top of that, while the Touring trim boasts a premium nine-speaker sound system and navigation. Sirius XM and HD Radio are also standard on all but the LX.
