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Some of the major changes on the 2021 Honda CR-V when compared with the 2019 model include updated engine options, additional standard features, and the availability of hybrid options for even better gas mileage.
The Honda CR-V is one of the most competitive compact SUVs on the market these days—and it’s easy to see why, considering its fuel efficiency and wide range of available features. But how does it compare from model year to model year, and which one is right for you?
Check out the guide below to find out key changes—as well as what’s stayed the same for the 2019 and 2021 Honda CR-Vs.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers2021 Honda CR-V vs. 2019 Honda CR-V: what’s the difference?
The Honda CR-V is a poster child of sorts when it comes to the elements most people are looking for in a compact crossover: reliable handling, good gas mileage, enough convenience features. As such, it consistently ranks near the top on major car reviewers’ best-of lists.
But a lot can change in a model year—let alone two. So, how do the 2019 and 2021 models compare? Let’s take a look.
Pricing
From 2019 to 2021, the MSRP of each CR-V trim level has risen anywhere from about $1,800 to $2,300. There’s also the addition of hybrid options in 2021, which are just slightly more expensive than their comparable non-hybrid trim counterparts.
It’s not for nothing, however—some considerable changes have happened to the CR-V between these model years, which we’ll get to below.
Model | 2021 MSRP | 2019 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
LX | $26,575 | $24,350 |
Special Edition | $27,775 | N/A |
EX | $29,085 | $27,250 |
EX-L | $31,675 | $29,750 |
Touring | $34,875 | $32,750 |
Hybrid EX | $31,785 | N/A |
Hybrid EX-L | $34,375 | N/A |
Hybrid Touring | $37,575 | N/A |
MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car
General specs
When it comes to general performance specs, a key change happened between the 2019 and 2021 model years. For 2019, a 2.4 four-liter cylinder engine was standard with the option to upgrade to a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. On the 2020 model year, that turbocharged engine became standard, and that’s also the case for the 2021 CR-V.
The turbocharged engine option offers slightly more horsepower and runs a little more efficiently, but the towing capacity for both model years remains the same, and it’s on the lower end compared to others in its class.
Front-wheel drive is standard for both model years, but all-wheel drive is available as well.
2021 Honda CR-V | 2019 Honda CR-V | |
|---|---|---|
Base engine (all non-hybrid trims) | Turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 horsepower) | 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (184 horsepower) |
Upgrade engine | N/A | Turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 horsepower), EX and higher trims |
Hybrid engine | 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine w/ two electric motors (212 horsepower) | N/A |
Transmission | CVT | CVT |
Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, All-wheel drive (AWD) available | Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, All-wheel drive (AWD) available |
Maximum towing capacity (non-hybrids) | 1,500 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversFuel economy
In 2019, the Honda CR-V was already known for being relatively fuel-efficient, and its EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2021 holds steady with the averages for the 2019 turbocharged engine. If you really want to boost your fuel economy, though, look to the new hybrid options.
- 2021 Honda CR-V with FWD: 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined
- 2021 Honda CR-V with AWD: 27 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined
- 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid: 40 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 38 mpg combined
For the 2019 model year, the 1.5-liter engine gets slightly better gas mileage than the standard 2.4-liter engine:
2019 Honda CR-V, 2.4-liter engine, FWD: 26 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined
2019 Honda CR-V, 2.4-liter engine, AWD: 25 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined
2019 Honda CR-V, 1.5-liter engine, FWD: 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined
2019 Honda CR-V, 1.5-liter engine, AWD: 27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined
MORE: How to get a hybrid or electric car tax credit
Safety ratings
Both the 2021 and 2019 Honda CR-Vs earned the title of Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well as five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, both still have areas with room for improvement.
The 2019 Honda CR-V was a 2019 Top Safety Pick for the IIHS, a highly coveted distinction for any vehicle. It generally gets “good” ratings across most categories, but there are some areas with “acceptable” and “marginal” ratings. An updated side crash test gets an acceptable rating, for example. Headlight ratings range from acceptable to marginal, depending on the trim level, with the Touring option faring the best.
The 2019 Honda CR-V gets an overall five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. When it comes to individual categories, the front passenger side crash rating falls just short of that with four stars. The NHTSA gave the 2019 model five stars across the board for its side crash tests and a four-star rating for rollover resistance, with a calculated rollover risk of about 16%.
But since its release, five recalls have been issued, with some of the problems relating to airbags, rear subframe separations, and potential fuel pump failure. There’s also an investigation currently underway relating to its automatic emergency braking system. You’ll want to make sure these issues have been addressed before you decide to call one your own.
So, what changed for the 2021 Honda CR-V? It was yet again a 2021 Top Safety Pick for the IIHS with mostly “good” ratings. This model year also received an “acceptable” rating in an updated side crash test. Some of its headlight ratings improved. The Touring and Hybrid LED headlights received “good” ratings. EX and EX-L LED headlights were “acceptable,” while the halogen headlights were “marginal.” It fared worse for seat belt reminders, which got a “poor” rating.
The 2021 CR-V’s crash safety ratings from the NHTSA remained the same across the board for major categories. One recall has been issued for the 2021 CR-V to date due to a seat belt retractor malfunction. Forward collision avoidance problems are one of the most numerous complaints to the NHTSA, but no investigations are in progress currently.
For a more in-depth look at safety ratings for either CR-V model year, you can visit the IIHS and NHTSA websites.
Styling and interior changes
Post-2019, Honda added more interior features to the CR-V, as well as some styling tweaks.
Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that were optional in 2019 were standard in 2021. The same goes for certain driver-assistance features, like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection.
Additional available features for both model years include a sunroof, heated seats, heated power side mirrors, and more.
On top of its improved fuel efficiency, the 2021 base-level EX Hybrid comes with a few more standard features like automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, USB charging ports, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, and all-wheel drive.
Additionally available on the 2021 model are:
- Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Wireless phone charger
MORE: How to remote start your Honda CR-V 2021
2021 Honda CR-V vs. 2019 Honda CR-V: which should you buy?
If you’re looking for more features available at the standard level, or a hybrid for better fuel efficiency, a 2021 Honda CR-V is probably the option for you. But if a lower purchase price is the main priority, a 2019 Honda CR-V might be more ideal.
Ultimately, you’ll need to decide what about the CR-V is most appealing to you, what your must-have features are, and whether you have any qualms about recalls or other related safety information.
MORE: Car loans for Honda 2022
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Reviewed by Lisa Steuer McArdle.
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