The 2013 Honda CR-V is slightly better-looking than the previous generation, but it isn’t a particularly exciting compact crossover no matter the trim level. However, its safety credentials, excellent fuel economy, ride quality, and available AWD offer almost everything buyers need.
Key Points
- The 2013 Honda CR-V‘s trims include the base LX, mid-range EX, and top-of-the-line EX-L. Expect to spend between $13,300 or so on an LX, up to around $16,500 on EX-L models.
- This CR-V model year is available with a single powertrain option comprising a 2.4L i-VTEC inline-four engine with 185 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. of torque, paired to a five-speed automatic.
- Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is available in all trim levels for an average of about $400 extra. Expect to get one less mpg on models equipped with AWD.
- The CR-V earned the best-possible overall vehicle score of five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners love it too, per Vehicle History reviews where it holds a 4.5-star rating out of five.
2013 CR-V LX Packs Many Amenities and Safety Features, Like ABS and Stability Control, Despite Being the Base Model
The entry-level trim for the 2013 CR-V is the LX. And despite being the base model, it shares the same safety features with the top-of-the-range EX-L, including VSA electronic stability control system with roll-over sensor; ABS with brake assist; driver and front-passenger airbags; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side occupant position detection system.
Under the hood in all three trims is a 2.4L 16-valve DOHC engine, which is an ideal four-banger powertrain for commuting. But don’t expect its 185 horsepower and 163 lb.-ft. of torque to crack a smile on your face when you floor it, especially without a manual shift mode in the transmission.
This engine was designed for efficiency and offers 23/30 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive and a 15.3-gallon tank. All-wheel drive is also available across the range in exchange for one mile per gallon less. The i-VTEC engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, and all trims come with Eco Assist and the Econ button, which helps enhance fuel efficiency.
CR-V LX’s comfort and convenience features include:
- AC with air filtration system
- Cruise control
- Power windows with auto-up/down driver’s window
- Power doors and tailgate locks
- Tilt and telescopic steering column
You can fold down the 60/40 split rear seat with a single pull, creating over 70 cu. ft. of cargo space. This space, along with its excellent standard features, makes the LX a perfect choice for families seeking a practical, versatile, and affordable vehicle.
Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) Fair Purchase Pricing, as of January 2021, shows a front-wheel-drive LX model with roughly 109,000 miles should go for about $13,300. AWD models run an average of just $400 more.
2013 CR-V EX Offers a Number of Minor Upgrades, Including Rear Privacy Glass, Remote Entry, and Upgraded Audio
Perhaps the most significant upgrade on the LX is the one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature. The rest of the exterior upgrades are the fog lights, folding power side mirrors with expanded-view, body-color driver’s mirror, and rear privacy glass.
The only significant upgrades in the cabin are the illuminated vanity mirrors and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. In addition, the EX and LX trims have a security system, with the LX offering a remote entry function.
All trims offer door-pocket storage bins and over 100 cu. ft. of passenger space to accommodate five adults comfortably. KBB shows a Fair Purchase Price of $15,100 for a 2013 CR-V in EX trim.
2013 CR-V’s Top-tier Trim EX-L Includes Leather-wrapped Interior, Honda’s Navigation and Entertainment Systems
If you can’t make up your mind between the EX and LX trims, you may as well get the fully-loaded EX-L, which packs many more features without breaking the bank.
The only exterior upgrade on the EX-L trim body-color folding power side mirrors with an expanded view driver’s mirror.
Interior features include:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system with voice recognition,
- DVD rear entertainment system
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed seats
- 328-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with seven speakers, including subwoofer
If you and your family are all about comfort and entertainment, the EX-L trim is the best choice. According to KBB, you will spend around $16,000 for an AWD EX-L model.
2013 CR-V’s Trim Levels Earned the Compact SUV NHTSA’s Best-possible Overall Vehicle Score
The CR-V’s safety credentials make it best-in-class in this category. Standard features across the range include VSA electronic stability control system with roll-over sensor; ABS with brake assist; driver and front-passenger airbags; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side occupant position detection system. All this helped the CR-V earn the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s perfect five-star rating for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests, all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios.
2013 CR-V is a Capable, Practical Compact SUV with an Assortment of Trims and Features to Choose From
The 2013 CR-V is a basic and plain, run-of-the-mill vehicle. But it also sports a host of standard convenience features and available all-wheel drive that make it a functional compact SUV with an outstanding balance of size and capability. In addition, it offers car-like interior comfort, a quiet ride, and the versatility to be an excellent fit for families. Whether you prefer the practical LX trim, the slightly upgraded EX, or feature-rich EX-L, the 2013 CR-V is a winning choice that’s sure to serve you well.
Photos: Honda
