The 2019 CR-V offers two engine options. The entry-level LX model features a durable 2.4L engine good for 184 horsepower while the upper trims offer a more powerful turbocharged 1.5L engine packing 190 hp that is more fuel-efficient but less reliable.
Key Points
- Honda’s compact CR-V comes standard with a naturally aspirated 2.4L inline-four-cylinder engine. Upper trims enjoy a more powerful, more efficient 1.5L turbo.
- Buyers looking for the lowest cost of maintenance and best longevity should consider the entry-level LX models equipped with the 2.4L I4.
- Owners and critics alike praise the 1.5L powertrain for its smooth acceleration and impressive fuel economy, reaching up to 34 mpg at highway speeds.
- Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission with slightly different gearing to suit each engine’s power delivery.
- Ultimately, the 2.4L motor’s reliable reputation, low cost of ownership, and ample performance figures make it the better of the two powertrains.
Base Honda CR-V’s 2.4L Inline-four is Reasonably Powerful and Offers Good Fuel Economy Compared to Most Rivals
2019 was the final year for the 2.4L engine in the Honda CR-V. This engine was only available in the entry-level LX trim and was rated at 184 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. Those figures aren’t going to push you back in the seat when you press the accelerator but are more than enough to propel the CR-V down the road at a reasonable pace.
FWD models with this engine have an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway with a combined rating of 28 (AWD 2.4L models take a one mpg hit). Those numbers match the base model FWD Chevrolet Equinox which comes with a 1.5L turbo engine and blows the doors off of the 2.5L Ford Escape’s combined rating of 24 mpg.
However, the base CR-V’s fuel economy is bested by the 2.5L-equipped Toyota RAV4, which gets the same city gas mileage but does better on the highway for a combined rating of 30 mpg. The Nissan Rogue also beats out the CR-V’s 2.4L motor on highway mileage for a combined rating of 29 mpg.
Honda CR-V’s Optional 1.5L Turbo Motor Offers Even Better Fuel Economy and Comparable Power to the Larger 2.4L Engine
Upper-trim 2019 Honda CR-Vs (EX, EX-L, and Touring models) come standard with a 1.5 turbocharged inline-four good for 190 horsepower. The 1.5L turbo does make a sliver less peak torque than the base 2.4L inline-four at 179 lb.-ft. but produces it lower in the powerband and over a wider range.
The FWD and AWD 1.5L turbo CR-Vs beat out their 2.4L powered equivalents by two mpg, respectively. FWD turbo models are rated at 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for a combined rating of 30. AWD models are rated at 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for a combined rating of 29 mpg.
Road test reviews of the 1.5L turbo-powered CR-Vs have been positive. According to a road test by Car and Driver, the CR-V out accelerated the more powerful Toyota RAV4 while also being quieter.
The RAV4 did manage to outshine the CR-V in recorded fuel economy in the test, but not by a wide margin. Other reviews have also praised the smooth character of the 1.5L engine as well as its combination of power and fuel efficiency.
Earlier Honda CR-Vs With 1.5L Engine Had Issues With Fuel in the Engine Oil and Misfires
One of the most common problems with earlier Honda CR-Vs with the 1.5L turbo engine was engine oil dilution. As discussed in a Vehicle History post about the 2019 CR-V’s oil dilution issues, the problem reportedly occurs when excess fuel is sprayed into the cylinder of the engine and mixes with the engine oil. This reduces its ability to lubricate internal parts and could potentially cause engine misfires.
According to Honda, this issue was more prevalent in cold climates. Honda issued a technical service bulletin to address the problem via a software update. This update was applied to all 2019 model CR-Vs before they were sold to customers.
Honda claims that this software update resolved the issue on all affected vehicles, though some owners are still reporting oil dilution and misfires even after the update. However, other owners in the popular Honda Tech forums report the update did address the issue. A class-action lawsuit was filed against Honda for this problem and settled in 2020, but only covered 2017-2018 Honda CR-V models equipped with the 1.5L engine.
2.4L Inline-four Engine Doesn’t Offer the Smooth Torque of the 1.5L Turbo, but Power is More than Adequate for the Average Driver
The 2.4L engine in the entry-level LX model Honda CR-V does not have any of the oil dilution issues that owners of some 1.5L turbo models have reported. This engine family has been in service in a variety of Honda products for over two decades and has proven to be one of the automaker’s best.
While the 2.4-liter inline-four engine’s 184 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque doesn’t have the smooth turbo drive of the 1.5L turbo, its power is more than adequate for daily commuting and highway merges while still offering reasonable fuel economy.
Honda’s 2.4L inline-four is also simple to service since it does not have a turbocharger or any of the related components they require. The motor even uses a timing chain instead of a belt which does not require regular changes.
2019 Honda CR-V’s 2.4L Engine is the Best Pick Thanks to its Durability and Solid Fuel Economy
While the 1.5L turbo engine is slightly more efficient and offers quicker acceleration than the 2.4L inline-four, it has shown some reliability quirks that have put a dent in Honda’s reputation.
Conversely, the 2.4L inline-four is a proven engine with a stellar reliability record that should last well over 100,000 miles with regular maintenance. Though it is only available in the lower grade LX model, the 2.4L’s reliability and low running costs make it the best pick.
Photos: Honda
