2019 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Honda CR-V

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.

Both the 2019 and 2020 Honda CR-V models displayed commendable dedication to safety. The older model's Honda Sensing features, although reserved for higher trims, and subsequent IIHS ratings underscored a solid safety premise. The 2020 CR-V expanded on this safety promise by standardizing many of these advanced features across all trims, including gaining a slightly better edge in federal and insurance testing ratings, despite the slight hiccup with a recall.