Honda CR-V (2019) Updates

After spending several weeks with the 2019 Honda CR-V diesel in India's demanding conditions, from Mumbai's chaotic traffic to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and twisty Mahabaleshwar roads, I've been impressed by its versatility as a premium SUV. The 1.6-litre diesel engine paired with the nine-speed automatic feels responsive in city crawls, darting through gaps with un-diesel-like agility, thanks to the quick-shifting gearbox that always picks the right cog without needing paddles. On highways, it shines with tall gearing that lets it cruise effortlessly at 80-100kph in seventh gear at just 2,200rpm, overtaking with ease below 3,000rpm, while excellent body control and stability make it handle sweeping corners like a car, even fully loaded. The driver-centric cockpit is a highlight, with spot-on ergonomics, supportive seats, and clear visibility that eases urban maneuvering, though small buttons and a modest infotainment screen are minor niggles at Rs 30.67 lakh. Ride quality absorbs sharp edges decently despite short-travel suspension, ground clearance handles potholes well, and real-world mileage hit 9.8kpl under hard use, stretching to 14kpl in mixed conditions. The optional third row suits kids only, but for five, it's spacious and refined, positioning it as a strong family highway contender over bulkier rivals like the Fortuner.

I've been driving the 2019 Honda CR-V diesel around Mumbai and beyond, and it truly shines as a refined urban and highway companion tailored for Indian roads. The driver-centric cockpit feels perfect, with spot-on ergonomics, supportive seats, and clear visibility that make threading through chaotic traffic effortless, even outperforming bulkier SUVs like the Fortuner. The 1.6-litre diesel paired with the 9-speed automatic is responsive in the city, darting from 0-30kph smoothly without feeling heavy, though it's not the most refined-sounding unit. On the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, it cruises effortlessly in seventh gear at 80-100kph with the engine loafing at 2,200rpm, offering fantastic stability, minimal body roll, and precise steering that holds lanes through Lonavla's sweepers—more car-like than SUV. The tall ninth gear is practically unusable legally, but overall gearing suits long hauls, with unstressed overtakes below 3,000rpm. Suspension handles sharp edges and potholes decently, aided by 208mm ground clearance, and real-world mileage hits around 9.8kpl even with a heavy foot. The premium cabin impresses with soft-touch materials, though the smallish infotainment screen lags a bit. Third-row seats are kid-only, but for five, it's spacious and comfortable. At Rs 30.67 lakh, it's a polished choice for those prioritizing dynamics over outright power.

After putting several thousand kilometers on our 2019 Honda CR-V diesel long-termer in India, I've been impressed by its highway prowess, especially cruising the Mumbai-Pune Expressway at 80-100kph in seventh gear where the 1.6-liter engine spins lazily at 2,200rpm without stress, making overtakes effortless below 3,000rpm thanks to the smooth nine-speed automatic. Its stability shines through fast sweepers like those around Lonavla, feeling more like a car than an SUV even fully loaded, with excellent body control and minimal roll, though the steering shows slight vagueness dead-ahead that vanishes under load. In Mumbai's bustle, the responsive diesel and quick-shifting gearbox dart through traffic nimbly, aided by sharp visibility and compact dimensions that belie its premium Rs 30.67 lakh price for the 4x2 variant. City ride over sharp edges is firm but composed with decent 198mm ground clearance, while Mahabaleshwar's rough ghats and potholes tested the suspension without major complaints, delivering 9.8kpl despite my heavy foot. The seven-seater cabin offers plush leather seats, ample second-row space, and driver-centric ergonomics, though the infotainment screen feels small and buttons fiddly; third row remains kids-only. Overall, it's a refined urban mile-muncher that's unstressed on long hauls.

I've been driving the 2019 Honda CR-V diesel in India for months now, and it continues to impress in Mumbai's chaotic traffic where its compact dimensions and excellent visibility make weaving through congestion effortless, feeling more like a nimble city car than a bulky SUV. The meticulously crafted driving position puts the driver first with perfect seat cushioning, clear dials, glare-free infotainment, and angled USB ports that enhance everyday ergonomics, though some buttons feel fiddly for larger fingers. On highways like Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the 1.6-litre diesel paired with the 9-speed automatic shines, cruising happily in seventh gear at 80-100kph with the engine loafing at 2,200rpm, offering unstressed overtakes below 3,000rpm and superb stability through Lonavla's sweepers where body roll is minimal and steering precise, albeit with slight vagueness dead-ahead. The suspension handles sharp edges and potholes decently for an SUV with modest travel, aided by good ground clearance, while mixed driving yields around 9.8-14kpl. The spacious cabin boasts premium leather and support for five, but the diesel's 7-seater third row suits kids only, and at Rs 30 lakh, the small screen and occasional gruffness hold it back from perfection.

The 2019 Honda CR-V has been enhanced with advanced safety features, including the standard Honda Sensing suite, which includes collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. This upgrade aims to improve driver and passenger safety. I think these additions make the CR-V a more compelling choice in its segment.

Honda has updated the CR-Vs infotainment system for the 2019 model year, introducing a more user-friendly interface and adding features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This move is expected to enhance the driving experience with better connectivity options. I believe this update will be a hit with tech-savvy buyers.

The 2019 Honda CR-V features subtle design changes, including new front and rear bumpers, updated LED headlights, and new alloy wheel designs. These tweaks aim to give the CR-V a fresher look without deviating from its successful design formula.

Honda announced the introduction of a hybrid version of the CR-V for the 2019 model year, though it was not available in all markets, including India. The hybrid model combines a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.

The 2019 Honda CR-V was priced starting at around Rs. 28.15 lakh for the base 2WD variant in India. The top-of-the-line 4WD variant was priced at Rs. 32.75 lakh. This pricing positioned the CR-V competitively in the Indian market.

The 2019 Honda CR-V received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This reinforces the vehicles reputation for safety. I think this is a significant selling point for families.

The 2019 Honda CR-V boasts increased cargo space and improved rear seat comfort, making it a more practical choice for family buyers. The vehicle offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Honda introduced new exterior color options for the 2019 CR-V, including a new Obsidian Blue Pearl and a refreshed Aegean Blue Metallic. These new colors aim to attract more buyers looking for a stylish SUV.

The 2019 Honda CR-V continues to offer a 1.6-liter diesel engine and a 2.4-liter petrol engine, both paired with a CVT or a 6-speed manual transmission. The diesel engine provides better fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for long-distance drivers.

Honda launched the 2019 CR-V with a range of advanced driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features are part of the Honda Sensing suite and are designed to enhance safety and driving convenience.