Are you trying to decide between the top two trims of Honda’s legendary 2015 crossover but feel overwhelmed by conflicting specifications? At Vroomdan, our expert mechanics have analyzed both vehicles to bring you the ultimate, definitive breakdown of the 2015 honda crv touring vs exl specs. Choosing the wrong model could leave you with deep buyer’s remorse, especially when you discover the secret hidden settings waiting to be unlocked in your garage.
Your CR-V has a secret trick that starts the SUV when your key fob dies.
And 14 other things Honda never told you.
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bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
In This Guide
- Detailed comparison of the 2.4L Earth Dreams engine and transmission specifications.
- In-depth analysis of the active safety systems included in the Honda Sensing suite.
- Physical differences in wheel dimensions, suspension tuning, and cabin ride quality.
- Step-by-step DIY troubleshooting tips for common electronic and mechanical issues.
2015 Honda CRV Touring vs EXL Specs and Mechanical Breakdown
Deciding between the top two trim levels of a pre-owned crossover is a highly common challenge for family vehicle buyers.
Many buyers spend hours researching technical differences before visiting a dealership or private seller.
This comprehensive comparison of the 2015 honda crv touring vs exl trims will solve your shopping dilemma immediately.
Both models feature premium cabins, but they serve completely different types of daily drivers.
Under the hood, both trims share the same 2.4-liter DOHC Earth Dreams engine.
This direct-injection powerplant produces 185 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 RPM.
Both models transfer this power via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
This layout delivers smooth acceleration but can feel slightly noisy under hard acceleration.
However, when looking closely at the difference between exl and touring crv 2015 specs, the safety tech suites are completely different.
The Touring trim comes standard with Honda Sensing, which was a cutting-edge safety package for its model year.
The EX-L trim lacks these active systems, relying instead on traditional passenger safety designs.
Let’s look at the mechanical, electrical, and physical specifications of both trims side by side.
| Specification | 2015 Honda CR-V EX-L | 2015 Honda CR-V Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.4L i-VTEC 4-Cylinder | 2.4L i-VTEC 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 185 hp @ 6,400 RPM | 185 hp @ 6,400 RPM |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3,900 RPM | 181 lb-ft @ 3,900 RPM |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable (CVT) | Continuously Variable (CVT) |
| Wheel Size | 17-inch Alloy | 18-inch Alloy |
| Active Safety (ADAS) | Not Available | Honda Sensing (Standard) |
| Power Tailgate | Not Available | Standard |
| Navigation System | Optional Upgrade | Standard |
| Curb Weight (FWD) | 3,424 lbs | 3,494 lbs |
| Fuel Economy (FWD) | 27 City / 34 Highway | 27 City / 34 Highway |
The 2015 honda crv exl serves as the traditional luxury option, offering comfortable leather seats and premium audio without complex sensors.
Meanwhile, the 2015 honda crv touring behaves as a modern tech showcase designed to compete with premium luxury imports.
These equipment differences also affect the overall curb weight of the vehicles.
The Touring trim weighs about 70 pounds more than the EX-L due to the extra camera modules, radar sensors, and larger wheels.
This weight difference slightly alters the physical handling characteristics, although the fuel economy ratings remain identical.
Reviewing the used 2015 honda crv touring vs exl specs prevents paying for redundant tech.
Honda Sensing and Advanced Driver Assist Systems
The core reason buyers pay more for the Touring trim is the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing.
The package uses a grille-mounted radar and a windshield-mounted camera.
These sensors enable Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead.
It also powers the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), which gently guides the steering wheel to keep you centered in your lane.
These systems offer immense relief from highway driving fatigue.
The EX-L trim lacks these active radars, offering only traditional passive cruise control.
The Touring also features the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a frontal crash.
We believe these safety additions alone can easily justify the price premium of the Touring model on the pre-owned market.
The Touring trim also features a convenient power tailgate.
Analyzing the honda crv ex l vs touring 2015 specs helps you determine if these convenience features are worth the extra investment.
Alloy Wheel Designs, Suspension Tuning, and Ride Comfort
The physical aesthetic of these two high-level trims is heavily defined by their unique alloy wheel packages.
The EX-L trim comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-profile tires.
The Touring trim upgrades the chassis with distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels featuring a modern contrast finish.
These different wheel sizes directly impact ride quality and road noise.
The EX-L’s 17-inch wheels feature a thicker sidewall that absorbs potholes.
Conversely, the 18-inch wheels on the Touring offer sharper steering response but translate more road vibrations into the cabin.
If your daily commute involves poorly maintained city streets, you might actually prefer the softer ride of the EX-L.
Replacement tires for 18-inch wheels are also more expensive.
Analyzing the 2015 crv touring vs ex l specs shows how wheel size directly influences your long-term maintenance costs.
Troubleshooting Common Glitches and DIY Maintenance
Both the EX-L and Touring trims are highly reliable, but they do suffer from occasional electronic glitches.
The most frequent complaint involves the HondaLink screen freezing.
You can quickly reboot this system yourself to avoid painful diagnostic charges at the local shop.
To perform a reset, hold down the power button for ten seconds.
Both trims require high-quality full synthetic 0W-20 engine oil.
Conventional oil causes rapid carbon buildup on the intake valves.
We recommend performing oil changes every 5,000 miles to keep the Earth Dreams engine running smoothly.
If you are looking at lower-priced alternatives, you should also compare these luxury trims to the mid-tier 2015 honda crv ex or the entry-level 2015 honda crv lx.
Comparing these base models prevents unnecessary spending on luxury options you do not truly need.
Preventing Costly DIY Diagnostic Mistakes
When working on your 2015 CR-V, the most common mistake is replacing parts blindly when a check engine light illuminates.
Many owners rush to buy expensive oxygen sensors when they see a generic trouble code.
Instead, you should always inspect the simple components first, such as a loose gas cap or a dirty engine air filter.
Another common mistake is neglecting the dual-pump fluid in the real-time all-wheel-drive system.
A rear differential groan does not mean you need replacement.
You simply need to refill it with Honda Dual Pump Fluid II.
Ignoring this simple maintenance task will eventually cause expensive damage to your drivetrain components.
Using the wrong transmission fluid in the CVT is another critical mistake that can completely ruin your transmission.
Always use Honda HCF-2 fluid to avoid a catastrophic transmission failure that will cost thousands of dollars to repair.
Checking the 2015 crv exl vs touring specs for recommended fluid capacities will keep your DIY projects safe and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2015 Honda CR-V Touring hold its value better than the EX-L?
Yes, the Touring trim generally retains a slightly higher resale value due to its advanced safety suite and power tailgate.
However, the EX-L actually depreciates at a slightly slower percentage rate because there are fewer complex electronics to fail over time.
You can check current pricing trends by reviewing the 2015 honda crv kbb valuation data.
Can I install Honda Sensing driver assist features on an EX-L trim?
No, it is practically impossible to retrofit Honda Sensing onto an EX-L trim.
It requires custom wiring harnesses, a special windshield, and grille radar mounts.
If you want these driver assists, you must purchase the Touring trim from the factory.
Do these two trims have different physical dimensions or interior space?
No, both the EX-L and Touring trims share the exact same cabin dimensions and cargo capacities.
Both models offer 35.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 70.9 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.
The only physical differences are the exterior wheel diameters and the power tailgate mechanism on the Touring.
“I’ve driven a CR-V for 4 years and didn’t know this existed.”
— The most common reaction when this article is shared
Did you know your backup camera has a hidden top-down ‘drone view’? Or that your cruise control automatically downshifts on steep mountain hills to save your brakes?
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
Conclusion
Choosing between these two legendary trims ultimately depends on your personal tech preferences and highway driving habits.
The Touring provides premium safety, while the EX-L delivers traditional comfort at a more affordable price point.
Ready to get the most out of your SUV? Check out more guides on Vroomdan or email us at contact@vroomdan.com — our team is here to help you discover more SUV secrets and maintenance guides.
Disclaimer: Always consult your official Honda Owner’s Manual before performing any DIY modifications. Information provided is for educational purposes and depends on specific vehicle model years, trim levels, and individual modifications.