Deciding on the perfect midsize family SUV can feel incredibly overwhelming when you are staring at similar premium trim options on the used car lot. At Vroomdan, we understand your search for the ultimate balance of utility, modern tech, and long-term reliability. Today, we break down the definitive comparison of the 2015 honda crv touring vs exl to help you make an informed decision and discover clever hidden features that many owners do not know about.
Your CR-V has a secret trick that starts the SUV when your key fob dies.
And 14 other things Honda never told you.
Dead fob fix · Global window down trick · The hidden folding picnic table · Walk Away Auto Lock · and 11 more.
▶ Read Now — Show Me Everything
bryansgarage.com · Bryan Mark
In This Guide
- Trim Breakdown: Full visual and comfort comparison of the top-tier trims.
- Safety Suite: Evaluating Honda Sensing exclusive driver assist systems.
- Mechanical Secrets: Direct injection and transmission maintenance insights.
- DIY Repair Tips: Cost-saving strategies to bypass expensive dealership diagnostics.
The Ultimate 2015 honda crv touring vs exl Head-to-Head Comparison
Selecting between the top two trims of the popular 4th gen crv requires looking at both comfort and safety.
Many used car buyers face major confusion when comparing a 2015 honda crv exl side-by-side with a 2015 honda crv touring.
At first glance, both of these highly popular family SUVs look almost identical on the road.
They share the exact same 2.4-liter Earth Dreams inline four-cylinder engine.
This direct-injection motor produces a healthy 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.
Both models use a Continuously Variable Transmission to optimize fuel efficiency.
However, the premium features and active driver aids create a massive divide.
If you are comparing a used 2015 honda crv touring vs exl, safety technology is the biggest difference.
The Touring trim introduces Honda Sensing, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control.
The EX-L trim lacks these active radar-based safety assists entirely.
Instead, the EX-L relies on a passenger-side mirror camera called LaneWatch.
This safety difference determines which model is right for safety-minded families.
The Touring rolls on unique machine-finished 18-inch alloy wheels.
In contrast, the EX-L comes standard with slightly smaller 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the Touring includes a built-in GPS navigation system as standard.
The Touring also features a power tailgate for hands-free loading convenience.
Let us look at a quick comparison table of their baseline features.
| Feature Spec | 2015 Honda CR-V EX-L | 2015 Honda CR-V Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy Wheel Size | 17-inch Alloy | 18-inch Machine-Finish Alloy |
| Active Safety Suite | Honda LaneWatch Only | Honda Sensing Suite |
| Power Tailgate | No (Manual Hatch) | Yes (Button Activated) |
| GPS Navigation System | Optional Add-on | Standard with HD Traffic |
| Driver Memory Seat | No | Yes (2-Position Memory) |
| Projector Headlights | Halogen Reflector | Projector-Beam Halogen |
Both trims offer comfortable leather seats and dual-zone climate control.
But the Touring is the only trim with driver seat memory functions.
Evaluating the 2015 crv exl vs touring Mechanical Differences
Looking past aesthetic upgrades is critical when choosing your SUV.
The larger 18-inch alloy wheels on the Touring use lower-profile tires to sharpen steering response.
However, these thinner tire sidewalls transmit more vibrations into the cabin.
You may experience a firmer, noisier ride on rough city streets.
The 17-inch wheels on the EX-L offer a thicker cushion of rubber to absorb bumps.
This makes the EX-L feel noticeably softer over potholes.
Additionally, replacement tires for 17-inch rims are cheaper to buy.
This saves you money on routine maintenance.
Under the hood, the direct-injection engine poses a hidden maintenance challenge.
Fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber rather than over the intake valves.
As a result, carbon deposits build up on the intake valves over time.
Both trims suffer from this issue as they cross the 100,000-mile mark.
To prevent issues, mechanics recommend a specialized carbon-cleaning service every 80,000 miles.
Knowing this mechanical reality will help you avoid catastrophic engine performance loss.
The Tech Divide: Exploring honda crv ex l vs touring 2015
The Honda Sensing suite on the Touring trim marked a huge milestone for active safety.
This suite relies on a physical radar sensor hidden in the front grille.
It also uses a camera mounted near the windshield rearview mirror.
If you get too close to a stopping car, the Collision Mitigation Braking System sounds an alarm.
If you fail to react, the system applies the brakes automatically.
This active safety system provides immense peace of mind when your children are riding in the back seat.
The Adaptive Cruise Control system is another major benefit for daily commuters.
It maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead in traffic.
Unfortunately, all this advanced technology can lead to incredibly high repair bills as the SUV ages.
If your windshield gets cracked, replacing it requires camera recalibration.
This calibration process can cost an extra $300 to $500 at the dealership.
In contrast, the EX-L has a simpler electronic layout.
The LaneWatch camera on the EX-L passenger mirror is highly reliable and rarely fails.
If you prefer simpler reliability over high-tech aids, the EX-L is highly appealing.
The 2015 honda crv ex offers a mid-tier option with fewer luxury features.
Meanwhile, the base 2015 honda crv lx lacks leather seats entirely.
Value Analysis: Is a used 2015 honda crv touring vs exl Worth the Premium?
If you are shopping the used market, you want to maximize your buying power.
When analyzing the difference between exl and touring crv 2015, check the pricing.
For buyers tracking the 2015 honda crv kbb value, the Touring carries a slight premium.
A used Touring usually costs $1,200 more than an equivalent EX-L.
This premium is highly justified if you prioritize active safety tech and highway driving comfort.
However, if you drive mostly in the city, the 2015 crv touring vs ex l comparison shifts.
The active safety features are less useful during low-speed city gridlock.
In city environments, the simpler EX-L is the smarter, more cost-effective choice.
Practical DIY Maintenance and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
You can easily handle many routine maintenance tasks in your own home driveway.
This saves you from overpaying greedy local dealership service departments.
For instance, you must change your CVT fluid every 40,000 miles.
Always use genuine Honda HCF-2 CVT Fluid for this task.
Using generic automatic transmission fluid will destroy the transmission belt.
Also, avoid overtightening the engine oil pan drain plug during oil changes.
The soft aluminum pan can strip out easily under excessive force.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the plug to exactly 30 pound-feet.
Always replace the metal crush washer to prevent slow oil leaks.
Lastly, never use ammonia-based window sprays on your touchscreen.
Using harsh glass cleaners will permanently cloud the display.
Only use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to gently clean the screen.
By doing these tasks yourself, you enjoy the absolute thrill of keeping your hard-earned money in your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add Honda Sensing features to a used EX-L?
No, you cannot retroactively add Honda Sensing to an EX-L trim.
The system requires complex wiring, a unique windshield, and specialized computer modules.
Attempting this would cost far more than trading your vehicle for a Touring.
Will aftermarket wheels void my warranty?
Installing aftermarket wheels will not void your entire vehicle warranty.
Under federal law, a dealer can only deny warranty coverage if the aftermarket part directly caused the failure.
However, oversized wheels can put extra stress on wheel bearings.
How often should I change the key fob battery?
You should replace the key fob battery every two to three years.
A weak fob battery can cause security system glitches and starting issues.
Always keep a spare CR2032 battery in your glove box.
“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: Unlock Your CR-V’s True Potential
Choosing between the 2015 CR-V Touring and EX-L comes down to balancing advanced active safety with simplified mechanical reliability. Both trims offer exceptional long-term family utility. 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.