If you are shopping for a reliable family SUV, finding the right balance of luxury and affordability is key, which is why the Vroomdan team highly recommends analyzing the **2019 honda crv exl** as a premier used option. Many buyers struggle to choose between the different trims, but this specific model stands out by offering premium leather seating and advanced safety without the high price tag of the top-tier version. However, before you sign any paperwork or pay a mechanic, you need to understand the minor technical quirks and hidden features that can completely transform your daily driving experience.
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
- Valuation & Pricing: Analyzing the actual used market worth of the standard EX-L package.
- Trim Comparison: Breaking down feature differences between the EX, EX-L, and Touring editions.
- Mechanical Deep-Dive: Exploring the 1.5L Turbo direct-injection engine and oil maintenance concerns.
- Practical Solutions: Troubleshooting display system freezes and battery drain issues at home.
Evaluating the Used 2019 Honda CRV EXL: Pricing, Specs, and Trim Comparison
Navigating the used car market can feel like a high-stakes gamble.
You want premium cabin comfort, but you also dread getting ripped off by pushy dealership sales reps.
The **2019 honda crv exl** represents the sweet spot for the 5th gen crv lineup.
It bridges the gap between basic utility and high-end executive luxury.
Let us look at how the 2019 honda crv ex l stacks up against other available packages.
The baseline 2019 honda crv lx features a naturally aspirated 2.4L engine and standard cloth seats.
Stepping up to the 2019 honda crv ex unlocks the 1.5L Turbo engine, a power sunroof, and heated seats.
However, the 2019 honda crv ex-l introduces genuine leather seating, a power tailgate, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
If you crave hands-free navigation and premium sound systems, you might consider the top-tier 2019 honda crv touring.
For most practical family buyers, the honda crv 2019 ex l is the absolute best value for the money.
According to current market metrics, the 2019 honda crv kbb value sits between $19,500 and $23,000 depending on mileage and regional demand.
When searching for a used 2019 honda crv exl, you should inspect the vehicle service history to confirm it received regular maintenance.
Many owners prefer buying a 2019 crv exl over newer hybrid models because of the simplicity of the standard gasoline drivetrain.
This traditional system avoids the long-term hybrid battery degradation risks that keep some used buyers up at night.
| Trim Level | Key Features | Used Market Value (KBB) |
|---|---|---|
| LX Trim | 2.4L Engine, 5-Inch Display, Cloth Seats | $16,500 – $18,500 |
| EX Trim | 1.5L Turbo, Honda Sensing, 7-Inch Display Audio | $18,500 – $21,000 |
| EX-L Trim | Leather-Trimmed Seats, Power Tailgate, Auto-Dimming Mirror | $19,500 – $23,000 |
| Touring Trim | LED Headlights, Hands-Free Tailgate, Premium Sound | $22,000 – $25,500 |
Addressing the 1.5L Turbo Engine Concerns and Honda CRV Oil Dilution
Under the hood of the **2019 honda crv exl** lies a direct-injected 1.5L turbocharged engine.
This powertrain delivers a lively 190 horsepower and excellent highway fuel efficiency.
However, many potential buyers worry about the widely discussed honda crv oil dilution issue.
Oil dilution occurs when unburnt gasoline bypasses the piston rings and mixes directly with the engine oil.
This problem typically occurs during cold winter months and short-trip city driving environments.
Based on reports from the CR-V Owners Club community, this dilution can decrease the lubricating quality of your motor oil.
If you ignore this issue, you run the risk of catastrophic internal engine wear that costs thousands of dollars to fix.
To address this, Honda issued a product update campaign that adjusted the engine control unit software.
This update allowed the engine to warm up much faster, helping to vaporize excess fuel out of the oil pan.
When shopping for a used SUV, you must check the service history to ensure this software update was completed.
You can also pull the engine oil dipstick to check for a distinct gasoline smell or an elevated fluid level.
Maintaining a strict oil change schedule is crucial for preserving your honda crv reliability over its lifetime.
ASE Certified Mechanics recommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles if you live in cold northern climates.
How to Reboot Your HondaLink Display Audio and Manage Battery Drain
Modern vehicle electronics provide immense convenience until they freeze up during your morning commute.
The infotainment system in this generation of SUVs is known for occasionally freezing during Apple CarPlay operations.
You do not need to make an expensive and frustrating trip to the dealership to fix a frozen screen.
Instead, you can perform a quick DIY hard reset right from your driver seat.
According to the official Honda service manual, you can reset the system by holding down the physical audio power button for ten seconds.
A prompt will appear asking if you want to reboot the system.
Select “Yes” to clear the system cache and restore normal operation instantly.
This simple reboot can provide massive relief when you are stranded with a non-responsive map screen.
Another common complaint on this particular model is rapid 12V battery drain.
The electronic systems in the 5th generation CR-V put a heavy constant load on the battery.
If your vehicle struggles to start, the culprit is often a weak battery or a parasitic draw from the HondaLink TCU module.
Upgrading to an AGM battery with higher cold cranking amps is an excellent preventative upgrade.
This upgraded battery will provide more reliable power to all your vehicle’s computers during cold weather.
Practical Maintenance Guides and Daily SUV Usage Tips
Keeping your daily driver running smoothly does not require a degree in mechanical engineering.
You can save hundreds of dollars each year by performing simple inspections yourself.
First, always check your tire pressure levels on a monthly basis.
The factory recommended tire pressure for this vehicle is 32 PSI for all four tires.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure ensures optimal fuel economy and prevents uneven tread wear.
Next, take full advantage of the Walk Away Auto Lock system to keep your vehicle secure.
You can enable this feature through your central touchscreen menu under the vehicle settings tab.
Once activated, your CR-V will automatically lock its doors as you walk away with the key fob in your pocket.
This feature offers immense peace of mind when your hands are full of heavy grocery bags.
If your key fob battery dies unexpectedly, do not panic.
You can slide the physical key out from the back of the fob to unlock the driver door manually.
Then, simply hold the dead fob directly against the engine start button while pressing the brake pedal.
The passive transponder chip inside the fob will communicate with the car and allow the engine to start.
Overcoming Common DIY Mistakes Made by CR-V Owners
Many vehicle owners make costly mistakes when attempting simple DIY repairs at home.
The most common mistake on this vehicle generation is using incorrect fluids.
The Continuously Variable Transmission requires genuine Honda HCF-2 fluid specifically.
If you put standard automatic transmission fluid in your CVT, you will completely destroy the internal belt system and void your warranty.
Another frequent mistake is ignoring cabin air filter replacement intervals.
A clogged cabin air filter restricts airflow and forces your climate control system to work twice as hard.
This simple filter can be replaced in less than five minutes without using any tools.
Simply lower your glovebox compartment, slide out the old filter tray, and insert a new OEM replacement.
Finally, avoid breaking the fragile plastic trim clips when removing the engine cover or interior panels.
Always use a dedicated plastic trim removal tool rather than a flathead screwdriver to prevent ugly scratches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will performing my own basic maintenance void my factory or used car warranty?
No, you are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which guarantees your right to service your own car.
However, you must keep all receipts for parts and oils to prove the service was performed at the correct mileage intervals.
Can I upgrade the infotainment system in my used vehicle to support wireless Apple CarPlay?
The factory head unit only supports wired CarPlay through the dedicated USB port on the lower dash.
To get wireless connectivity, you can purchase an aftermarket USB dongle that plugs directly into the active port.
What is the recommended replacement interval for the spark plugs on this engine?
The standard maintenance minder system will alert you when it is time to replace the spark plugs, which is typically around 100,000 miles.
You should always use high-quality iridium spark plugs to maintain optimal combustion and fuel efficiency.
How can I tell if my 2019 crv exl has already received the software update for oil dilution?
You can contact any local authorized dealership and provide your vehicle’s unique VIN.
Their service database will immediately show whether all active recall campaigns and product updates have been completed on your vehicle.
“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
Owning a **2019 honda crv exl** offers an exceptional blend of utility, luxury, and long-term reliability.
By understanding your vehicle’s mechanical needs and hidden features, you can protect your investment and save money on maintenance.
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.