Welcome to Vroomdan, where we analyze the exact 2019 honda crv ex vs exl specs to save you money. Deciding between these two iconic mid-tier trims can feel incredibly overwhelming for busy families. Fortunately, our team of ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified mechanics has dissected the physical blueprints of these SUVs to reveal the hidden value. Let us transition into the hidden mechanical and electronic secrets that will make you look like a pro.
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
- Head-to-Head Specification Table
- Cabin Upgrades & Power Tailgate Mechanics
- Common Engine & Electronic Troubleshooting
- Cost-Saving Preventative Maintenance
2019 Honda CRV EX vs EXL Specs: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Breakdown
When you look under the hood, both trims share the exact same mechanical heart.
They feature the direct-injected 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
Power is delivered smoothly via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
But when comparing the Kelley Blue Book (2019 honda crv kbb) value, the differences in daily comfort become immediately apparent.
Let us look at the “difference between ex and exl crv 2019 specs” to see how they stack up in a detailed technical chart.
| Specification Feature | 2019 Honda CR-V EX | 2019 Honda CR-V EX-L |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder | 1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower / Torque | 190 hp @ 5,600 RPM / 179 lb-ft | 190 hp @ 5,600 RPM / 179 lb-ft |
| Seating Material | Durable Heated Cloth | Leather-Trimmed Seating |
| Power Tailgate | Not Available (Manual) | Programmable Height Power Tailgate |
| Audio System | 6-Speaker, 180-Watt | 8-Speaker, 180-Watt (Upgraded Tweeters) |
| GVWR (FWD / AWD) | 4,695 lbs / 4,850 lbs | 4,695 lbs / 4,850 lbs |
The cargo capacity is a massive 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 75.8 cubic feet with seats folded.
This space is identical across both trims, making both excellent for family road trips.
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is exactly 4,695 lbs for front-wheel drive (FWD) configurations.
If you choose the real-time all-wheel drive (AWD) setup, the GVWR bumps up to 4,850 lbs.
For towing, both models are rated at a maximum capacity of 1,500 lbs when properly equipped.
However, many owners experience intense frustration when they realize they paid a premium for upgrades they could have avoided.
This is why understanding the “honda crv ex l vs ex 2019 specs” is vital before signing any used car paperwork.
The real value of the EX-L lies not in the engine bay, but in the premium interior appointments.
The EX trim features durable, heated cloth seats with a 12-way power driver’s seat.
The EX-L steps up the luxury with leather-trimmed seats, a 4-way power passenger seat, and a two-position driver’s seat memory system.
These memory settings link directly to your individual key fobs, automatically adjusting your seat before you even open the door.
This brings a profound sense of relief to families who constantly share a single vehicle.
Deep-Dive: Cabin Upgrades, Leather Seats, and Power Tailgate Mechanics
Let us analyze the physical differences in cabin convenience between these two packages.
The most visible upgrade on the EX-L is the programmable power tailgate.
According to the official Honda service manual, this system utilizes dual spindle-type power struts controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) in the rear cargo area.
If you have a low garage ceiling, you can easily program the opening height limit to prevent expensive cosmetic damage.
Simply pull the tailgate down to your desired height, then press and hold the tailgate button until you hear two distinct beeps.
This quick calibration will save you from the painful heartbreak of scratching your shiny new tailgate on a low concrete beam.
The EX-L also replaces the standard 6-speaker, 180-watt audio system with an 8-speaker, 180-watt setup.
While the amplifier wattage remains identical, the extra tweeters in the rear doors improve soundstage clarity significantly.
Reviewing the “2019 crv ex vs exl specs” helps highlight these small but impactful daily quality-of-life differences.
For buyers considering a 2019 honda crv lx, upgrading to the EX or EX-L is a night-and-day difference in standard features.
The LX trim lacks the high-tech active safety features that make the 5th gen crv so legendary.
If you want ultimate premium features like hands-free tailgate access, check out the 2019 honda crv touring instead.
Troubleshooting the 1.5L Turbo Engine and HondaLink System
While the Earth Dreams 1.5L Turbo engine is highly efficient, it requires specific technical attention.
Many owners on the CR-V Owners Club forum have voiced concerns over fuel odor and oil level increases, commonly known as oil dilution.
This occurs when unburnt gasoline passes by the piston rings and mixes with the engine oil during short, cold-weather drives.
To prevent accelerated wear on critical engine bearings, ensure your vehicle has received the product update software patch from Honda.
This original equipment manufacturer (OEM) update adjusts the engine control module (ECM) to warm the block faster.
Another common headache is a frozen or unresponsive 7-inch HondaLink display audio screen.
When Apple CarPlay or Android Auto freezes, you do not need to pay a dealership diagnostic fee.
You can force-reboot the system by pressing and holding the audio volume knob for roughly 10 seconds.
A prompt will appear on the display asking if you want to reboot the system.
Select “Yes,” and the infotainment system will perform a hard reset, restoring complete functionality.
Discovering these easy workarounds brings a massive wave of relief to DIY-minded owners.
If you are looking at a “used 2019 honda crv ex vs exl specs” vehicle, check the service history to ensure the infotainment firmware is fully updated.
This prevents persistent Bluetooth disconnects and screen flickering issues down the road.
Practical Application Guide & Maintenance Tips for the 5th Gen CR-V
Owning a fifth-generation CR-V can be incredibly affordable if you perform basic preventative maintenance yourself.
Always use high-quality 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil to protect the turbocharger bearings from high heat.
Additionally, the CVT transmission is highly sensitive to fluid degradation.
Honda recommends changing the CVT fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.
Never use generic transmission fluids under any circumstances.
Only use genuine Honda HCF-2 CVT fluid to prevent clutch slippage and catastrophic transmission failure.
A replacement CVT can cost over $5,000 at a dealership, making DIY fluid changes an incredibly smart cost-saving measure.
You will feel an incredible rush of satisfaction by keeping this hard-earned cash in your wallet.
The heavy electronic load of the Honda Sensing active safety suite can drain older batteries rapidly.
Checking the “2019 crv ex vs ex l specs” reveals that both models use the exact same group 51R battery size.
Upgrading to an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery offers much better cold-cranking amps and superior deep-cycle durability.
Overcoming Common DIY Mistakes When Maintaining Your CR-V
One of the most frequent mistakes DIY mechanics make is damaging the delicate plastic clips on the cabin air filter housing.
When accessing the cabin filter behind the glovebox, gently squeeze the outer tabs of the damper arm instead of forcing it with a screwdriver.
Another common oversight is failing to properly calibrate the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The 2019 CR-V uses an indirect TPMS, which calculates tire pressure based on wheel speed data from the anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensors.
After rotating your tires or adjusting the air pressure, you must initiate the calibration process via the settings menu on the center screen.
Ignoring this step will trigger a persistent, annoying warning light on your dashboard.
Additionally, many owners are unaware that they can easily enable the Walk Away Auto Lock feature.
This brilliant electronic feature automatically locks your doors when you walk more than five feet away with the key fob.
To enable it, navigate to Settings, select Vehicle, go to Keyless Access Setup, and turn on Walk Away Auto Lock.
This simple setup provides complete peace of mind when rushing inside with groceries.
Frequently Asked Questions
On the used market, the price gap typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the mileage and condition.
When analyzing the used 2019 honda crv ex vs exl specs, the added premium is highly justified if you value leather seating and a power tailgate.
However, if you are looking for pure mechanical utility, the EX provides the exact same engine performance at a lower entry cost.
No, performing your own basic maintenance will not void your warranty as long as you use OEM-equivalent fluids and keep detailed service receipts.
Be sure to document the mileage, date, and part numbers of all components used during your DIY sessions.
This practice ensures you avoid any unfair dealership disputes and protects your investment.
Yes, you can install aftermarket leather seat covers such as Katzkin to achieve the look and feel of an EX-L.
However, adding aftermarket leather will not give you the power passenger seat or the driver’s memory seat calibration.
Comparing the 2019 crv ex vs ex l specs shows that the factory integration of these electronics is highly complex to replicate.
Therefore, buying the factory EX-L trim is much more cost-effective than attempting aftermarket electronics upgrades.
“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
In summary, choosing between the EX and EX-L comes down to your personal luxury preferences.
Both packages provide exceptional fuel economy, safety, and 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 and maintenance guides.