A grey 2022 Honda CR-V for sale is shown driving on a suburban street.

What’s the Best Honda CR-V Trim?

Like any other car that has been in production for 20-plus years, there are many pre-owned options for a driver to choose from. If you’re looking for a Honda CR-V for sale, this can leave you with a problem; which trim or year is better? Which should be avoided? After all, drivers know that not every year or trim option is created equal, and sometimes a certain year combined with a certain trim package will just give you more for your money. One of the best things to do when anyone finds themselves in this situation is to think about what they need from their vehicle. Are they looking for superior comfort and luxury? If so, checking out a high-end trim or limited edition CR-V might be the best place to start.

But what if you just need a dependable ride or need to stretch your dollar further? If you’re not worried about all the bells and whistles and want a vehicle to get you from point A to Point B without worry, then picking up a CR-V a few years older could save you money while also offering you exceptional value. So is there a best trim to buy? It’s Honda, so drivers can expect a lot of pre-owned quality and affordable CR-V models to pick from. Some of the best CR-V trim options to buy include the 2022 Honda CR-V Touring Edition, the 2019 Honda CR-V EX-L, and the 2016 Honda CR-V Touring Edition. We know we couldn’t pick just one, so we’ve narrowed it down to a few choice options to help you on your way.

The 2022 Honda CR-V Touring Edition: Performance and Luxury

In the last few years, Honda has upped its game with the fifth generation of CR-V. The compact SUV is the smallest in Honda’s fleet but still packs a punch when it comes to power and efficiency. The 2022 model year comes at the tail end of the fifth generation, and while the 2023 sixth generation looks big and impressive, our attention is still on 2022. The CR-V hybrid caused a big stir this year; we’re focused on the CR-V AWD Touring Edition, specifically.

Brand new, the Honda CR-V Touring starts at $36,600 and is the top trim package Honda offered for the CR-V in 2022. This vehicle is meant to deliver a powerful punch in performance and utility, offering all you could possibly want and more. It comes equipped with a standard 1.5L turbocharged engine producing 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. With the torque designed to climb from 2000 RPM and sit at 5000 RPM, drivers can expect responsive acceleration and handling.

The Honda CR-V features EarthDreams Technology with direct injection and variable timing control on the Touring trim’s dual-exhaust system. All this, and the Honda CR-V delivers an impressive combined fuel rating of 30 MPG or, if you opt for all-wheel drive, a combined 29 MPG. Either way, if you’re just getting groceries or cruising down the freeway, the CR-V Touring trim will get you where you want to go for less.

Available real-time all-wheel drive, which can be a real confidence booster when driving conditions are less than ideal. The real-time system is designed to activate and respond quickly when it senses a loss of traction. Great for driving in the rain, the system has also been custom tailored for snowy winter driving to offer enhanced stability and control when drivers need it the most. The generous amount of advanced safety and driver assist features make driving feel effortless, while a roomy and high-end feel cabin gives drivers the added comfort they’re looking for, all at a price that won’t break the bank. On top of that, the 2022 CR-V models are reported to have fewer issues than in previous years, making them a great buy for the price, no matter how you look at it.

A blue 2019 Honda CR-V is shown parked next to a brick building.

The 2019 Honda CR-V EX-L: Value and Convenience

Looking to make your dollar go a little further but still want plenty of great features? A little extra comfort wouldn’t hurt, either. That’s why we narrowed down our top pick to the 2019 Honda CR-V EX-L when it comes to value. Why? Because when you buy a used 2019 EX-L, drivers get a lot for their money, such as great extras when it comes to technology, premium interior detailing, and performance.

The 1.5L Turbo Boost engine delivers a combined 29 MPG fuel economy, which means fewer stops at the pump, and drivers get plenty of power with 190 hp and an improved 179 lb-ft of torque; going for all-wheel drive to make the most of the vehicle’s potential. Despite its compact size, drivers can expect to haul up to 1,500 lbs.

The cabin of the EX-L is spacious, and the technology and controls are easy to locate. The roomy interior makes it easy to relax and take full advantage of all this CR-V trim has to offer. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and leather-trimmed seats give the cabin a high-end feel without the painful price tag. The 39.3 cu.ft. of cargo room behind the seat is easily accessed thanks to the wide power liftgate. Need more space? No problem! Fold the second row seats flat to create a total of 75.6 cu.ft. of space.

Upgraded tech, 9-inch color infotainment screen lets drivers connect their compatible smartphones with the latest tech like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to access their favorite playlists and podcasts or get personalized navigation. While the EX model is available for a slightly lower price, they say it’s the little things that count, and the EX-L offers just a little extra convenience when it comes to small things like a programmable power liftgate, a larger 7-inch touchscreen and a dimming rearview mirror, making it one of the best CR-Vs for your dollar.

The 2016 Honda Cr-v Touring Edition: For the Family

If you’re searching for an affordable, dependable vehicle that will keep you and your family safe, the 2016 CR-V Touring edition is a great place to start. 2016 might seem a little old, but hear us out; 2016 is known to be one of the best years for the Honda CR-V. It has fewer reported issues than in 2017 or 2018, which were known for their engine problems. If you’re looking for a flexible vehicle that you can rely on to get your family where they need to go, the CR-V Touring is ready to help you out.

While 2016 is a great year for the Honda CR-V all around, we chose to focus on the Touring model because of its abundance of safety features. The Touring model was the highest trim offered for 2016 but can still be had at an affordable price. Shoppers can pick up class-leading driver assist features and technology at an unbeatable value. The 2016 Touring edition is brimming with additional safety features like a collision mitigation braking system, a lane keeping assist system, and adaptive cruise control, to name a few.

A silver 2022 Honda CR-V Touring is shown while being loaded with plants.

A Cut Above the Rest

There’s a reason that the CR-V is Honda’s best-selling SUV. Its compact size makes it efficient, while its roomy cabin makes it comfortable. Honda’s state-of-the-art engineering means drivers get the most for their money when they invest in a Honda. Ready to be impressed? Check out a CR-V and see which one works for you. Whether you want a little luxury, performance, or just a safe everyday ride for the family, the CR-V checks all the right boxes.