Deciding between the Honda CR-V Touring and the EX-L can feel like a tough choice, as both offer excellent value and features. You’re looking for a versatile SUV that balances comfort, technology, and practicality for your daily drives and weekend adventures. Understanding the key differences will help you pinpoint the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.
The CR-V lineup is renowned for its reliability and spacious interior, making it a popular pick among families and individuals alike. But when it comes to the premium experience of the Touring versus the well-equipped EX-L, subtle distinctions can make a significant impact on your overall satisfaction.
Let’s dive deep into what sets these two popular CR-V trims apart, from advanced features to everyday usability. This comparison aims to equip you with the knowledge to confidently select the CR-V that best aligns with your needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | crv touring | exl |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbocharged I-4 | 1.5L Turbocharged I-4 |
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 29/35 mpg | 30/38 mpg |
| Infotainment Screen | 9-inch touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen |
| Audio System | Bose Premium Sound System | 8-speaker audio system |
| Navigation | Standard | Not available |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Hands-free Power Tailgate | Standard | Not available |
| Leather-Trimmed Seats | Standard | Standard |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Infotainment System
- Crv Touring: Features a larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a premium Bose audio system with 12 speakers, and built-in navigation. The larger screen and superior audio enhance the overall entertainment experience.
- Exl: Comes with an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard 8-speaker audio system. While functional, it lacks the premium feel and advanced features of the Touring.
- Winner: crv touring
Wheels and Tires
- Crv Touring: Equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires. These larger wheels provide a more aggressive stance and potentially better handling, though they can result in a firmer ride.
- Exl: Features 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. This size offers a good balance between comfort and sporty appearance, often providing a smoother ride than larger wheels.
- Winner: crv touring
Seating Material
- Crv Touring: Upholstered with perforated leather-trimmed seats, offering a luxurious feel and improved comfort, especially during warmer weather due to better ventilation. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard.
- Exl: Comes with leather-trimmed seats. While still premium, they lack the perforated detail and the ventilation feature offered in the Touring. Heated front seats are standard.
- Winner: crv touring
Driver Assistance Features
- Crv Touring: Includes Honda Sensing suite with additional features like Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross-Traffic Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and a more advanced adaptive cruise control. These enhance safety and convenience.
- Exl: Also equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist System. It lacks the BSI and parking sensors found on the Touring.
- Winner: crv touring
Power Liftgate
- Crv Touring: Features a hands-free power liftgate, allowing for easier access to the cargo area when your hands are full. This adds a significant convenience factor.
- Exl: Has a standard power liftgate, which is convenient but requires manual operation (pressing a button). It doesn’t offer the hands-free functionality.
- Winner: crv touring
Sunroof
- Crv Touring: Comes standard with a one-touch power moonroof, allowing for more natural light and fresh air to enter the cabin.
- Exl: Does not offer a sunroof or moonroof. This can make the cabin feel slightly less airy compared to the Touring.
- Winner: crv touring
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Crv Touring: Offers dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures independently.
- Exl: Features single-zone automatic climate control, meaning both front occupants share the same temperature setting.
- Winner: crv touring
Exterior Styling Accents
- Crv Touring: Boasts more premium exterior accents, such as chrome trim, a unique grille design, and LED fog lights, giving it a more upscale appearance.
- Exl: Has a refined exterior but lacks the additional chrome accents and LED fog lights found on the Touring, resulting in a slightly less striking look.
- Winner: crv touring
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Efficiency | EX-L (slightly better MPG) |
| Technology & Features | CR-V Touring (larger screen, navigation, premium audio, hands-free tailgate) |
| Value | EX-L (lower price point with essential features) |
| All-Weather Capability | CR-V Touring (standard AWD) |
| Comfort & Interior Quality | Tie (both feature leather-trimmed seats) |
What They Have in Common
- Powertrain: Both the CR-V Touring and EX-L models are equipped with the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a consistent 190 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. This ensures a responsive and efficient driving experience across both trims, making them suitable for daily commutes and longer journeys alike.
- Infotainment Basics: Both vehicles feature a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Touring boasts a larger screen and wireless connectivity, the EX-L still provides essential smartphone integration for seamless access to navigation, music, and calls.
- Comfortable Interior: The CR-V Touring and EX-L both offer a comfortable and well-appointed interior with leather-trimmed seats as standard. This focus on premium materials contributes to a more refined driving environment, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
- Honda Sensing Suite: A comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, known as Honda Sensing, is standard on both the Touring and EX-L trims. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, providing peace of mind for all occupants.
- Generous Cargo Space: Both models offer ample cargo space, a hallmark of the CR-V lineup. This makes them highly practical for families, shoppers, or anyone needing to transport larger items.
CRV Touring Vs EX-L Buying Guide
Performance and Drivetrain Considerations
The CR-V Touring and EX-L trims offer largely identical powertrain options, typically featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup prioritizes fuel efficiency and a smooth, comfortable ride, making both excellent choices for daily commuting and longer journeys. While neither is designed for aggressive driving, the responsive nature of the turbocharger provides adequate acceleration for merging onto highways and navigating city traffic.
When it comes to drivetrain, both models are available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system enhances traction and stability, particularly in inclement weather conditions like rain or snow. For those residing in areas with frequent challenging weather, opting for AWD on either the Touring or EX-L trim is a worthwhile consideration to bolster confidence and safety on the road. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Interior Comfort and Technology Features
The primary distinctions between the Touring and EX-L often lie in their comfort and technology appointments. The EX-L trim typically offers a well-equipped interior with features like leather-trimmed seating, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a larger touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. These features contribute significantly to a refined and convenient cabin experience for occupants.
Moving up to the Touring trim generally introduces even more premium amenities. This can include a premium audio system, a hands-free power liftgate, and potentially a navigation system. While the EX-L provides a substantial level of comfort and technology, the Touring aims to elevate the in-cabin experience with a few extra luxuries that enhance convenience and entertainment for all passengers on board.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Systems
Honda is well-regarded for its commitment to safety, and both the CR-V Touring and EX-L come standard with the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies. This suite typically includes features such as adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, and collision mitigation braking system. These systems work in tandem to help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of potential collisions.
Beyond the standard Honda Sensing features, the Touring trim might offer additional advanced safety technologies. These could include blind spot information system with cross-traffic monitor, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. While the EX-L provides a robust safety foundation, the Touring may offer an extra layer of awareness and convenience for the driver, further enhancing peace of mind during every drive. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Value Proposition and Long-Term Ownership
The CR-V EX-L represents a strong value proposition, offering a significant upgrade in features over lower trims without reaching the highest price point. It strikes a balance between premium amenities and affordability, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking a well-appointed SUV without breaking the bank. The EX-L trim is often considered the sweet spot for many consumers looking for a feature-rich yet practical vehicle.
The Touring trim, while the most expensive, justifies its price with the inclusion of the most advanced technology and comfort features available in the CR-V lineup. For buyers who prioritize the latest innovations and a truly luxurious experience, the Touring is the clear choice. Both trims benefit from Honda’s reputation for reliability and strong resale value, ensuring a positive long-term ownership experience regardless of the chosen trim level.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy CR-V Touring If…
- You prioritize the convenience of all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in various weather conditions.
- You desire the premium audio experience of a Bose sound system and the ease of a hands-free power tailgate.
- You want the largest available infotainment touchscreen and built-in navigation for effortless journey planning.
- You appreciate the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Buy EX-L If…
- You are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers a well-equipped and comfortable interior.
- Your driving needs are primarily in areas with good weather, making all-wheel drive less of a necessity.
- You are content with a slightly smaller infotainment screen and are comfortable using wired smartphone integration.
- You want to save money while still enjoying a premium feel with leather seats and a robust safety feature set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in features between the CR-V Touring and EX-L?
The primary differences typically lie in the premium features. The Touring trim usually includes a more advanced audio system, a hands-free power liftgate, and potentially navigation, whereas the EX-L offers a strong foundation with leather seats, a power driver’s seat, and a capable infotainment system. Both share the same core safety suite and powertrain.
Is the AWD system available on both the Touring and EX-L trims?
Yes, Honda generally offers the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as an option on both the CR-V Touring and EX-L trims. This allows buyers to choose the drivetrain that best suits their driving conditions and preferences, whether they need enhanced traction for adverse weather or are content with the efficiency of front-wheel drive. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which trim offers better fuel economy?
Both the CR-V Touring and EX-L trims, when equipped with the same powertrain (typically the 1.5L turbo engine and CVT), offer very similar fuel economy figures. The slight differences, if any, are usually negligible and won’t significantly impact your overall fuel costs. The AWD option might slightly reduce MPG compared to FWD on both trims.
Are there significant differences in cargo space between the two trims?
No, the cargo space dimensions are virtually identical between the CR-V Touring and EX-L trims. Honda designs the interior packaging to be consistent across these higher trim levels, ensuring that both offer the same practical and generous cargo capacity for luggage, groceries, or other gear.
Which trim is generally considered a better value for the money?
The CR-V EX-L is often considered the better value for money by many consumers. It provides a substantial upgrade in comfort and technology features over lower trims at a more accessible price point than the Touring. The Touring offers more luxury, but the EX-L delivers a well-rounded package that meets the needs of most buyers.
Final Verdict
Both the Honda CR-V Touring and EX-L are excellent choices, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and advanced safety features. The EX-L trim provides a fantastic balance of premium amenities and value, making it an ideal choice for many buyers. However, for those seeking the ultimate in convenience and luxury, the Touring trim’s additional features like the hands-free power liftgate and premium audio system justify its higher price point.
Winner: CRV EX-L