The 2019 Honda CR-V FWD with the 1.5L turbo engine gets 30 MPG combined, a good number in a class that values practicality. This isn’t a hybrid, and it’s not trying to set any efficiency records. Instead, the 2019 CR-V offers respectable fuel economy with lots of cargo space, passenger comfort, and Honda reliability. It delivers what families and empty-nesters need: a versatile vehicle that’s easy on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 CR-V FWD 1.5L are 28 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The city figure is relevant, as many CR-V owners use their vehicles for short trips and errands. 28 MPG in urban settings lets them enjoy the CR-V’s practicality without using too much fuel. On long highway trips, the CR-V’s 34 MPG is good, providing a nice mix of fuel efficiency and comfortable range. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps by keeping the engine at its most efficient RPM range. In steady-state highway driving, the engine sips fuel as the CVT finds the best gear ratio.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,450 for the 2019 Honda CR-V FWD 1.5L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. While individual fuel costs will vary, this $1,450 estimate is a helpful benchmark. Paying less than $1,500 to fuel a very practical crossover SUV is generally considered positive.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a consistent baseline, real-world fuel economy can change. Aggressive driving, frequent stop-and-go traffic, and heavy loads will all use more fuel. However, most CR-V owners report results close to the EPA estimates in normal driving. Careful drivers who accelerate smoothly and anticipate traffic can often meet or exceed those numbers. Check CR V MPG across all years to get a sense how other model years hold up.

How it compares

The 2019 CR-V FWD 1.5L competes with other compact SUVs that offer similar levels of practicality and fuel economy. The Toyota RAV4, for example, delivers around 30 MPG combined in its non-hybrid FWD configurations. The Nissan Rogue gets about 29 MPG combined for FWD models. The Mazda CX-5, offers around 28 MPG combined with its standard engine and FWD, for more engaging performance. The Subaru Forester, with standard all-wheel drive, delivers around 29 MPG combined. The CR-V offers competitive fuel economy without losing interior space, comfort, or Honda’s reliability. See all Honda fuel economy data and how the CR-V compares to other Honda models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2019 CR-V FWD 1.5L responds well to gentle driving. Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking, as these habits use more fuel. The CR-V’s CVT favors fuel efficiency, so accelerate smoothly and maintain speed.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and uses more gas. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Reduce weight. Carrying unnecessary items in your vehicle adds weight and uses more fuel. Remove any extra items to lighten the load and improve your MPG. The CR-V has a large cargo area; using it wisely can minimize extra weight.

Plan your trips efficiently. Combine errands into a single trip to minimize cold starts, which use more fuel. Avoid peak traffic hours to reduce stop-and-go driving, which also decreases fuel economy and increases stress.

Getting regular, high-quality service is important and can help prevent issues impacting fuel economy. Keeping up on these checks is a good way to make sure that no problems have snuck into the vehicle without your knowledge.