There isn’t a formal “Premium CR-V” trim badge in Honda’s US lineup. The premium feel buyers associate with this designation comes from the top-tier trims of the CR-V, primarily the EX-L and Touring, which bundle leather, enhanced tech, and convenience features. This article explains what those premium trims include, how they differ, and what to expect in pricing and availability.
What counts as premium in the CR-V
The term “premium” in the context of the CR-V refers to the higher-end trims that offer leather seating, enhanced infotainment, and added comfort and convenience features. Honda’s CR-V is officially offered in LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring in the US. There isn’t an official “Premium” badge, but EX-L and Touring are the trims that deliver the most content and luxury-minded upgrades.
Before you dive into the specifics, note that the exact features can vary by model year and market. The following list summarizes the features commonly associated with the premium CR-V trims (EX-L and Touring) in recent generations:
- Leather-trimmed seating with a power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Upgraded infotainment with a larger touchscreen and strong smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
- Navigation and/or enhanced navigation features on Touring
- Premium audio options on Touring (and sometimes included with EX-L, depending on year)
- Convenience features such as a hands-free power tailgate and a panoramic sunroof
- Exterior upgrades and larger wheels that contribute to a more premium appearance
- Advanced driver-assistance features as part of Honda Sensing (often standard on EX-L and Touring)
These features collectively define the premium feel of the CR-V, though the exact package contents can shift with each model year and regional market.
EX-L vs Touring: how they differ
To understand what “premium” means in practice, it helps to compare the two top trims that most buyers consider premium:
- EX-L commonly includes leather seating, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats; it enhances comfort over the mid-range EX without adding every luxury feature.
- Touring builds on EX-L by adding features such as navigation, a more premium audio system, a larger or more advanced display, a hands-free power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, and often premium exterior styling and wheels.
- Honda Sensing safety features are typically standard on EX-L and Touring, with variations by year, and may be optional or unavailable on lower trims in older model years.
In practice, Touring is the most feature-rich option and is widely considered the “fully premium” CR-V package, while EX-L offers a strong premium experience with a lower price. Buyers should compare year-by-year specs at the point of sale to confirm exact inclusions.
The CR-V Hybrid: premium trims in a fuel-efficient form
The CR-V Hybrid follows the same trim structure for premium content. In the hybrid lineup, you’ll find Hybrid EX-L and Hybrid Touring as the premium variants, offering the same leather seating and tech upgrades as their gas-powered counterparts, but paired with a hybrid drivetrain for better efficiency. The premium feel remains tied to Touring in most years, with navigation, premium audio, and other luxury features featured prominently.
Before committing, consider how the hybrid powertrain aligns with your priorities—efficiency and emissions, cargo and passenger space, and overall driving dynamics—alongside the premium features that matter most to you.
Pricing and regional variations
Pricing for the premium CR-V trims varies by model year, drivetrain (gas vs. hybrid), and region. In the United States, the CR-V lineup typically places LX as the entry point, with EX, EX-L, and Touring following in ascending order of features and price. Roughly, premium trims tend to sit in the low-to-mid $30,000s for EX-L and the upper $30,000s to low $40,000s for Touring, depending on year and options. Always check the current model year’s official Honda pricing or your local dealer for precise figures.
Dealers may also offer packages or add-ons that bundle premium features, which can alter the effective price. If you’re cross-shopping across trims or considering a used CR-V, verify the exact features included in each vehicle’s window sticker or listing.
Summary
The notion of a “premium CR-V” is less about a single badge and more about the lineup’s top-tier trims. EX-L and Touring are the versions most buyers consider premium, delivering leather, enhanced infotainment, and convenience features that elevate the driving experience. Hybrid variants mirror this structure with the same premium content offered alongside a more efficient powertrain. When evaluating a premium CR-V, compare year-specific features, confirm what’s included in the trim you’re considering, and price accordingly for your region and year.
What is the best luxury Honda CR-V?
Top-Tier Hybrid Excellence: The Sport Touring Hybrid stands as the most luxurious and technologically advanced CR-V trim, featuring standard Real-Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™, a Bose 12-speaker premium sound system, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation, and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities.
Which CR-V to stay away from?
Keep in mind that your personal driving habits will dictate the longevity of a used Honda CR-V. Avoid the 2002-2004 models due to guaranteed HVAC implosions, the 2015 model for its infuriating idle vibration, and the 2017-2018 models for their severe turbo-engine oil dilution flaws.
What is the biggest complaint for a Honda CR-V?
Top Honda CR-V Problems
- Air Conditioning is Blowing Warm Air.
- Door Lock May be Sticky and Not Work Due to Worn Door Lock Tumblers.
- Groaning Noise on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown.
- Harsh Shift From First to Second Gear in Automatic Transmission.
- Wipers Won't Park Due to Windshield Wiper Motor Failure.
What is the luxury version of Honda CR-V?
Sport Touring Hybrid
The Sport Touring Hybrid stands alone as the highest-level CR-V trim with all of the luxury features found in the Sport-L Hybrid, plus standard Real-Time AWD, Wi-Fi® hotspot capability, a 12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a hands-free power tailgate, and larger 19-inch wheels.