2015 Honda CR-V: Explaining the Trim Levels

CARS.COM — We try to “explain” trim levels so consumers will be less confused — hopefully — by the alphabet soup of trim names and seemingly endless list of vehicle option packages. The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market and just received a significant overhaul for 2015, so we thought it deserved a closer look at the trim… level.

Related: 2015 Honda CR-V First Drive

The biggest change for the 2015 model year is the addition of a Touring trim level. Also of note is Honda’s against-the-grain practice of not offering option packages for their vehicles. Instead, you can only add features by moving up a trim level. We detail all the trims available for CR-V SUVs below.

2015 Honda CR-V LX: $24,150 ($25,400 all-wheel drive)

Basics: The Honda CR-V LX comes with a 185-horsepower four-cylinder engine, CVT transmission with standard front-wheel drive and optional AWD, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, black side mirrors and door handles, power windows with automatic up/down for driver’s window, cruise control.

Interior and tech: Standard features include a manual driver’s seat, four-speaker stereo, single USB port, Bluetooth streaming audio and HandsFree Link, tilt and telescoping steering wheel with controls for stereo, phone and cruise control.

Miscellaneous: Conversation mirror, eight cupholders for front and rear seat passengers.

Options: Like most Honda vehicles, the CR-V LX SUV has no available options.

2015 Honda CR-V EX: $26,250 ($27,500 all-wheel drive)

Basics: The EX trim adds some features that might seem basic like map pockets behind the front seats and illuminated vanity mirrors as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, push-button start, body-colored side mirrors, chrome door handles, Honda LaneWatch, LED daytime running lights.

Interior and tech: Ten-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, six-speaker stereo, 7-inch display screen, two USB ports.

Miscellaneous: Retractable cargo cover, rear privacy glass.

Options: There are no options available on the CR-V EX trim level.

2015 Honda CR-V EX-L: $28,850 ($30,100 all-wheel drive)

Basics: The “L” in the EX-L trim stands for leather but there are more features included in this trim besides the standard leather front and rear seats, including dual-zone climate control and roof rails.

Interior and tech: Leather-wrapped steering wheel, seven-speaker stereo with subwoofer, SiriusXM radio.

Miscellaneous: Automatic-dimming rearview mirror.

Options: Navigation is available but is considered its own trim level rather than an option for both the EX-L and EX-L all-wheel drive. It is an additional $1,500 on either powertrain.

2015 Honda CR-V Touring: $32,350 ($33,600 all-wheel drive)

Basics: Moving to the top-of-the-line Touring trim level adds the optional navigation from the EX-L as standard equipment along with 18-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate, heated body-colored side mirrors with turn signal indicators, adaptive cruise control.

Interior and tech: HD radio, driver’s seat with two memory positions.

Miscellaneous: Suite of safety features includes lane departure warning and lane assist, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system.

Options: There are no options available on the Honda CR-V Touring trim level.

All prices include destination charges of $830.

Cars.com photo by Brian Wong, manufacturer images