The Honda CR-V has long been a favorite in the compact SUV segment, and the 2019 model year continues this legacy with a strong emphasis on safety. For prospective buyers and current owners alike, understanding the safety performance of the Honda CR-V 2019 is crucial. This comprehensive guide breaks down the safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), providing a detailed look into how this vehicle performs in various crash tests and safety evaluations.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test simulates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree or pole. In the driver-side small overlap test for the 2017-2022 Honda CR-V models, the results are based on a test conducted by Honda and assessed by the IIHS.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The Honda CR-V 2019 achieved a “Good” rating, the highest possible, in the driver-side small overlap front crash test. This indicates robust protection for the driver in this challenging scenario. The structure and safety cage held up well, and injury measures for all body regions were rated as “Good.” The driver restraints and dummy kinematics also performed optimally, suggesting effective airbag deployment and seatbelt function.
Technical Measurements – Driver Side Small Overlap Front Crash Test
Delving into the technical measurements provides a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s performance.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTN1702 |
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 6 |
| Footrest (cm) | 9 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 13 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 10 |
| Parking brake (cm) | N/A |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 4 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Steering column | 1 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 5 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 4 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 4 |
These measurements show the extent of intrusion into the occupant compartment during the crash. Lower numbers indicate less intrusion, which is better for occupant safety. The Honda CR-V 2019 demonstrates minimal intrusion in critical areas.
Driver Injury Measures (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTN1702 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 302 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 9 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.25 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.3 |
| Right | 0.0 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.52 |
| Right | 0.69 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 1.2 |
| Right | 2.5 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 53 |
| Right | 64 |
These injury measures are crucial for understanding the potential for real-world injuries. Lower HIC (Head Injury Criterion) scores, minimal chest compression, and low femur and tibia forces all point to a safer vehicle in a small overlap front crash.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side Evaluation
Extending the small overlap test to the passenger side provides a more complete picture of frontal crash safety. Like the driver-side test, the passenger-side rating for the Honda CR-V 2019 (2017-2022 models) is based on Honda’s testing, evaluated by IIHS.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The Honda CR-V 2019 once again earned a “Good” overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap test. Importantly, both passenger and driver injury measures were rated “Good,” indicating consistent protection for occupants on both sides of the vehicle in this type of frontal crash.
Technical Measurements – Passenger Side Small Overlap Front Crash Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTP1714 |
| Lower occupant compartment | |
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 5 |
| Footrest (cm) | 6 |
| Right toepan (cm) | 4 |
| Center toepan (cm) | 4 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 |
| Upper occupant compartment | |
| Center dash (cm) | 2 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 3 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 3 |
| Right lower dash (cm) | 3 |
Similar to the driver-side, intrusion measurements on the passenger side are also minimal, further supporting the structural integrity of the Honda CR-V 2019.
Passenger Injury Measures (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTP1714 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 73 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.23 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 23 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.9 |
| Right | 0.3 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.35 |
| Right | 0.43 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 1.1 |
| Right | 1.0 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 34 |
| Right | 49 |
Driver Injury Measures (Passenger Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTP1714 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 61 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.0 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.19 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 20 |
| Femur (kN) | |
| Left | 0.4 |
| Right | 0.1 |
| Knee displacement (mm) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) | |
| Left | 0 |
| Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index | |
| Left | 0.40 |
| Right | 0.20 |
| Tibia axial force (kN) | |
| Left | 0.8 |
| Right | 0.6 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 100 |
| Right | 59 |
The injury measurements for both passenger and driver in the passenger-side test are low, reinforcing the CR-V’s commitment to occupant safety across the front seating positions.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front test is a more traditional frontal crash test, involving a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end. Two moderate overlap frontal tests were conducted on the Honda CR-V 2019 (2017-2022 models), one by the IIHS and one by Honda. Ratings are based on the results of both tests.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The Honda CR-V 2019 achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front test, demonstrating excellent protection in a more common type of frontal collision. All driver injury measures were rated “Good,” highlighting the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in this scenario.
Action shot from the IIHS moderate overlap frontal crash test of the Honda CR-V 2019, showcasing the vehicle’s structural performance during impact.
Post-crash dummy position in the Honda CR-V 2019 moderate overlap test, indicating excellent maintenance of driver survival space.
Controlled dummy movement in the Honda CR-V 2019 moderate overlap test, with head contact on head restraint and side curtain airbag as intended.
Minimal intrusion into the driver’s side of the Honda CR-V 2019 during the moderate overlap frontal test, ensuring occupant space is well-preserved.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF1702 |
| Footwell intrusion | |
| Footrest (cm) | 5 |
| Left (cm) | 9 |
| Center (cm) | 9 |
| Right (cm) | 9 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 4 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement | |
| Left (cm) | 1 |
| Right (cm) | 1 |
| Steering column movement | |
| Upward (cm) | 1 |
| Rearward (cm) | -1 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
These measurements, taken from both the IIHS (VTF1702) and Honda (CEF1702) tests, show consistent minimal intrusion in the footwell and occupant compartment, indicating robust structural performance.
Driver Injury Measures – Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTF1702 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 192 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Extension bending moment (Nm) | 9 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Legs | |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 0.5 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 0.3 |
| Knee displacement – left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – right (mm) | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.31 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.64 |
| Tibia axial force – left (kN) | 1.5 |
| Tibia axial force – right (kN) | 1.4 |
| Foot acceleration (g) | |
| Left | 60 |
| Right | 62 |
Injury measures from both tests remain low, confirming the “Good” rating and indicating a low risk of significant injuries in a moderate overlap frontal crash.
Side Crash Test: Original Test
The side crash test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in a side impact scenario. The original side crash test ratings for the Honda CR-V 2019 (2017-2022 models) are also based on tests conducted by Honda.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
The Honda CR-V 2019 once again achieved a “Good” overall rating in the original side crash test. Both driver and rear passenger injury measures and head protection were rated “Good,” demonstrating comprehensive side impact protection.
Technical Measurements – Original Side Crash Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Test ID | VTS1702 |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -18.0 |
This measurement indicates the amount of intrusion into the occupant space from the side. A negative number means the crush stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, which is a positive result.
Driver Injury Measures – Original Side Crash Test
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1702 |
| Head HIC-15 | 201 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.4 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 50 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.5 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 35 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 25 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.22 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.41 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.5 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.5 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 1.1 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 33 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 145 |
Passenger Injury Measures – Original Side Crash Test
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | VTS1702 |
| Head HIC-15 | 61 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.9 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 42 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 39 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 30 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.88 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.51 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.8 |
| Combined force (kN) | 3.2 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.5 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 22 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 12 |
The injury measurements for both driver and passenger are generally low, supporting the “Good” rating in side impact protection.
Side Crash Test: Updated Test
An updated side crash test with more stringent criteria was also performed on the Honda CR-V (2017-2022 models).
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
| Structure and safety cage | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Marginal (M) |
| Pelvis | Acceptable (A) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
In the updated side crash test, the Honda CR-V 2019 received an “Acceptable” overall rating. While driver head/neck and torso protection remained “Good,” pelvis protection was rated “Acceptable.” For rear passengers, head/neck protection was “Good” and pelvis protection was “Acceptable,” but torso protection was “Marginal,” pulling down the overall rating compared to the original side test.
Post-crash view of the Honda CR-V 2019 following the updated side impact test, showing structural deformation.
Side airbags deployed and occupant compartment damage in the Honda CR-V 2019 after the updated side crash test, with doors removed for visibility.
Greasepaint on the driver dummy head indicating effective protection from hard structures by the side airbag in the updated side impact test of the Honda CR-V 2019.
Greasepaint showing rear passenger dummy head protection by the side airbag in the Honda CR-V 2019 updated side impact test.
Technical Measurements – Updated Side Crash Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES2106 |
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -16.5 |
Similar to the original test, the intrusion measurement is negative, though slightly less than the original test.
Driver Injury Measures – Updated Side Crash Test
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES2106 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 151 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 1.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.3 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 0.8 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 30 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 27 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.57 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.38 |
| Pelvis | |
| Combined force (kN) | 4.6 |
Passenger Injury Measures – Updated Side Crash Test
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES2106 |
| Head | |
| HIC-15 | 352 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.2 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.6 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 47 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 43 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 39 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.99 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.79 |
| Pelvis | |
| Combined force (kN) | 4.5 |
The updated test shows slightly higher injury measures compared to the original test, particularly for rear passenger torso protection, which explains the “Marginal” rating in that area.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test measures the roof’s ability to withstand forces in a rollover crash.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,396 lbs |
| Peak force | 18,094 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.33 |
The Honda CR-V 2019 achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength, with a strength-to-weight ratio of 5.33. This indicates the roof can withstand over five times the vehicle’s weight, providing strong protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation
This evaluation assesses the effectiveness of head restraints and seats in preventing neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
|---|---|
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
The Honda CR-V 2019 earned a “Good” rating for head restraints and seats. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” indicating effective design to minimize whiplash injuries in rear impacts.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Seat type | Manual cloth seat |
|---|---|
| Geometry | |
| Backset (mm) | 26 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 38 |
| Seat design parameters | |
| Pass/fail | Pass |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 13.1 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 52 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Neck forces | |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 267 |
These technical measurements further validate the “Good” rating, showing effective seat geometry and low neck forces during simulated rear-end collisions.
Headlight Ratings
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime safety. The IIHS rates headlights as Poor, Marginal, Acceptable, or Good. The Honda CR-V 2019 has three different headlight variations, depending on the trim level.
Touring Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
The Touring trim’s LED reflector headlights with high-beam assist received an “Acceptable” rating. Low beam visibility was good on straightaways and sharp right curves, but only fair to inadequate on left curves. High beams were better on straightaways and gradual right curves, but fair to inadequate on left and sharp right curves. High-beam assist helps compensate for low beam limitations.
EX and EX-L Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall rating | Marginal (M) |
The Halogen projector headlights on EX and EX-L trims, despite having high-beam assist, received a “Marginal” rating. Low beam visibility was good on the left straightaway but only fair elsewhere, with glare issues. High beams were better on straightaways, but inadequate on most curves. High-beam assist helps compensate for low beam deficiencies.
LX Trim Headlights
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen projector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
| Overall rating | Marginal (M) |
The base LX trim’s Halogen projector headlights without high-beam assist also received a “Marginal” rating, similar to the EX and EX-L trims. Performance and glare issues are comparable to the other halogen headlight setup.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems can significantly reduce or prevent frontal collisions. The Honda CR-V 2019 (2017-2019 models) offers an optional Collision Mitigation Brake System.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Warning | Meets requirements |
| 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
With the optional Honda Sensing Package, the Honda CR-V 2019 achieves a “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention. The system successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests and meets forward collision warning requirements.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian detection systems are increasingly important for urban safety. This rating applies to the 2018-2019 Honda CR-V models (EX, EX-L, Touring trims) with the optional Collision Mitigation Braking System.
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
|---|---|
| Crossing child | |
| 12 mph test | Impact speed reduced by 10 mph |
| 25 mph test | Impact speed reduced by 22 mph |
| Crossing adult | |
| 12 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| Parallel adult | |
| 25 mph test | Collision Avoided |
| 37 mph test | Impact speed reduced by 32 mph |
The Honda CR-V 2019 with optional pedestrian front crash prevention earns a “Superior” rating. It demonstrated strong performance in avoiding collisions with crossing adults and children, and significantly reduced impact speed in more challenging scenarios.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors, also known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), are evaluated for ease of use.
| Overall evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle trim | LX |
| Seat type | cloth |
The Honda CR-V 2019 received an “Acceptable” rating for child seat anchors. It has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor and the ability to borrow lower anchors. Ease of use is rated as “Acceptable” due to some difficulty in locating anchors and needing too much force to attach child seats in certain positions.
Conclusion
The Honda CR-V 2019 demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, achieving mostly “Good” ratings in crash tests, and “Superior” ratings for front crash prevention systems when equipped with optional Honda Sensing. While headlight ratings vary by trim and the updated side crash test resulted in an “Acceptable” overall score, the CR-V 2019 remains a safe and reliable choice in the compact SUV category, especially for families prioritizing safety. These detailed safety ratings provide valuable insights for anyone considering the Honda CR-V 2019.
