Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L? You've come to the right place. We're diving deep into what makes this compact SUV tick, exploring everything from its performance and fuel efficiency to its features and reliability. By the end of this review, you'll have a solid understanding of whether the 2014 CR-V EX-L is the right choice for you. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L

So, what's the buzz about the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L? This model represents a sweet spot in the CR-V lineup, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and some nice-to-have features that elevate it above the base trims. As part of the CR-V's fourth generation, the 2014 EX-L builds upon Honda's reputation for reliability and efficiency, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. One of the standout features of the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L is its leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury to the interior. Besides the leather seats, you also get heated front seats, a premium audio system, and an optional navigation system. These additions make the driving experience more enjoyable, especially on longer trips. The EX-L also boasts enhanced safety features compared to the lower trims. These include features like a rearview camera, which is super helpful when backing up, and advanced airbags throughout the cabin. The vehicle's design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The exterior has a modern, aerodynamic look, while the interior is designed for maximum space and comfort. The rear seats can be easily folded down to create a large cargo area, perfect for hauling groceries, sports equipment, or luggage. Under the hood, the 2014 CR-V EX-L is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. It's not the fastest SUV on the market, but it offers smooth acceleration and confident performance in everyday driving situations. Overall, the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a lot of value for its price. It's reliable, fuel-efficient, and packed with features that make it a comfortable and practical choice for a wide range of drivers.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 185 horsepower, which is adequate for most driving situations. Whether you're cruising down the highway or navigating city streets, the CR-V offers responsive acceleration and confident handling. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. While some drivers might miss the traditional feel of a conventional automatic transmission, the CVT provides seamless gear changes and contributes to the CR-V's impressive gas mileage. The handling of the 2014 CR-V EX-L is another strong point. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road without feeling overly soft or floaty. While it's not a sports car, the CR-V feels planted and stable in corners, giving you confidence behind the wheel. One of the notable features of the 2014 CR-V EX-L is its available all-wheel-drive system. This system automatically distributes power to the wheels that need it most, improving traction and stability in slippery conditions. Whether you're driving in rain, snow, or mud, the all-wheel-drive system helps to keep you on track. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2014 CR-V EX-L performs well compared to its competitors. The front-wheel-drive model gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These numbers are respectable for a compact SUV and can save you money at the pump. Overall, the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L offers a balanced and refined driving experience. It's not the most powerful or sporty SUV on the market, but it provides smooth acceleration, confident handling, and excellent fuel efficiency. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the CR-V is a comfortable and capable companion.

Interior Comfort and Features

Let's talk about what it's like to be inside the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L. The interior is designed with comfort and practicality in mind, making it a great place to spend your time, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a long road trip. The leather upholstery is one of the standout features of the EX-L trim. The leather seats not only look and feel luxurious, but they're also easy to clean and maintain. The front seats are heated, which is a welcome feature on cold mornings. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The rear seats are also comfortable and offer plenty of legroom for passengers. The rear seats can be easily folded down to create a large cargo area, which is perfect for hauling bulky items. The dashboard layout is clean and functional, with all of the controls within easy reach. The infotainment system is straightforward to use, with a 7-inch display screen and intuitive menus. The EX-L trim comes standard with a premium audio system, which delivers crisp and clear sound quality. You can connect your smartphone via Bluetooth to stream music or make hands-free calls. Other notable features of the interior include a sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light, and automatic climate control, which keeps the temperature just right. The EX-L also comes with a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. In terms of storage space, the 2014 CR-V EX-L offers plenty of options. There's a large glove compartment, a center console with cupholders, and door pockets for storing small items. The cargo area is also spacious, with 37.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 70.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Overall, the interior of the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L is comfortable, practical, and well-equipped. It's a great place to spend your time, whether you're driving alone or with passengers. The leather seats, heated front seats, premium audio system, and other features make it a standout in its class.

Technology and Safety

In today's world, technology and safety features are paramount, and the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L doesn't disappoint. It's equipped with a range of features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and, most importantly, safe on the road. The infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring a 7-inch display screen that provides access to music, phone calls, and navigation (if equipped). Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music from your smartphone and make hands-free calls, keeping your focus on the road. The premium audio system delivers crisp and clear sound quality, enhancing your listening experience. Safety is a top priority in the 2014 CR-V EX-L. It comes standard with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you when backing up. This is especially helpful in tight parking spaces or when navigating crowded areas. The vehicle also features advanced airbags throughout the cabin, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Other notable safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. These systems work together to help you maintain control of the vehicle in challenging driving conditions. The 2014 CR-V EX-L also earned good safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These ratings provide peace of mind, knowing that the vehicle has been thoroughly tested and proven to be safe. While the 2014 CR-V EX-L doesn't have all of the latest and greatest technology features, it offers a solid set of features that enhance the driving experience and keep you safe on the road. The infotainment system is easy to use, the Bluetooth connectivity is convenient, and the safety features are comprehensive. Overall, it's a well-rounded package that provides a good balance of technology and safety.

Reliability and Maintenance

When you're buying a car, reliability and maintenance are crucial factors to consider. The 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L has a strong reputation for reliability, which is one of the reasons why it's such a popular choice among car buyers. Honda has a long history of building dependable vehicles, and the CR-V is no exception. The 2014 model has received positive reviews from owners and critics alike, with many praising its longevity and minimal maintenance requirements. One of the keys to keeping your 2014 CR-V EX-L running smoothly is to follow the recommended maintenance schedule. This includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections of the brakes, fluids, and other components. By staying on top of these routine maintenance tasks, you can help prevent costly repairs down the road. Honda vehicles are known for their durability, but like any car, they can experience problems from time to time. Some of the common issues reported by 2014 CR-V owners include problems with the air conditioning system, the transmission, and the electrical system. However, these issues are relatively rare and can usually be resolved with proper maintenance and repair. To ensure that your 2014 CR-V EX-L stays in good condition, it's important to use genuine Honda parts whenever possible. These parts are designed specifically for your vehicle and are made to meet Honda's high standards of quality. Aftermarket parts may be cheaper, but they may not offer the same level of performance or durability. Overall, the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L is a reliable and low-maintenance vehicle. By following the recommended maintenance schedule and using genuine Honda parts, you can keep it running smoothly for many years to come. Its strong reputation for reliability makes it a great choice for those who want a dependable and hassle-free car.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break it down simply. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L to help you make a decision:

Pros:

• Reliability: Hondas are known for their reliability, and the 2014 CR-V EX-L is no exception.
• Fuel Efficiency: Good gas mileage for an SUV, saving you money at the pump.
• Comfortable Interior: Leather seats, heated front seats, and a spacious cabin make for a pleasant ride.
• Practicality: Plenty of cargo space and versatile seating arrangements.
• Safety Features: Equipped with a rearview camera, advanced airbags, and other safety features.

Cons:

• Performance: The engine is adequate but not particularly exciting.
• CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not like the feel of the continuously variable transmission.
• Technology: The infotainment system is a bit dated compared to newer models.
• Potential Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the AC, transmission, and electrical system.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L? Overall, it's a solid and reliable compact SUV that offers a lot of value for its price. It's not the most exciting or technologically advanced vehicle on the market, but it excels in the areas that matter most to many buyers: reliability, fuel efficiency, comfort, and practicality. If you're looking for a dependable and low-maintenance SUV that can handle your daily driving needs, the 2014 CR-V EX-L is definitely worth considering. The leather seats, heated front seats, and other features of the EX-L trim make it a step above the base models, adding a touch of luxury and convenience. However, it's important to do your research and consider your own needs and preferences before making a decision. If you're someone who values performance and cutting-edge technology, you might want to look at other options. But if you're looking for a practical, reliable, and comfortable SUV, the 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L is a great choice. Just be sure to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic before you buy to ensure that it's in good condition. Happy car hunting!