Can you get leather seats in a CR-V?
Yes. Leather seats are available in the Honda CR-V, but typically only on higher trims such as EX-L and Touring; base LX and EX usually come with cloth upholstery. Availability can vary by model year and region, so check the exact spec for the year you’re considering.
Leather seating by trim in the current CR-V lineup
Here's how it typically breaks down in the latest US-market models, noting that configurations can shift by year and region.
- CR-V LX — Cloth upholstery; leather not offered on this trim.
- CR-V EX — Cloth upholstery; leather not offered on this trim.
- CR-V EX-L — Leather-trim seats; commonly includes heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- CR-V Touring — Leather-trim seats; top-trim with premium features and often heated front seats.
For most buyers, leather seating is available on EX-L or Touring, while LX and EX remain cloth-driven. Always verify the exact spec for your model year and region with a dealer, since features can change across releases.
How to verify leather availability for your model
To confirm exact equipment for your year and region, use these steps.
- Check Honda’s official build-your-car tool or the vehicle’s window sticker to see whether leather-trim seats are listed for that trim and year.
- Ask the dealer to confirm whether leather seats are included or offered as an option for the specific model year you’re considering.
- Review the brochure or features sheet for your region, noting whether “Leather-trim” or “Leather” appears as standard or optional.
- If leather isn’t available on your preferred trim, consider alternatives such as a higher-trim model, factory leather options if offered, or aftermarket leather coverings if appropriate and warranty-compatible.
Following these steps will help you determine whether your CR-V can come with factory leather and what alternatives exist if it cannot.
Summary
Leather seating on the CR-V is generally limited to higher trims (EX-L and Touring) in the current US lineup, with LX and EX typically cloth. Model-year and regional differences can affect availability, so always verify with the dealer or official build tools for your specific car. If leather is essential, target EX-L or Touring, or explore approved upgrade options or reputable aftermarket solutions while considering warranty implications.
What Honda package has leather seats?
The EX trim is available on the Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, HR-V, Pilot, and Odyssey. The Honda EX-L trim builds on the EX features with premium upgrades, including leather-trimmed seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a power tailgate (on SUVs).
How much does it cost to put leather seats in a Honda?
Standard Kit Price: $1,595.00
Whether you want to upgrade your cloth upholstery, replace worn factory leather, or personalize a one of a kind leather interior kit, give your Honda a custom interior from mild to wild.
Which Honda CR-V models have leather seats?
The Honda CR-V EX-L trim and newer hybrid models like the Sport-L and Sport Touring come standard with leather-trimmed seats. Other previous trim levels, such as the Touring from older model years, also had leather seats.
Current models
- EX-L: The EX-L is the first trim on gasoline-only CR-Vs that includes leather-trimmed seats as a standard feature.
- Sport-L Hybrid: This hybrid trim comes equipped with leather-trimmed seats with orange stitching.
- Sport Touring Hybrid: This model also includes leather-trimmed seating.
Older models
- EX-L: Leather seats were a standard feature on the EX-L trim for many years.
- Touring: In some older model years, the highest trim level, called Touring, also came with leather seats.
What are the weaknesses of the Honda CR-V?
Key drawbacks of the Honda CR-V include its high purchase price compared to rivals, a less spacious rear seat and cargo area than some competitors, and a lack of a seven-seat option. Other disadvantages mentioned are increased road noise, a basic cabin in lower trims, and potentially underpowered performance for the non-hybrid engine. Older model years have specific issues, such as engine, transmission, and airbag problems.
Cost and value
- High price: The CR-V can be expensive, especially when compared to some competitors in the segment.
- Limited value in lower trims: The base trim level may lack some key safety features or have a more basic interior compared to higher trims or some rivals.
This video discusses the pricing and value of the Honda CR-V, including its features compared to competitors: 58sMotorNationYouTube · Apr 16, 2025
Space and utility
- Limited rear and cargo space: It is not as roomy in the back seat or the cargo area as some rivals.
- No seven-seat option: The CR-V is only available as a five-seater, which may be a dealbreaker for some families.
- No spare tire: The modern CR-V often lacks a spare tire and the necessary storage space under the floor for one.
Performance and driving experience
- Underpowered engine: Some reviewers find the non-hybrid engine to be underpowered, particularly for highway driving and when the vehicle is fully loaded.
- Increased road noise: The CR-V can have higher levels of road noise compared to some rivals.
This video reviews the performance and driving experience of the Honda CR-V, including engine power and handling: 54sDownshiftYouTube · Feb 8, 2024
Technology and comfort
- Dated infotainment: The user interface can look a bit dated compared to competitors.
- Lack of features: Some trims lack certain features, such as a visible engine temperature gauge or ambient interior lighting.
Reliability concerns (especially for older models)
- Older model years: Certain older CR-V models (like 1997–1999, 2002–2003, 2007–2009, and 2017–2019) are more frequently cited for problems like engine failures, transmission issues, and airbag malfunctions.
- Recent models: Some recent models (2018-2022) have faced lawsuits regarding potential engine defects.
