2020 Honda CR-V- Remains at the top of the class with revamped look
- New Hybrid model coming soon
- All non-hybrids powered by 1.5-liter turbo I-4
- CR-V also ranked #1 overall in Compact SUVs
- Honda CR-V pricing starts at $26,145 (including $1,095 destination charge) | Price yours
- On sale now | See CR-V models for sale near you
The Honda CR-V remains the benchmark in the compact-SUV class as evidenced by the fact that it’s taken the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award for the fifth time. It hasn’t rested on its laurels, despite having gone through a major facelift two years ago. It receives another freshening for 2020 that includes a slight revamp to the exterior, but the big news is the addition of a U.S.-built hybrid model due early next year. Using the same powertrain that makes the Honda Accord Hybrid a standout, it’s the first electrified crossover SUV in the Japanese automaker’s portfolio and puts its product range in direct competition with rival Toyota, which has long offered a hybrid version of its RAV4.
Winning Formula Unchanged
From a styling, size, utility and drivability standpoint, not much has changed as far as the basics are concerned with the Honda CR-V. It is a standout in its class with clean, uncluttered styling, plenty of room for five passengers and their gear and an easy-to-drive demeanor that takes full advantage of the higher seating position afforded by this class of vehicle. Aside from the all-new Hybrid, which is a big step forward for this model range, the incremental changes to the CR-V have kept it ahead of its rivals.
Buyers will be able to distinguish the new 2020 CR-V models by their richer and more aggressive look, thanks to larger openings for the bumper-integrated round fog lamps on EX, EX-L and Touring models. The Hybrid will sport bar-style fog lamps with five LEDs. The chrome grille is more prominent and at the rear, there’s a new dark chrome applique beneath the dark tinted rear window and chrome exhaust tip at the rear. Hybrid models will sport unique rear bumper as well as a hidden tailpipe and special Hybrid badging with blue accents.
In addition to the timeless styling, the interior features comfortable seats, clear and concise instrumentation and a center infotainment touchscreen/audio system that has been upgraded in the last makeover to address our concerns about the lack of manual control knobs. One of the big factors in the Honda CR-V rising to the top of the class is the size and practicality of its package. Both rows offer plenty of room to ensure passenger comfort and the load area behind the second row can accommodate up to 39.2 cubic feet of cargo. That space expands to a midsize SUV-like 75.8 cubic feet when the second row is folded flat.
Powertrain Changes
In the EX model, the 2020 Honda CR-V drops the base 184-horsepower normally aspirated 2.4-liter 4-cyinder engine in favor of the more powerful 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter unit, which previously only used to come with higher trim levels. That engine returns up to 33 mpg on the highway while providing 179 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can still opt for either front- or all-wheel drive.
The new star in the lineup, however, will be the hybrid drivetrain. Honda says the combined output of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors will be 212 horsepower. While the system is derived from the Accord Hybrid, the two motors, one on each axle, will be Honda’s first AWD application of this technology. The company is expecting a 50 percent boost in EPA city ratings with the hybrid system. Final fuel economy numbers and pricing for the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid will be announced closer to its early next year on-sale date.
High Level of Amenities
Hybrid or not, the CR-V has a long list of features including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone compatibility, a redesigned center storage bin with more flexible storage, and the Honda Sensing system, which is now standard across the board. The suite of driver and safety assists includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
Like all models in the Honda lineup, the 2020 CR-V enjoys the brand’s sterling reputation for high resale value and dependability. And while there are plenty of small crossover SUVs to choose from in the marketplace, the 2020 Honda CR-V, with the addition of its new Hybrid model, offers a complete range of vehicles suited to the needs of shoppers in this segment. Because of its strong showing across the board when it comes to features, utility and everyday dependability, the 2020 Honda CR-V is again the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy in the Compact SUV category.
Photo Tour: 2020 Honda CR-V
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