2020 Honda CR-V Review, Prices, Trims, Specs & Pics

2020 Honda CR-V Review

Since Honda sold more than 400k CR-Vs last year it makes sense that the carmaker pays close attention to its compact crossover.

So for 2020, the Honda CR-V is refreshed with enhanced safety features.  Plus there are slight changes to the exterior and interior design.  And what’s great is that there’s not much added to the price tag for these extras.

Additionally, Honda is adding a Hybrid CR-V its offerings in 2020.

So, for my Top-3 favorite aspects of this compact crossover, I really had to widdle it down.  Because this is just a great ride overall, there were lots of options.

And continue reading and I’ll unpack why I chose the above Top-3.

Prices & Trim Level

So for 2020, the CR-V comes in four different trim level configurations.  But keep in mind, that doesn’t include the hybrid.  Because that will likely add a few more trim options.

As always, these are starting manufacturers suggested retail prices.  And you need to get your CR-V equipped to your liking.

 

Engine, Transmission & MPG

For 2020 Honda is keeping it easy and putting the same turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine in all CR-V trim levels.

And that engine delivers 190 horsepower with 179 pound-feet of torque.  Impressively push-button start and a remote engine start are included on all trims except the base-model LX.

Transmission

Additionally, the same transmission goes into all trim configurations.  So, it’s a smooth and spirited continuously variable transmission (CVT) with sport mode.

And, while front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel-drive is available across all trim levels.

Fuel Economy

Thanks to the similarity in the engine and transmission the fuel economies are also identically rated.  But they are slightly different when you factor all-wheel or 2-wheel (front) drive.

Regardless of your drivetrain, you’re in great MPG range with CR-V.

Plus the 2020 CR-V saves on fuel consumption with run-stop technology.  And that’s included across all trims levels too.

What Does 2020 Honda CR-V Look Like?

Although the refreshed 2020 Honda CR-V has a new exterior, it can take an educated eye to catch the differences consistently.

But my take is that it just looks cooler.  Because the new lines of the crossover definitely give it a sportier new look.

LED headlights now standard on the 2020 CR-V.

And LED taillights are also standard.

Also, dual chrome exhaust finishers really help accentuate the rugged wide stance of the 2020 Honda CR-V.

And the 2020 CR-V comes with three different wheels standard.  So, depending on which trim you go with you’ll have 17’s to 19-inch alloy wheels standard.

2020 Honda CR-V Interior

The refresh of the 2020 CR-V interior is similar to the exterior in that it’s subtle but makes a difference.  And that makes sense because inside the CR-V was already class-leading in many ways.

All trim levels except the base LX come with a 12-way power driver’s seat.  And the EX-L and Touring also include two-position memory.

So the already tech-savvy cabin delivers a newly designed center console.  And all us automotive journalists seem to agree that it’s fantastic.

And that’s because it offers more functionality to hide and store stuff as well as easier access to ports.  Plus, if you go with the Touring trim level then you also get wireless phone charging and a heated steering wheel.

The 2020 Honda CR-V has plenty of legroom and headroom in the backseat.  And the floor in the middle of the backseat is mostly flat.  That makes it easier and more comfortable to sit three-across.

So, with the backseats up the 2020 CR-V offers 39.2 cubic-feet of cargo space.  Unless you go with the Touring trim level which delivers a little less at 37.6 cu-ft.

But with the 60/40 split backseats folded down the CR-V has 75.8 cu-ft of cargo space to work with.

Infotainment Technology

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity come in all trim levels except the LX as does a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen that I find easy to use.

But that infotainment system does take some criticism because there isn’t a tuning knob.  However, that’s about the only criticism you’ll hear about the CR-V.  And that’s highly significant in itself.

Now when it comes to audio systems, the Honda CR-V comes with a different one for each trim level.   So 330-watt premium system with 9 speakers and subwoofer only comes standard on the Touring trim.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech

New for 2020, Honda Sensing comes standard across all trim levels.  And that’s a big deal because it’s a suite of driver assistance and safety features that really make a difference.

Additional available driver-assistive safety features include; blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights.

And the 2020 Honda CR-V received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2020 Honda CR-V Top-3

So that brings us back to the Top-3.

1. Value: Fully loaded, under $35k MSRP the CR-V, packs a knock-out punch.  Because you get so much for so little.
2. Fuel economy: The drive is spirited.  And you take haul a lot of people and or stuff.  All while sipping gas.
3. Interior space: It’s a compact crossover.  But there’s nothing that feels compact about the CR-V.

 

• Honda,