The Honda CR-V, a longstanding favorite in the American crossover SUV market, entered the 2020 model year with significant updates, reinforcing its position as a leader for over two decades. Arriving at dealerships, the refreshed 2020 Honda CR-V boasts a redesigned exterior, an array of new features and technology upgrades, and a more powerful turbocharged engine now standard on the popular LX trim. Furthermore, Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistance technologies are now standard across all trim levels, enhancing the value and appeal of this already popular vehicle. With over 5 million units sold in the U.S. to date, the 2020 CR-V aimed to continue its legacy as America’s best-selling crossover.
Alt text: Front view of the 2020 Honda CR-V showcasing its redesigned grille and headlights.
The 2020 CR-V LX model with front-wheel drive started at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $25,050, a modest $600 increase that reflects the significant additions of Honda Sensing and the more robust and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged engine to the base LX trim. Looking ahead, Honda also announced an all-new CR-V Hybrid model to join the lineup early the following year, promising even greater power and fuel efficiency.
What’s New in the 2020 Honda CR-V?
The 2020 Honda CR-V received a comprehensive refresh, touching on various aspects from styling to performance and technology. Key updates include:
Performance and Powertrain Enhancements
A significant change for the 2020 model year is the introduction of the 1.5-liter turbocharged, direct-injected engine to the LX trim. Previously, the LX trim featured a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine. This swap to the turbocharged engine delivers a boost in horsepower (+6 hp) and a more accessible torque curve (179 lb.-ft. of torque available from 2000-5000 rpm compared to 180 lb.-ft. at 3900 rpm in the previous engine). This translates to improved responsiveness and a more engaging driving experience, along with enhanced EPA fuel economy ratings, increasing by 2 mpg across city, highway, and combined cycles for the LX trim.
Alt text: Engine bay of the 2020 Honda CR-V highlighting the new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.
All gasoline-powered 2020 CR-V models now utilize this 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring Honda’s G-Shift control logic, the powertrain provides smooth and efficient power delivery. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and Honda’s Real Time all-wheel-drive system for added confidence in various driving conditions.
Exterior and Interior Design Updates
The 2020 CR-V sports a refreshed exterior design, providing a more sophisticated and modern appearance. Up front, the CR-V features a redesigned front bumper and grille, along with updated headlight designs. The LX trim gets the new front fascia, while EX, EX-L, and Touring trims further benefit from new, round LED fog lights, enhancing visibility and style.
Moving to the rear, the 2020 CR-V incorporates dark-tinted taillight lenses and a dark chrome tailgate garnish, contributing to a more premium aesthetic. EX and EX-L trims are fitted with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, finished in dark gray and machined metal. The top-of-the-line Touring trim receives even larger 19-inch alloy wheels and tires, further emphasizing its upscale status. Honda also introduced three new exterior colors for the 2020 CR-V: Radiant Red Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Aegean Blue Pearl, expanding the color palette to eight choices.
Alt text: Rear three-quarter view of the 2020 Honda CR-V emphasizing the updated taillights and wheel design.
Inside the cabin, the 2020 CR-V focuses on enhancing convenience and technology. A redesigned center console offers improved usability with repositioned USB ports and more versatile storage solutions. For added comfort and convenience, the CR-V Touring trim now includes a heated steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging, catering to modern tech needs. Other available interior features include a color TFT driver information interface, a 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and an optional Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™.
Advanced Safety Features – Honda Sensing Standard
A significant advancement for the 2020 CR-V is the standardization of Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistance technologies across all trim levels. This suite includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
These technologies work together to provide drivers with enhanced awareness and support, potentially mitigating collisions and keeping drivers safer on the road. Additional available safety features include blind spot information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and Auto High Beam headlights. The 2020 CR-V continues to employ Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, targeting top safety ratings, including a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from IIHS.
2020 Honda CR-V Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2020 Honda CR-V is available in four main trim levels, each offering a progressive increase in features and amenities: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring.
LX Trim
The base LX trim receives the most substantial updates for 2020, now featuring the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and standard Honda Sensing. Additional standard features include auto high/low beam headlights, idle start/stop, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a multi-angle rearview camera, and a 4-speaker audio system.
EX Trim
Building upon the LX, the EX trim adds features like LED fog lights, HD Radio™, a one-touch moonroof, blind spot information, 18-inch wheels, an 8-way power driver’s seat, privacy glass, a 7-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, smart entry/start, remote start, heated front seats, and more.
EX-L Trim
The EX-L trim enhances comfort and luxury with leather seating surfaces, a power tailgate, a 4-way power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver’s seat memory, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and HomeLink®.
Touring Trim
As the top trim, the Touring model includes all the features of the EX-L and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, updated LED headlights, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free access power tailgate, chrome exhaust finishers, and a premium 9-speaker audio system.
2020 CR-V Pricing & EPA Data
| Model / Trim / Drivetrain | MSRP1 | MSRP1 Including $1,095 Destination Charge | EPA Mileage Rating(City/Hwy/Combined)2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR-V LX (2WD) | $25,050 | $26,145 | 28 / 34 / 30 |
| CR-V LX (AWD) | $26,550 | $27,645 | 27 / 32 / 29 |
| CR-V EX (2WD) | $27,560 | $28,655 | 28 / 34 / 30 |
| CR-V EX (AWD) | $29,060 | $30,155 | 27 / 32 / 29 |
| CR-V EX-L (2WD) | $30,050 | $31,145 | 28 / 34 / 30 |
| CR-V EX-L (AWD) | $31,550 | $32,645 | 27 / 32 / 29 |
| CR-V Touring (2WD) | $33,250 | $34,345 | 28 / 34 / 30 |
| CR-V Touring (AWD) | $34,750 | $35,845 | 27 / 32 / 29 |
Conclusion
The 2020 Honda CR-V refresh successfully builds upon the strengths of this popular crossover. With a more modern design, the addition of a turbocharged engine to the base LX trim, and the standardization of Honda Sensing across the lineup, the 2020 CR-V offers enhanced value, performance, and safety. These updates ensure the 2020 Honda CR-V remains a highly competitive and appealing choice for crossover SUV buyers seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and feature-rich vehicle.
Disclaimer: Pricing and EPA data are based on information available at the time of the original article publication and may be subject to change. Consult the manufacturer’s website for the most up-to-date information.
