The Honda CR-V has long been a dominant force in the American crossover SUV market, and the refreshed 2020 Honda CR-V arrives to solidify its top position. Building upon its legacy of reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency, the 2020 model year introduces significant upgrades, enhancing both performance and value. For those in the market for a versatile and family-friendly SUV, the 2020 Honda CR-V offers a compelling package.
What makes the 2020 Honda CR-V stand out in a crowded segment? This updated model brings a host of improvements, most notably the inclusion of a responsive 1.5-liter turbocharged engine as standard in the popular LX trim. This engine not only boosts horsepower but also improves fuel economy, making the entry-level 2020 Honda CR-V LX a more attractive option than ever before. Furthermore, Honda Sensing®, the brand’s suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, is now standard across all 2020 Honda CR-V trims, providing peace of mind and enhanced safety for all occupants.
Image depicting the front exterior of a 2020 Honda CR-V, highlighting the redesigned grille and headlights.
Key Upgrades in the 2020 Honda CR-V
The 2020 Honda CR-V doesn’t just rest on its laurels. Honda has implemented several key changes to keep this crossover fresh and competitive:
Turbocharged Engine for LX Trim
Previously, the LX trim of the CR-V utilized a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine. For the 2020 Honda CR-V, the LX now benefits from the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine found in higher trims. This engine delivers 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque, offering a more engaging driving experience. The turbo engine also improves fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined for the 2WD LX model. This powertrain enhancement makes the 2020 Honda CR-V LX a standout value proposition in its class.
Standard Honda Sensing® Across the Lineup
Safety is paramount, and Honda has made Honda Sensing® standard on every 2020 Honda CR-V trim. This comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability: Helps to avoid or mitigate frontal collisions.
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver and can gently steer the vehicle back into its lane if lane departure is detected.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow: Maintains a set following interval behind detected vehicles and can bring the CR-V to a stop in certain conditions.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Provides subtle steering adjustments to help keep the vehicle centered in its detected lane.
These technologies provide an added layer of safety and driver confidence, making the 2020 Honda CR-V a smart choice for families and safety-conscious buyers.
Image showcasing the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistance features available in the 2020 Honda CR-V.
Refreshed Exterior and Interior Design
The 2020 Honda CR-V receives subtle but effective styling updates to both the exterior and interior. Exterior changes include a redesigned front bumper and grille, along with updated headlight designs. EX and EX-L trims feature new alloy wheel designs, while the Touring trim gets larger 19-inch wheels. New exterior colors, such as Radiant Red Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Aegean Blue Pearl, add to the visual appeal.
Inside, the 2020 Honda CR-V boasts a redesigned center console with improved USB port placement and more flexible storage solutions. The top-of-the-line Touring trim adds a heated steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging for enhanced comfort and convenience.
2020 Honda CR-V Trim Levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring
The 2020 Honda CR-V is available in four trim levels, each offering a different combination of features and amenities to suit various needs and budgets:
- CR-V LX: The base LX trim is now more appealing than ever with the standard turbocharged engine and Honda Sensing®. It also includes automatic climate control, a multi-angle rearview camera, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
- CR-V EX: Building upon the LX, the EX trim adds popular features like a one-touch moonroof, blind spot information system, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and a 7-inch Display Audio system.
- CR-V EX-L: The EX-L trim elevates comfort with leather seating surfaces, a power tailgate, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- CR-V Touring: The top-of-the-line Touring trim offers premium features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, a hands-free access power tailgate, and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™.
Image highlighting the redesigned center console and interior features of the 2020 Honda CR-V.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
All gasoline-powered 2020 Honda CR-V models utilize the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Real Time all-wheel drive available for enhanced traction in various weather conditions.
Fuel economy remains a strong point for the 2020 Honda CR-V. The 2WD models achieve an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. AWD models are rated at 27 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. Honda is also planning to introduce an all-new CR-V Hybrid model in the near future, promising even greater fuel efficiency.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2020 Honda CR-V prioritizes safety and has earned top safety ratings. It targets a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention when equipped with Honda Sensing®.
Beyond Honda Sensing®, standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist, and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.
Pricing and Availability
The 2020 Honda CR-V began arriving at dealerships in late 2019. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2020 Honda CR-V LX start at $25,050 for the front-wheel-drive model, excluding destination and handling charges. The slight price increase over the previous year is offset by the significant additions of the turbocharged engine and standard Honda Sensing® on the LX trim, making the 2020 Honda CR-V an even more compelling value in the competitive crossover SUV market.
Conclusion
The 2020 Honda CR-V builds upon its already impressive foundation to deliver an even more appealing and capable crossover SUV. With a more powerful and efficient engine in the base LX trim, standard Honda Sensing® across all models, and refined styling, the 2020 Honda CR-V is poised to maintain its position as America’s best-selling crossover. For buyers seeking a reliable, safe, fuel-efficient, and feature-rich SUV, the 2020 Honda CR-V remains a top contender.
