If you’re looking for a small crossover, and especially if you’ll have a family in tow, the 2020 Honda CR-V should be considered a must-drive. Though not especially characterful and certainly not the most rugged sort, the CR-V nevertheless impresses by being impeccably well-rounded. Name a practical attribute, and it almost certainly does it as well or better than its competitors. Space, fuel economy, performance, safety, quality and value are all prime reasons to consider it, while one can’t ignore Honda’s sterling reputation for reliability. For 2020, the CR-V also gains a new hybrid powertrain, with a mix of fuel economy and performance that could make it the smartest pick of an already smart bunch.
What’s new with CR-V for 2020?
The CR-V gets its first major update since being completely redesigned for 2017. The base LX trim level now comes standard with the 1.5-liter turbo engine previously standard on every other trim – the previous base 2.4-liter is no more. Other powertrain news comes from the new 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, which will arrive later in the model year.
The base LX also now receives standard accident avoidance tech, while on the opposite end of the trim level spectrum, the Touring gains a heated steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging. Every CR-V also gets revised styling, including a blacked out grille and dark-tinted taillights. Inside, the center console has been redesigned to offer even more flexible storage.
What’s the CR-V’s interior and in-car technology like?
The CR-V provides a tasteful, if a tad dull, design aesthetic backed up with above-average materials and build construction for this segment. If you’re a previous CR-V owner, you’ll note that this most recent version features a higher-quality and more premium environment than past models. If you aren’t, you’ll still find it to have one of the nicest cabins in terms of quality, and also one of the most functional, as it boasts a number of clever storage solutions in the center console.
How big is the CR-V?
The 2020 CR-V is one of the larger “compact SUVs,” at least on the inside, as Honda typically does a better job than most of maximizing every bit of interior space possible. Although its overall exterior length and width are average for the segment, its passenger and cargo space are better than nearly every competitor.
What features are available and what’s the CR-V’s price?
Pricing for the 2020 Honda CR-V starts at $26,145, including the $1,095 destination charge, for the two-wheel-drive LX base model. All-wheel drive is a $1,500 option on every trim.
Base feature content got a significant boost for 2020 due to accident avoidance tech becoming standard across the board (see Safety section below), and the base LX is well-equipped with the basics. That said, for a relatively small premium of $2,510, the EX trim adds a wealth of worthwhile equipment:
Tags: 2020 Honda CR-V
