What is it? This generation Honda CR-V has managed to hold on to the top spot in our small-SUV rankings in the face of refreshed and redes...
What is it?
This generation Honda CR-V has managed to hold on to the top spot in our small-SUV rankings in the face of refreshed and redesigned competitors. Three years into the CR-V's run, Honda is refreshing it for 2020.The headline news is the addition of a hybrid model with a total system output of 212 horsepower, up from the 1.5-liter turbo's 190 hp. Honda anticipates a 50% improvement in fuel economy, which would put its combined fuel economy above 40 mpg — an incredible number for an SUV.
Of course, the CR-V's look has been updated, with a sleeker exterior and a mild update to the interior, including changes to the center console that promise to improve the CR-V's already phenomenal small-item storage. Hybrid models get a push-button gear selector and a unique digital gauge cluster that displays hybrid-specific information.
But for most shoppers, the big news for 2020 is the expansion of standard features on the LX model.
Honda hasn't released official cargo capacity numbers. But it says the batteries fit under the floor of the trunk and that the CR-V will retain excellent cargo utility with its 60/40-split folding rear seats. So it looks like buyers can expect to lose some overall volume in the hybrid.
The CR-V Hybrid offers
Honda Sensing® Standard on All TrimsReal Time AWD™ Standard on All Trims
Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain
Sport, Econ and EV Drive Modes
Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seatback
LED Headlights Standard on All Trims
Available Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate
Available Apple CarPlay® Integration*
Available Android Auto™ Integration*
Available Wireless Phone Charger*
Why does it matter?
The hybrid is the big news. As gas prices rise, our infatuation with SUVs might start to fade, so electrification is necessary to keep buyers interested. Since introducing this new hybrid drivetrain in the Insight and Accord, Honda has seen its hybrid sales nearly double, so there's clearly an appetite for fuel-efficient vehicles.
2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid
What does it compete with?
On the hybrid front, Toyota is currently king. The RAV4 Hybrid is the only hybrid compact SUV we'd recommend and, in fact, is an improvement on the standard RAV4. It returns 40 mpg combined and provides a better driving experience than the gas-powered RAV4.
Customers have noticed, and demand for the hybrid model has been much higher than Toyota anticipated. We already think the gas-powered CR-V is a better all-around vehicle than the gas RAV4. If Honda can couple those core CR-V strengths with fuel economy that matches or tops the RAV4 Hybrid's, it has a shot at tapping into some of that latent demand.
2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid
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