HIGHS
Classy interior trimmings, two fuel-efficient powertrains, voluminous cargo hold.
LOWS
Lackluster infotainment performance, could be quicker in acceleration testing, limited towing capacity.
VERDICT
Buyers looking for a refined, capable, and practical small SUV will not be disappointed by the CR-V.
Overview
It’s not hard to see why the 2020 Honda CR-V is one of the brand’s top-selling products: It’s refined, practical, and well-designed. Aside from offering one of the largest cargo bays in its segment, the CR-V also offers two fuel-efficient powertrains—including a hybrid—to help it go head-to-head with its main rival, the Toyota RAV4. All CR-Vs come well-equipped with creature comforts and technology features that SUV buyers want, plus it has earned excellent crash-test ratings, which will appeal to families. Our complaints are few—and mostly centered around the CR-V’s mediocre acceleration performance—but it’s unlikely that average buyers will find the same faults.
What’s New for 2020?
Fresh-faced and better equipped, the 2020 CR-V is now an even more compelling choice among compact SUVs. Aside from the styling improvements versus last year’s model, Honda is now offering a hybrid powertrain which consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors; the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder has been dropped and the previously optional turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is now standard on all non-hybrid CR-Vs. More standard and optional equipment enhances the CR-V’s value for 2020, starting with a suite of driver-assistance features that includes automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control that will be standard on all models.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
LX: $26,170
EX: $28,680
LX Hybrid: $28,870
EX-L: $31,170
EX Hybrid: $31,380
EX-L Hybrid: $33,870
Touring: $34,370
Touring Hybrid: $37,070
We’d spend the extra cash to upgrade to the mid-range EX model. Doing so adds valuable features most modern buyers will find essential, including the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, heated front seats, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. As with most of its rivals, the CR-V has standard front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is a $1500 upcharge.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Honda did its homework planting its first turbocharged engine—a 1.5-liter unit that makes 190 horsepower—in a CR-V and pairing it with one of the best continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs) available—praise we don’t give lightly. While most compact crossovers have meager towing limits, the CR-V has one of the lowest at 1500 pounds. Any parent moonlighting as a street racer might be disappointed with the CR-V’s acceleration. On the other hand, they—along with everyone else—will appreciate its refined ride, enthusiastic steering, and strong brakes. The composed and compliant ride of the CR-V makes for pleasant commutes, long or short. Its responsive brake pedal means you receive the stopping power you want when you ask for it. The CR-V hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors that combine for 212 horsepower, and while we haven’t tested that model yet, we have found the same setup quite agreeable in the Honda Accord.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Good to look at, good to drive, and good on gas: the CR-V is among the most fuel-efficient compact crossovers we’ve tested. The CR-V earned 32 mpg on our 200-mile fuel-economy test route. That number combined with its 14.0-gallon tank should provide about 440 miles of highway driving range. We expect the CR-V hybrid to deliver impressive fuel economy as well, but haven’t tested that model on our fuel-economy route. The hybrid model’s fuel economy hasn’t been rated by the EPA, but Honda says it anticipates a 50-percent increase in efficiency versus the nonhybrid model and said it will also offer some electric-only driving range.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
A stylish and spacious interior creates a cool and comfortable environment in the CR-V. Quality materials and a familiar layout combine for a contemporary look and feel. A tasteful balance of faux-wood accents, chromed plastic, and brushed-satin finishes looked particularly upscale in the Touring version we tested. Supportive and nicely sculpted front seats hug their occupants in all the right places. Leading its class in cargo volume and luggage space, the CR-V not only earns high marks in those subjects, but also by way of its inclusion of user-friendly and useful equipment. We managed to fit 10 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat, which matched the Mazda CX-5 and the Ford Escape. Fold the back seat flat, and the Honda offers best-in-class luggage space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
An otherwise excellent presentation is offset by Honda’s frustrating infotainment system. Base LX models come with a 5.0-inch color radio screen, but all other models get a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio; navigation is optional, as is a nine-speaker audio system. Honda reintroduced a rotary volume knob last year and we appreciate that, but a lack of other controls, slow infotainment responses, and the absence of an auxiliary input can’t be forgiven.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The CR-V has just about the best crash-test ratings possible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it five stars and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick for 2019; Honda says the refreshed model should qualify for IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ award for 2020, but that testing has not yet been completed. The CR-V comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance features to help prevent collisions from happening in the first place. Key safety features include:Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detectionStandard lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warningStandard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Honda covers every CR-V with limited and powertrain warranties that are competitive with most other manufacturers. The Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage are the exceptions, besting Honda and company with an unrivaled 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Their limited warranty is significantly better, too.Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 milesPowertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 milesNo complimentary scheduled maintenance
Vehicle Specifications
EPA Classification
Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
Engine
Engine Order Code
NA
Engine Type and Required Fuel
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
Displacement (liters/cubic inches)
1.5 L/91
Fuel System
Gasoline Direct Injection
Maximum Horsepower @ RPM190 @ 5600
Maximum Torque @ RPM179 @ 2000
Cooling System Capacity (quarts)
NA
Transmission
Transmission Order Code
NA
Transmission Description
CVT w/OD
Number of Transmission Speeds
1
First Gear Ratio (:1)
2.65 – 0.41
Reverse Ratio (:1)
1.86
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)
5.64
Transfer Case Gear Ratio, high (:1)
NA
Transfer Case Gear Ratio, low (:1)
NA
Clutch Size
NA
Fuel Economy and Range
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score
NA
CO2 Emissions, 15K mi/year (tons)
6.0
Range, city/highway (miles)
392.00 / 476.00
EPA Fuel Economy, combined/city/highway (mpg)
30 / 28 / 34
EPA Fuel Economy Equivalent (for hybrid and electric vehicles), combined/city/highway (MPGe)
N/A / N/A / N/A
Fuel TankFuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size
14
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons)
NA
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (inches)
104.8
Length (inches)
182.1
Width, without mirrors (inches)
73
Height (inches)
66.1
Front Track Width (inches)
63
Rear Track Width (inches)
63.7
Minimum Ground Clearance (inches)
NA
Rear Door Opening Height (inches)
NA
Rear Door Opening Width (inches)
NA
Liftover Height (inches)
NA
Interior Dimensions
Passenger / Seating Capacity
5
Total Passenger Volume (cubic feet)
102.9
Front Head Room (inches)
38
Front Leg Room (inches)
41.3
Front Shoulder Room (inches)
57.9
Front Hip Room (inches)
55.1
Second Row Head Room (inches)
39.1
Second Row Leg Room (inches)
40.4
Second Row Shoulder Room (inches)
55.6
Second Row Hip Room (inches)
49.5
Cargo Area Dimensions
Cargo Space/Area Length Behind First Row (inches)
NA
Cargo Space/Area Length Behind Second Row (inches)
NA
Cargo Space/Area Length Behind Third Row (inches)
NA
Cargo Space/Area Width at Beltline (inches)
NA
Cargo Bed Width Between Wheelhousings (inches)
NA
Cargo Bed Height (inches)
NA
Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row (cubic feet)
75.8
Cargo Space/Area Behind Second Row (cubic feet)
37.6
Cargo Space/Area Behind Third Row (cubic feet)
37.6
Steering
Steering Type
Rack-Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1)
NA
Turns, lock to lock
NA
Turning Diameter / Radius, curb to curb (feet)
37.4
Turning Diameter / Radius, wall to wall (feet)
NA
Suspension
Front Suspension Type
Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Front Shock Absorber Diameter (mm)
NA
Rear Shock Absorber Diameter (mm)
NA
Front Anti-Roll Bar Diameter (inches)
NA
Rear Anti-Roll Bar Diameter (inches)
NA
BrakesBrake Type
4-Wheel Disc
Anti-Lock-Braking System
4-Wheel
Front Brake Rotors, diameter x thickness (inches)
11.1
Rear Brake Rotors, diameter x thickness (inches)
10.2
Rear Drums, diameter x width (inches)
NA
Wheels and Tires
Front Wheel Size (inches)
19 X 7
Front Wheel Material
Aluminum
Front Tire Size
P235/55HR19
Rear Wheel Size (inches)
19 X 7
Rear Wheel Material
Aluminum
Rear Tire Size
P235/55HR19
Spare Wheel Size (inches)
Compact
Spare Wheel Material
Steel
Spare Tire Size
Compact
Towing
Maximum Towing Capacity (pounds)
NA
Maximum Trailer Weight, dead weight hitch (pounds)
NA
Maximum Tongue Weight, dead weight hitch (pounds)
NA
Maximum Trailer Weight, weight distributing hitch (pounds)
NA
Maximum Tongue Weight, weight distributing hitch (pounds)
NA
Weight Information
Base Curb Weight (pounds)
3452
Total Option Weight (pounds)
0.00
Maximum Payload Capacity (pounds)
NA
Curb Weight
NA
Electrical
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F410
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
NA
Mechanical
Engine: 1.5L I-4 16-Valve DOHC w/Turbocharger
Transmission: Continuously Variable w/Sport Mode
5.64 Axle Ratio
GVWR: TBD
Engine Auto Stop-Start Feature
Front-Wheel Drive
36-Amp/Hr 410
CCA Maintenance-Free Battery
Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers
Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering
14 Gal. Fuel Tank
Quasi-Dual Stainless Steel Exhaust w/Chrome Tailpipe Finisher
Strut Front Suspension w/Coil Springs
Multi-Link Rear Suspension w/Coil Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake
Exterior
Wheels: 19″ Machine-Finished Alloy w/Gray Inserts
Tires: 235/55R19 101
H All-Season
Steel Spare Wheel
Compact Spare Tire Mounted Inside Under Cargo
Clearcoat Paint
Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Glass 1st Row Sunroof w/Sunshade
Body-Colored Front Bumper w/Black Rub Strip/Fascia Accent and Metal-Look Bumper Insert
Black Rear Bumper w/Metal-Look Bumper Insert
Chrome Side Windows Trim and Black Front Windshield Trim
Body-Colored Door Handles
Chrome Bodyside Insert, Black Bodyside Cladding and Black Wheel Well Trim
Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Convex Spotter, Manual Folding and Turn Signal Indicator
Fixed Rear Window w/Fixed Interval Wiper, Heated Wiper Park and Defroster
Deep Tinted GlassSpeed Sensitive Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers
Fully Galvanized Steel Panels
Lip Spoiler
Grille w/Chrome Bar
Power Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included w/Power Door Locks
Roof Rack Rails OnlyLED Brakelights
Front Fog Lamps
Fully Automatic Aero-Composite Led Low/High Beam Daytime Running Auto High-Beam Headlamps w/Delay-Off
Entertainment
Radio: 330-Watt AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM Prem
Audio System -inc: 9 speakers including subwoofer, 7″ display w/high-resolution electrostatic touch-screen, customizable feature settings, compass, Bluetooth streaming audio and HandsFreeLink, Pandora compatibility, Radio Data System (RDS), Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC), 1.0-amp USB audio interface w/1 port in center console, 1.5 USB smartphone/audio interface w/port in front console, 12-volt power outlet in center console, HondaLink, Apple CarPlay integration, Android Auto integration, SMS text message function, 2 charging 2.5-amp USB ports in 2nd-row and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System w/voice recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic, SiriusXM services require a subscription after any trial period, If you decide to continue your SiriusXM service at the end of your trial subscription, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call SiriusXM at 1-866-635-2349 to cancel, See our customer agreement for complete terms www.siriusxm.com, Fees and programming subject to change, XM satellite service is available only to those at least 18 years and older in the 48 contiguous United States and D.C, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is standard on Touring trims in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, (Honda HD digital traffic service only available in United States, except Alaska)
Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock and Steering Wheel ControlsAudio Theft DeterrentIntegrated Roof Antenna2 LCD Monitors In The Front
Interior
Heated Front Bucket Seats -inc: driver’s seat w/12-way power adjustment, including 4-way power lumbar support, 2-position memory and front passenger’s seat w/4-way power adjustment
Driver Seat
Passenger Seat
60-40 Folding Split-Bench Front Facing Manual Reclining Fold Forward Seatback Rear Seat
Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Gauges -inc: Speedometer, Odometer, Engine Coolant Temp, Tachometer, Trip Odometer and Trip Computer
Power Rear Windows and Fixed 3rd Row Windows
Heated Leather/Metal-Look Steering Wheel
Front Cupholder
Rear Cupholder
Valet Function
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry, Illuminated Ignition Switch and Panic Button
Proximity Key For Doors And Push Button Start
Remote Releases -Inc: Proximity Cargo Access and Mechanical Fuel
HomeLink Garage Door Transmitter
Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
Distance Pacing w/Traffic Stop-Go
HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts and Console Ducts
Voice Activated Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
Locking Glove Box
Driver Foot Rest
Full Cloth Headliner
Interior Trim -inc: Simulated Wood Instrument Panel Insert, Simulated Wood Door Panel Insert, Metal-Look Console Insert and Chrome/Metal-Look
Interior Accents
Leatherette Door Trim Insert
Leather Gear Shifter Material
Leather Seat Trim
Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Illumination
Day-Night Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console w/Storage and Conversation Mirror
Front Map Lights
Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
Full Carpet Floor Covering -inc: Carpet Front And Rear Floor Mats
Carpet Floor Trim
Cargo Area Concealed Storage
Roll-Up Cargo Cover
Trunk/Hatch Auto-Latch
Cargo Space Lights
Door Mirrors
FOB Controls -inc: Cargo Access and Remote Engine StartDriver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins
Delayed Accessory PowerPower Door Locks w/Autolock FeaturePower 1st Row Windows w/Driver And Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down
Systems Monitor
Trip Computer
Outside Temp Gauge
Digital Display
Manual Adjustable Front Head Restraints and Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints
Sliding Front Center Armrest and Rear Center Armrest1 Seatback Storage Pocket
Seats w/Leatherette Back Material
Engine Immobilizer
Perimeter Alarm
Air Filtration
Safety
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) w/Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) w/Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) Lane Departure Warning
Blind Spot Information (BSI) System Blind Spot
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) + FCW and Cross Traffic Monitor
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Rear Child Safety Locks
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
Back-Up Camera
Warranty
3 Basic Years / 36,000 Basic Miles
5 Drivetrain Years / 60,000 Drivetrain Miles
5 Corrosion Years / Unlimited Corrosion Miles
3 Roadside Assistance Years / 36,000 Roadside Assistance Miles
Crash Test Results
Overall Rating
5/5
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
5/5
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver
5/5
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger
4/5
Overall Side Crash Rating
5/5
Side Barrier Rating
5/5
Side Barrier Rating Driver
5/5
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat
5/5
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat
5/5
Combined Side Rating Front Seat
5/5
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat
5/5
Rollover Rating
4/5