2020 HONDA CROSSOVER GETS SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES IN TECHNOLOGY, FEATURES AND LX POWERTRAIN
- Popular LX trim adds 1.5L turbo engine, Honda Sensing® as standard
- All-new electrified CR-V Hybrid to join the lineup early next year
- America’s most popular crossover recently reached 5-million sales mark
The refreshed 2020 Honda CR-V, an updated take on America’s most popular crossover, begins arriving in dealerships tomorrow with a refreshed exterior design, new and upgraded features, and a new turbocharged powertrain for the popular LX trim, along with standard Honda Sensing® technologies on all grades. With cumulative U.S. sales now topping the 5-million-unit mark, the 2020 model looks to extend CR-V’s position as the best-selling crossover in America over the past 22 years.
The 2020 CR-V goes on sale with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starting at $25,0501 (excluding destination and handling charges) for the front-wheel-drive LX model, an increase of just $600 despite the addition of Honda Sensing and a more powerful and efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged engine to the LX trim. An all-new, even more powerful and fuel-efficient hybrid-electric CR-V will join the lineup early next year.
All 2020 CR-Vs benefit from new front and rear exterior styling cues, including a redesigned front bumper and grille, and new headlight designs. EX and EX-L trims also get redesigned alloy wheels, while Touring grades get new 19-inch (+1 in.) wheels and tires. The 2020 model also debuts three new exterior colors: Radiant Red Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Aegean Blue Pearl.
Inside, CR-V’s spacious and tech-savvy cabin gets a redesigned center console with more conveniently located USB ports and more flexible storage space, while the line-topping CR-V Touring adds a heated steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging.
Mechanically, the biggest change to the 2020 CR-V is the addition of the 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injected engine for the popular LX trim, which replaces a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine. For the LX, this means more power (+6 horsepower), a flatter torque curve (179 lb.-ft. @ 2000-5000 rpm vs. 180 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) and a higher EPA fuel economy rating (+2 mpg city/highway/combined).
Importantly, the CR-V LX also gets Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, extending these popular features throughout the CR-V lineup.
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 (2WD) | $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 |
ADVANCED POWERTRAINS
All gasoline-powered 2020 CR-Vs now feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged direct-injected powerplant rated at 190 horsepower (SAE net) and 179 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net), delivering refined and responsive performance across the engine’s full operating range. Available in front-wheel-drive or with Honda Real Time all-wheel drive, power is transmitted through a sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT) with smooth-shifting Honda G-Shift control logic.
More information on the CR-V Hybrid’s two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain will be available closer to when it goes on sale early next year.
2020 Honda CR-V Powertrain Details
| 2020 CR-V LX, EX, EX-L, Touring | |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged In-Line 4-Cylinder |
| Displacement (cc) | 1498 |
| Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) | 190 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm SAE net) | 179 @ 2000-5000 |
| Bore and Stroke (mm) | 73 x 89.5 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Maximum Boost (psi) | 18.5 |
| Fuel Injection | Direct |
| Valvetrain | 16-Valve DOHC w/dual VTC |
| Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System | • |
| Low-Inertia Mono-Scroll Turbocharger | • |
SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR STYLING
The 2020 Honda CR-V’s more upscale and distinctive presence comes courtesy of a new blackout grille, and broad new openings for the fog lights. EX, EX-L and Touring trims get new, round LED fog lights. The added sophistication continues in back with dark-tinted taillight lenses, a dark chrome tailgate garnish and more darkly tinted rear glass. EX and EX-L trims get newly designed 18-inch wheels with a dark gray and machined finish, while the Touring trim’s new, larger 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and tires (+1 inch) raise the bar on the Touring’s stance and upscale demeanor. Touring trims also get new chrome exhaust finishers. Three new exterior colors come to the CR-V – Sonic Gray Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, and Aegean Blue Pearl – expanding to eight the number of color choices available for CR-V.
Inside, all 2020 Honda CR-Vs get a redesigned center console that is easier to use, with more flexible storage options, while CR-V Touring trims now come standard with Qi-compatible wireless cell phone charging. Other in-vehicle technologies include a color TFT driver information interface (DII) center meter display, available 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. Additional available tech includes remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, an Electric Parking Brake (EPB), rear USB charging ports, front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustment and driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way power lumbar support, and heated front seats.
ADVANCED SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Beginning with the 2020 model year, all Honda CR-V trims come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Honda Sensing® includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). Additional driver-assistive technologies include the available blind spot information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and Auto High Beam headlights.
The 2020 CR-V also incorporates the latest generation of Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and targets the highest collision safety ratings. These include a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)3 and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention with Honda Sensing.
| SAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTIVE FEATURES | LX | EX | EX-L | Touring |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) (HS) | • | • | • | • |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) (HS) | • | • | • | • |
| Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) (HS) | • | • | • | • |
| Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) (HS) | • | • | • | • |
| Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) (HS) | • | • | • | • |
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) (HS) | • | • | • | • |
| Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control | • | • | • | • |
| Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) | • | • | • | • |
| Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) | • | • | • | • |
| Brake Assist | • | • | • | • |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | • | • | • | • |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | • | • | • | • |
| Multi-Angle Rearview Camera | With guidelines | With dynamic guidelines | With dynamic guidelines | With dynamic guidelines |
| Honda LaneWatch™ | • | • | • | |
| Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure | • | • | • | • |
| Advanced Front Airbags | • | • | • | • |
| Front Side Airbags | • | • | • | • |
| Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor | • | • | • | • |
| 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions | • | • | • | • |
| Front 3-Point Seat Belts w/ Automatic Tensioning System | • | • | • | • |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row Outboard), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All) | • | • | • | • |
| Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Seat-Belt Reminder | • | • | • | • |
| Child-Proof Rear Door Locks | • | • | • | • |
(HS)=feature is a component of the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive features
CHASSIS TECHNOLOGY
The 2020 Honda CR-V maintains the same class-leading agility and confidence-inspiring handling as before. Its front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension use specially tuned low-friction dampers, with both FWD and AWD models including tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bars that promote responsive turn-in and flatter cornering. Dual-pinion, variable-ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) also contributes to the CR-V’s direct and satisfying steering feel.
Model Trim Level Summary
| CR-V LX |
| Honda Sensing (new to trim) |
| Auto high/low beams (new to trim) |
| 1.5-liter engine (new to trim) |
| Idle Start/Stop |
| 12V power outlet |
| USB input |
| Black exterior door handles |
| Black exterior mirrors |
| 17-inch alloy wheels |
| Automatic climate control |
| Multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines |
| Manual seats |
| 4-speaker audio system |
(New features for 2020 in bold)
| EX (add or replace from LX) |
| LED Fog lights |
| HD Radio |
| One-touch moonroof with tilt feature |
| Blind spot information |
| 18-inch wheels |
| 8-way power driver’s seat |
| Privacy glass |
| 7-inch Display Audio system with six-speakers |
| Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration |
| Smart Start / Smart Entry |
| Security system |
| Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines |
| Remote start |
| Heated front seats |
| XM Radio |
| Mirror turn signals |
| Heated outside mirrors |
| Body-color door handles |
| Rear Cross Traffic Monitor |
| 2 Rear USB |
| Dual-zone automatic climate control |
| Front tweeters (+2 speakers) |
| Ambient lights |
| Cargo cover |
| Body-colored mirrors |
| Auto up/down windows |
| Variable intermittent windshield wipers |
| Passenger-side seatback pocket |
(New features for 2020 in bold)
| EX-L (add or replace from EX) |
| Leather seating surfaces |
| Power tailgate |
| 4-way power passenger seat |
| Auto dimming rearview mirror |
| Driver’s seat memory controls |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
| Leather-wrapped shifter |
| HomeLink® |
| Rear tweeters (+2 speakers) |
| Touring (add or replace from EX-L) |
| 19-inch alloy wheels (+1-inch) |
| Heated steering wheel |
| Wireless charging |
| Updated LED high and low-beam headlights |
| Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ |
| Roof rails |
| Rain-sensing wipers |
| Hands-free access power tailgate |
| Chrome exhaust |
| 9-speaker premium audio (+1 speaker) |
(New features for 2020 in bold)
1 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,095 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
2 Based on 2020 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
3 Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program