Honda introduces new hybrid model, fresh styling and upgraded powertrains
America’s best-selling crossover of the past two decades gets a major boost with the introduction of the 2020 Honda CR-V, sporting freshened styling, new features and upgraded powertrains—including a new CR-V Hybrid. The 2020 CR-V Hybrid is the first electrified SUV from the Honda brand in America.
In addition to the new hybrid-electric variant, major upgrades to the 2020 CR-V include bolder front and rear styling, re-designed wheels and standard Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technology. All non-hybrid 2020 CR-V models are now powered by the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine.
Powertrains
The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid promises substantially improved fuel efficiency while maintaining CR-V’s award-winning balance of interior space, driving dynamics and comfort that has made CR-V such a success with American buyers. The CR-V’s advanced two-motor hybrid powertrain, shared with the current Accord Hybrid, combines two electric motors with a 2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC Atkinson cycle engine with greater than 40 percent thermal efficiency, the highest for any mass-produced Honda engine.
Interior and Exterior
Exterior styling updates to the 2020 Honda CR-V result in a more upscale and rugged appearance. In front, broad openings for the fog lights are fully integrated into the bumper, giving the 2020 CR-V a more aggressive look, while the chrome grille is more pronounced.
CR-V Hybrid models will also get hybrid badging and a distinctive blue Honda logo in the center of the grille. In the rear, all CR-V trims feature sophisticated new dark-tinted taillights and a new dark chrome treatment for the garnish below the rear glass, better integrated with the more darkly tinted rear window.
Three new exterior colors are available for 2020: Sonic Gray Pearl and Radiant Red Metallic on standard and Hybrid models, and new Aegean Blue Metallic is available exclusively on non-hybrid models.
Inside, the new CR-V Hybrid is distinguished from non-hybrid models through its unique interior trim. Most apparent is the new push-button gear selector flanked by three switches for Econ, Sport or EV mode.
All 2020 Honda CR-V models and trims benefit from a redesigned center console bin that is easier to use and offers more flexible storage options, and CR-V Touring trims now come standard with Qi-compatible wireless cell phone charging. Additional in-vehicle technology includes 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.
Safety
With the 2020 model year, all Honda CR-Vs now come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning and pedestrian sensing capability
- Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow
- Lane Keeping Assist
CR-V Hybrid models benefit from a new Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System designed to increase awareness by pedestrians when traveling under electric-only power. A speaker mounted in the front bumper generates a distinct audible alert that varies in volume depending on vehicle speed and is easily noticeable to pedestrians, but nearly inaudible to the driver or passengers under most circumstances.
