2020 Honda CR-V: Sporty Fun with a 1.5L Turbocharged Engine

Sandy B
Feb 26, 2021

Blue 2020 Honda CR-V From Front Side

The 2020 Honda CR-V is a sporty, fun vehicle from the outside with a lot of updates and quality interior inside. It seems like a good choice for your next purchase. How can you be sure? To find out, you need to take a closer look at the vehicle’s specs and features and then make a buying decision.

What are the key features of the 2020 Honda CR-V?

There are a few notable features:

  • Solid fuel economy
  • CR-V hybrid model available – the first from the brand
  • 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle engine
  • Numerous drive modes
  • Real-time all-wheel drive
  • 1.5L turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower

That sounds pretty good for a smaller SUV. To find out if this vehicle fits your needs, we’re going to break down those features and a few others. Don’t stop there with your research. Be sure to check out the SUV’s Vehicle History for more insights.

Overview of the 2020 Honda CR-V

The Honda C-RV is a compact crossover SUV. Honda has produced this vehicle since 1995. It has the same overall platform as the Honda Civic but a larger body and more interior room. It’s a pretty popular vehicle overall. In 2019, Honda sold 384,168 CRV SUVs in the United States.

The CR-V for 2020 has won a number of awards, including the Best Buy Compact SUV award from Kelley Blue Book. It also won the “Best Company SUV for the Money” from U.S. News & World Report.

When you dig into the 2020 model, you will find a classy-looking vehicle with a fuel-efficient powertrain. The vehicle also offers a lot of cargo space. It’s a capable vehicle that’s practical. For those who are looking for a new 2020, it will cost you $26,270 as a starting price.

There are 8 trim package options for the 2020 model – LX, EX, LX Hybrid, EX-L, EX Hybrid, EX-L Hybrid, Touring, and Touring Hybrid. The most expensive vehicle is $37,110 to start.

Performance Features and Specs of the 2020 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V for the 2020 model year is an excellent buy for those looking for more options in engines. This year’s model adds a hybrid powertrain to the lineup. That engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder setup that also has two electric motors.

A second option is a turbocharged 1.5L engine. This is the base engine onboard all non-hybrid vehicles. That’s a bit disappointing as the company dropped the larger 2.4L engine from the 2019 lineup.

That 1.5L engine produces 190 horsepower. It has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It’s a reliable, smooth driving car as a result. The vehicle’s engine does offer a nice benefit. It offers up to 1,500 pounds of towing ability. That’s not common in these compact SUVs. It doesn’t have the best acceleration, but the vehicle does well in most cases.

The hybrid model will produce slightly more power with 212 horsepower. It’s a smooth ride as well. It does not offer as much overall pulling power, but it performs reliably for everyday driving.

Other key features include real-time all-wheel drive, which helps to improve driving performance in all conditions. There are also several drive modes, including ECON, EV and Sport.

This allows drivers to choose what’s most important – fuel efficiency or performance. The EV mode on the hybrid models allows you to just use the electric motor in some conditions.

The EPA estimates for fuel economy for the CR-V are solid. The vehicle offers 38 combined city/highway miles per gallon. That’s 40 city and 35 highway for the hybrid.

The vehicle is also solid when it comes to safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 Honda CR-V a 5-star crash rating. This, coupled with the extensive driver-assist features, makes it a confident vehicle for drivers.

Other Notable Features of the 2020 Honda CR-V

The interior of the CR-V is comfortable and designed with good-quality material. There are some faux wood accents and upgraded materials in the Touring model. Other models have available leather-trim designs.

One of the nice interior features is the driver information interface. It is designed to provide easy driving insight. The hybrid model is designed to be easy to use. It also allows drivers to view the audio settings and displays navigation.

The seating is comfortable and seems durable. It includes a 12-power seat adjustable option with power adjustable lumbar support.

All of the technology present makes this car fun to drive. The display is bright, though not as large as some models. It allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. There’s also a USB audio interface.

Technology is also available for driver-assist features. The vehicle comes with a standard Honda Sensing Suite and Collision Mitigation Braking System.

Other features include the Road Department Mitigation System and available Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Flow. The Lane Keeping Assist System is also solid. It’s reliability that helps give the driver a sense of security.

The Pros and Cons of the 2020 Honda CR-V

When it comes to buying your next vehicle, you want more than just facts and figures. That’s why we are offering some of the customer reviews on the 2020 Honda CR-V from Vehicle History. These are from drivers and owners with experience behind the wheel of this car. Here’s what they have to say.

Pros:

  • Zippy car that is comfortable inside
  • Super fuel economy for everyday city driving
  • Comfortable interior with nice leather features
  • Ample storage in the back

Cons:

  • Electric battery charging isn’t always reliable
  • Seats are hard
  • The electric engine isn’t as responsive and fast for driver’s usage

Should You Buy the 2020 Honda CR-V?

Looking for your next SUV? The 2020 Honda CR-V may be that car, or you may be after a pre-owned 2019. The CRV has a lot to offer drivers, of course, but it’s important to compare a variety of vehicles to find one that fits all of your needs. Vehicle History can help you do that.

avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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