Honda's fifth-generation CR-V continues to be a top competitor in the compact SUV landscape. Outside, the CR-V benefits from styling that Honda describes as bold and sophisticated, with an aggressive, "windswept" front end and sculpted sides. The cabin yields generous interior space with 106 cubic feet of total passenger cabin volume, including 39.2 feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Underpinning it all is a chassis that allows the CR-V to be agile in its handling capabilities while still offering a cushy ride, thanks to a suspension system comprised of MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup in the rear.
For 2020, Honda has ditched the 2.4L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder that used to power the base LX model. Instead, all CR-V's are now powered by a turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. This unit produces 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet and is EPA-rated at 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway on front-wheel-drive models. These figures for both engine options are only reduced by 1 mpg in the all-wheel-drive models. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission.
Like much of Honda's lineup, the CR-V is offered in four trims: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. LX models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels and feature LED exterior lights and a tailgate spoiler. Standard features include automatic air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a 160-watt, 4-speaker audio system with Pandora compatibility, active noise control and premium cloth seating, with a one-motion 60/40 split "dive-down" rear seat.
EX trims add 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push-button start, automatic headlights with auto high beam and integrated turn signals in the mirrors. Inside, there can be found heated front seats with an 8-way powered driver's seat, a 6-speaker audio system with 7-inch color display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a power moonroof and dual-zone automatic air conditioning. Standard safety technology on the EX includes blind spot information, a driver attention monitor, rear cross-traffic monitor and Honda SENSOR, a suite of technologies that feature collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning.
The EX-L trim adds luxury amenities such as leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and shift knob, 4-way power passenger's seat, a power tailgate, auto-dimming mirror, an 8-speaker sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation is available on the EX-L.
Finally, the CR-V Touring features exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, LED headlights, roof rails, automatic wipers, a hands-free power tailgate, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel and a 330-watt premium audio system with nine speakers.
Practical
Attractive
Well-equipped
Available All-wheel-drive
Fuel-efficient Turbocharged Engine.
The Honda CR-V returns for 2020 with new styling, some revisions to the interior and a new standard engine for the lineup. The new exterior styling is most evident with its new front bumper, a new grille and revised headlights. EX and EX-L trims also get redesigned alloy wheels, as does the Touring trim, which now comes standard with 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V has a redesigned center console with more conveniently located USB ports.
The CR-V competes in a crowded segment also occupied by the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue. The Honda's 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder does 190hp while delivering a combined 30 mpg. The Honda offers not only the best ground clearance, but best-in-class cargo space, excellent road manners and great acceleration thanks to a very well-tuned transmission. Pricing is competitive, starting in the mid $30,000s, but Honda's outstanding platform, ergonomics and reputation for stalwart reliability make the CR-V the crossover to buy.
