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2020 Honda CR-V: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Honda CR-V is the arrival of the first U.S. CR-V Hybrid. This is also a mid-cycle refresh, with updated styling, broader standard safety equipment, and a new turbo engine for the gas LX.
About the 2020 Honda CR-V
5th generation (2017-2022), mid-cycle refresh and first U.S. CR-V Hybrid year.
Honda positions the CR-V as a compact SUV built around everyday usefulness: roomy seating for five, flexible cargo space, easy controls, and comfort features that make family duty simpler. The 2020 materials lean heavily on convenience, comfort, and style, while the new hybrid adds better efficiency without giving up the CR-V’s practical shape. Against rivals, the CR-V’s identity is less about aggressive styling and more about space, smart storage, smooth driving manners, and broad safety coverage.
The 2020 CR-V ranges from the essentials-focused LX to the feature-rich EX, which has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and blind-spot monitoring. EX-L adds leather seats and a power tailgate, while Touring tops the range with built-in navigation, premium audio, a hands-free tailgate, and a wireless phone charger. Every trim was offered in gas and hybrid form for 2020.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The first U.S. CR-V Hybrid joined the range in LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring form. The gas LX replaced its 2.4-liter engine with the 1.5-liter turbo used by the other gas trims, and idle-stop became standard across the gas lineup.
Styling
Honda refreshed the front and rear exterior styling. EX and higher trims also received restyled wheels.
Safety
Honda’s safety suite and automatic high-beam headlights became standard on every gas trim. Hybrid models also launched with the safety suite as standard equipment.
Tech
The center console was redesigned for more useful storage and easier everyday use. Gas EX and higher trims gained HD Radio, while gas Touring added a heated steering wheel and wireless phone charger.
2020 Honda CR-V specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, i-VTEC, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT / Automatic, eCVT | Automatic, CVT / Automatic, eCVT | Automatic, CVT / Automatic, eCVT | Automatic, CVT / Automatic, eCVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 28–40 mpg | 28–40 mpg | 28–40 mpg | 28–40 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34–35 mpg | 34–35 mpg | 34–35 mpg | 34–35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 190 hp | 190 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 129–179 lb-ft | 129–179 lb-ft | 129–179 lb-ft | 129–179 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 68.7–75.8 cu-ft | 68.7–75.8 cu-ft | 68.7–75.8 cu-ft | 68.7–75.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.4 in | 40.4 in | 40.4 in | 40.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Top View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2020 and 2019 Honda CR-V?
The biggest difference is that 2020 introduced the first U.S. CR-V Hybrid. The 2020 model also received refreshed exterior styling, a redesigned center console, more standard safety equipment, and a turbo engine for the gas LX.
Was 2020 the first year for the Honda CR-V Hybrid in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2020 model year introduced the first U.S. CR-V Hybrid, offered in LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims.
Does every 2020 Honda CR-V have Honda’s safety suite?
Yes. Every 2020 gas CR-V has Honda’s safety suite and automatic high-beam headlights as standard equipment, and the new hybrid models also include the safety suite as standard. It includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
Is the 2020 Honda CR-V a full redesign?
No. The 2020 CR-V is a mid-cycle update of the fifth-generation model introduced for 2017. Its basic body and chassis carry over, but Honda updated the styling, cabin storage, equipment, and powertrain range.
What changed on the 2020 Honda CR-V LX?
The gas LX gained the 1.5-liter turbo engine, idle-stop, Honda’s safety suite, automatic high-beam headlights, and the refreshed exterior. A new LX Hybrid also joined the range for 2020.
2020 Honda CR-V Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Honda CR-V.
4.2
2020 Honda CR-V
(7,211 reviews)
“The CRV is an excellent car for a family. It has all the bells and whistles that we wanted. It drives great and is a very reliable car that fulfills our every need.”
“Great vehicle! Smaller SUV with great mileage. I do wish the mileage was closer to the 35/40 as advertised but 33 average is still great.”