Yahoo Autos 2020 Honda CR-V Adds a Hybrid Model and Gets a New Look
Honda is adding a hybrid version of the CR-V compact crossover for 2020, which promises significantly higher mpg.
Other 2020 CR-V models get revised styling and a few new features, while the base 2.4-liter engine is gone, meaning the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder is now standard.
Nonhybrid 2020 CR-V models will go on sale this fall, with hybrid versions arriving at the beginning of next year.
Honda is finally adding a hybrid powertrain to the CR-V compact SUV for the 2020 model year. The new gas-electric model is accompanied by a few other changes to the CR-V lineup such as styling tweaks, a few small interior changes, and newly standard driver-assist features. The base naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four engine is gone, meaning all nonhybrid CR-Vs now use the turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four with 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
The new hybrid drivetrain, which is similar to the one found in the Accord hybrid, uses a naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine and two electric motors. It produces a combined power output of 212 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates aren't available yet, but if it can get close to the Accord hybrid's 48-mpg combined rating, it will have a leg up on its most natural rival, the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, which is rated at 40 mpg combined. Honda claims a 50 percent increase in EPA city fuel economy over the nonhybrid, which would put the CR-V hybrid around 44 mpg city. All-wheel-drive capability is standard thanks to a clutch that engages to send the electric motor's torque to the rear wheels when slip is detected.
The hybrid is visually differentiated by badges, a blue Honda logo and different fog lights up front, and a different bumper and hidden exhaust pipe in the rear. All 2020 CR-Vs get a sharpened look with a bolder-looking grille, new fog lights, darkened taillights, and dark chrome trim. The 18-inch wheels on EX and EX-L models are new, and the Touring now comes with larger 19-inch wheels. New colors include Sonic Gray Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic, and Aegean Blue Metallic.
Inside the hybrid, there's a push-button shifter and a digital gauge cluster that shows certain hybrid-specific displays including power flow and brake regeneration, which is controlled by deceleration paddles on the steering wheel as in the Insight. Both hybrids and nonhybrids benefit from a different center console that's said to be more spacious.
While previously all CR-V models besides the base LX came standard with the Honda Sensing bundle of driver-assist features, that package is now standard on the base model, too. It includes automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
We expect pricing to increase a bit for 2020. We also expect the hybrid models to have a price premium similar to the Accord hybrid, which costs $1600 more than equivalent nonhybrid trims. The 2020 CR-V will begin arriving at dealerships this fall, with the hybrid to follow early next year.
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