It is consistently among the top selling compact crossovers in its segment. I’m talking about the Honda CR-V, a 5-seater CUV that’s remained a consistent mainstay in the segment for over two decades. It’s new redesign for 2020 is sure to only further cement its place in the segment, something I can say with confidence after a week behind the wheel of the all-new 2020 CR-V Touring Hybrid. The best part is that it’s now available as a hybrid for the first time ever.
The 2020 CR-V is a good-looking crossover with its new more upscale LED headlights, dark-tinted tail lights and new wheel designs. This Touring trim rides on new 19-inch machine-finished wheels and is equipped with roof rails. It also sports body-colored door handles and heated power side mirrors, along with a roofline spoiler with integrated brake lights, a one-tough power tilt moonroof, and rain sensing wipers. Hybrid badging on the grille, front fenders, and tailgate designate its hybrid status and the Hybrid also features bar-type fog lights with five LEDs.
This is Honda’s first SUV with a hybrid powertrain, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. It’s also more powerful than the gas-only CR-V. It shares Honda’s latest advanced two-motor hybrid system with the Accord Hybrid. The 2.0-liter engine with an electric propulsion motor produces a total system output of 212-horsepower (the standard gas model offers 190-horsepower) and 232 lb.-ft. of torque. It uses an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CTV.)
The CR-V delivered excellent ride and drive quality along with a quiet ride in the cabin. I was impressed with the nice off-the-line acceleration delivered by the CR-V Hybrid’s powertrain. I also liked its comfortable car-like ride plus its handling especially in Sport mode which enhances throttle response for a more aggressive feel. The CR-V is easy to drive and maneuver, and also automatically chooses between EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive to match your driving conditions.
The Touring’s roomy interior is really well-done with soft-touch surfaces on the dash and door panels with faux wood accent pieces. My favorite thing about the CR-V Touring is its exceptional leather-trimmed seats in both rows. They’re well-designed with slight side bolstering and offer just the right amount of support and comfort. There is a built-in (albeit slight) thigh extender in each. The Touring’s front and second row seats are also heated. The 12-way power driver’s seat has lumbar support while the passenger’s is 4-way. The heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel offers easy to use controls. The bright digital gauge cluster displays some of the largest graphics I think I’ve run across. It also offers a hybrid power-flow meter.
The center stack is at an angle and that’s where you’ll find a new push-button gear shifter that’s within easy reach. To the left you’ll find an electric parking brake with automatic brake hold. The Econ, Sport and EV Mode drive mode buttons are on the right. The redesigned multi-functional center console area features a wireless charger in the Touring trim and the center bin offers flexible storage options along with a 12-volt outlet inside.
The Touring’s 7-inch touchscreen seems on the small side, especially viewing the multi-angle camera with dynamic gridlines. But it’s responsive and easy to read with large text and bright graphics that really look great at night. Voice recognition wasn’t perfect but worked most of the time when following the navigation and audio prompts. This top trim features turn-by-turn navigation instructions. You’ll get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too, along with two USB ports up front and two in the back seat. The Touring also features an upgraded 9-speaker audio system.
Other Touring features include dual zone climate, ambient lighting, remote engine start and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror.
The 60/40 split fold-down second row seats give you 68.7 cubic-feet of cargo space with rear seats down. A retractable cargo cover hides your belongings and a kick-sensor liftgate also operates remotely.
The CR-V comes standard with Honda Sensing that includes 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, Auto High Beams and Lane Keeping Assist. The Touring is also equipped with Blind Spot Information with Cross-Traffic Monitor along with front and rear parking sensors. The driver-assist features worked well as advertised.
CR-V Hybrids also come equipped with a new Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System. A speaker in the front bumper, that is designed to alert pedestrians when travelling under electric-only power.
Coming in at just over $35,000, the CR-V Touring Hybrid is a great compact crossover that offers a lot of comfort, room, safety and value for the money. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most-popular compact crossovers out there and the hybrid version is certain to add to its popularity for those looking for more fuel efficiency.