The decision: An environment friendly, versatile SUV with a shocking urge for food for cargo, the 2020 Honda CR-V would profit from extra off-the-line energy, journey consolation and an agreeable multimedia system. The brand new hybrid boosts mileage by 31% mixed however has modest passing energy.
Versus the competitors: The Volkswagen Tiguan is extra gratifying to drive, the Jeep Cherokee has off-road functionality and the Hyundai Tucson is worth packed, however the CR-V is a balanced competitor with distinctive cargo house. The brand new hybrid falls shy of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in mileage and passing energy however has a much bigger backseat.
Associated: Honda CR-V: Which Ought to You Purchase, 2019 or 2020?
Simply shy of a 12 months in the past, I characterised the Honda CR-V as a pacesetter that was shedding its lead — not in gross sales, as a result of it remained one of many best-selling SUVs within the U.S. market (it presently trails solely the redesigned Toyota RAV4), however as a result of it wanted updates. Honda made some updates for 2020, together with the welcome addition of a hybrid model and the elimination of a lesser engine for the bottom trim degree, however in any other case, the adjustments don’t qualify as main enhancements. This evaluate covers each a gas-only 2020 CR-V Restricted we examined at Automobiles.com’s Chicago headquarters and two variations of the Hybrid I drove in and round Tucson, Ariz., at a nationwide introduction hosted by Honda. (Per our ethics coverage, Automobiles.com pays its journey and lodging bills for such occasions.)
To be clear, in case I harp on a couple of issues beneath, the CR-V is an excellent selection. As we disclaimed in our 2019 Compact SUV Problem, all seven of our contestants have been sturdy; that’s how aggressive this class is. All the identical, the CR-V did are available in fourth place general, and the points that harm its rating weren’t those Honda addressed for 2020.
I’ll talk about the CR-V Hybrid together with the common one as a result of it’s value anybody’s consideration. There’s lots of speak about plug-in electrics proper now, however the massive plus of a hybrid is that the possession expertise is similar to what everybody’s accustomed to. Between this and vary per tankful that’s longer than common fairly than shorter (as with battery-electrics), a high-volume hybrid just like the CR-V with its decreased carbon emissions can signify extra substantial carbon financial savings than American consumers are more likely to be coaxed to realize with plug-ins as they exist at this time — even when they do have zero tailpipe emissions.
Honda CR-V Hybrid MPG, Value
The hybrid drivetrain is accessible on all 4 of the CR-V trim ranges — LX, EX, EX-L and Touring — nevertheless it comes solely with all-wheel drive whereas every of the non-hybrids could be front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrid provides $1,200 to the value no matter trim and begins at $28,870 for an LX (together with vacation spot cost). Primarily based on EPA estimates, you might make up the $1,200 distinction in gas prices inside about 4 years — although that’s primarily based on at this time’s low-cost gasoline. It’s rated 40/35/38 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed versus 27/32/29 mpg for the AWD gas-only model. The front-drive model is 28/34/30 mpg. All of those figures are excellent for his or her sorts and sophistication, nevertheless it should be famous that the 2020 Toyota RAV4 edges all of them out, with estimates as excessive as 28/35/30 mpg for FWD, 27/34/30 mpg for AWD and 41/38/40 mpg for the RAV4 Hybrid (additionally AWD solely).
After 19.Four miles of blended driving within the CR-V Hybrid’s common (not Econ) mode, my journey laptop learn 44.2 mpg. After one other 15.6 miles at considerably larger speeds, my co-driver clocked 41.Four mpg. The climate was a hybrid-favorable 72 levels and overcast.
<meta itemprop=”width” content material=”1170″>
<meta itemprop=”peak” content material=”1170″>
Producer picture
CR-V Vs. CR-V Hybrid Acceleration
Honda appropriately claims that the CR-V Hybrid is faster off the road than the non-hybrid. So is a child on a tricycle. One among our greatest complaints in regards to the gas-only CR-V is how poky it’s from a standing begin: Stomp on the pedal and the CR-V strikes however covers virtually no floor for 2 or three seconds, traversing only a automotive size or two. You may get used to it, and a few drivers won’t discover as a result of when you get transferring, the ability is fairly good, even when constantly variable computerized transmissions aren’t our favourite.
So, sure, the hybrid is faster off the road than the common CR-V, nevertheless it’s not setting any information. Technically, Honda’s two-motor hybrid system doesn’t have a transmission in any respect, or perhaps a power-split machine like Toyotas and lots of others. I’ll strive to not get too technical, however this comes into play in some necessary methods. At low speeds, the CR-V Hybrid operates as a sequence hybrid during which the electrical motor propels it, powered by the battery and/or the smaller motor, which operates solely as a generator at any time (although it’s a part of a two-“motor” system), and pushed by the fuel engine.
Although the drivetrain isn’t various ratios like many hybrids do, there’s nonetheless some rubber-band impact at decrease speeds, a delay whenever you press on the accelerator when you look ahead to the engine to rev and the car to reply. It’s not as dangerous as an early hybrid and even a number of the extra frequent present sorts, nevertheless it nonetheless appeared like there was delay because the engine drove the generator that in flip powered the electrical drive motor. It additionally included a number of the engine droning that accompanies many hybrids.
Total energy is fairly good and admirably constant for a car with no transmission. If something, the hybrid appears to sacrifice high-speed passing for its off-the-line benefit. The key to the common 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder’s effectivity is that it isn’t overwhelmingly highly effective, however I recollect it having respectable passing energy at freeway speeds; the hybrid, then again, felt borderline at speeds round 55 mph, and the place I drove, it wasn’t significantly hilly or excessive in elevation. At larger speeds, a clutch engages that enables the engine to drive the wheels instantly, with the bigger motor-generator aiding. Honda cites peak system horsepower of 212 for the hybrid drivetrain versus 190 for the gas-only model.
<meta itemprop=”width” content material=”1170″>
<meta itemprop=”peak” content material=”1170″>
Automobiles.com picture by Christian Lantry
I’m unsure I purchase it, a minimum of not at freeway speeds. The issue is that there’s no transmission to power the fuel engine into its strongest vary. Together with the 2 electrical motors, the hybrid drivetrain makes use of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder fuel engine with out a turbocharger rated at 143 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. Honda mentioned it was too sophisticated to specify at what pace or set of circumstances the system achieves 212 hp, nevertheless it’s unlikely the engine is near its peak at 55-70 mph. My guess is the hybrid has much less energy to name on in regular driving — plus an additional 194 kilos of weight versus an equal non-hybrid CR-V to beat.
Braking
With regards to braking, any non-hybrid has a theoretical benefit as a result of — barring horrible engineering or defects — typical brakes really feel extra pure and linear. That’s the case for the common CR-V. The hybrid employs regenerative braking, and the pedal really feel is fairly good for a hybrid by at this time’s requirements, and higher than the RAV4 Hybrid — however I’ll get to my RAV4 comparability in a bit. (Word that I’m speaking in regards to the braking expertise right here, not braking distances, which must be examined underneath managed circumstances.)
I admit frustration with Honda’s regenerative braking degree adjustment, which employs steering-wheel paddles. One will increase the regeneration (leading to extra pronounced deceleration whenever you carry off the accelerator pedal) and the opposite decreases it once more. No downside in principle, as another manufacturers do the identical. The issue is that, as in different Hondas, the regeneration degree you select doesn’t keep; it defaults after a couple of seconds or after you come to a cease. Maddening. It’s extra of an issue with a plug-in like our 2019 Eco-Pleasant Automobile of the Yr winner, the Readability PHEV, however nonetheless … Solely when driving in Sport mode do these settings maintain, but when the objective of extra regen is effectivity, that’s in battle with how Sport mode operates. Little code adjustments like this to fulfill clients would make Hondas higher merchandise, however because it stands, the corporate is just not one of many rising variety of manufacturers with updatable automobiles.
Experience and Dealing with
The CR-V has glorious steering really feel and precision, and this interprets to the hybrid. One of many issues I don’t love in regards to the CR-V is how firmly it rides even with smaller wheels. Round Chicago, the place the roads are usually terrible, it had a busier, bumpier journey than each competitor in our Problem however the sloppy 2019 Nissan Rogue, with noticeable pitching motions. The suspension doesn’t really feel unsophisticated, simply agency. Although the CR-V isn’t the shortest compact SUV by way of general size, it does have a brief wheelbase, which may end up in extra physique movement, all different elements being equal.
I can’t say the CR-V Hybrid was worlds completely different, nevertheless it may need been a bit higher. I say “may need been” as a result of I used to be driving in a distinct state with higher general roads. However my CR-V Hybrids additionally had even bigger wheels, measuring 19 inches (new on the Touring for 2020), which implies shorter tire sidewalls and usually a firmer journey. The pitching motions weren’t evident, a plus. The practically 200 kilos of further weight over a fuel Touring additionally possible performs an element, as weight variations this nice require completely different suspension tuning.
Cargo Area Black Magic
At 180.6 inches from bumper to bumper, the gas-only CR-V was the second shortest of seven fashions we examined again to again in 2019, but it made no house sacrifices inside. The cargo quantity behind its backseat was the most effective by our measurements. As spectacular, the CR-V gives this quantity with out a sliding backseat, but there’s loads of backseat legroom.
We haven’t performed a full cargo workup on the hybrid but, however by Honda’s specs, it drops solely from 39.2 to 33.2 cubic ft behind the backseat with the addition of the hybrid battery pack. All that appears to be misplaced is underfloor space for storing, which hadn’t been in depth — restricted to the spare tire and storage for the retractable cargo cowl when not in place. By Honda’s figures, most cargo quantity with the backseat lowered drops from 75.eight cubic ft within the non-hybrid to 68.7 within the CR-V Hybrid.
What Was ‘Fastened,’ What Wasn’t
The cargo provisions have been a energy of the CR-V already, as was its in-cabin storage. It trounced all six different contestants final 12 months partly because of a roomy, versatile middle storage console between the entrance seats. For 2020, Honda made it higher. Relatively than an L-shaped partition that may be reoriented, there at the moment are two items that slide and flip; they’re actually extra elegant however obtain the identical factor. Frankly, the CR-V was thus far forward of the opposite guys, the trouble may need been higher spent elsewhere — like on the multimedia and management system.
<meta itemprop=”width” content material=”1170″>
<meta itemprop=”peak” content material=”1170″>
Automobiles.com picture by Joe Wiesenfelder
As a part of the adjustments above, Honda did relocate the previously buried USB ports to the place they’re extra accessible and illuminated, and added an optionally available wi-fi charging pad — all good strikes. However the 7-inch touchscreen stays smaller than some and has advanced, unappealingly designed menus and low decision, cartoony-looking maps that don’t present sufficient info even when adjusted to take action. Additional, it’s accompanied by touch-sensitive fairly than mechanical buttons, and it has a quantity knob however lacks one for tuning. It rated final of seven in 2019 and would stay as such now.
Extra From Automobiles.com:
Security and Lively Driver Help
For 2020, Honda made Honda Sensing, a set of active-safety and drive help techniques, normal throughout the board; it had been unavailable on the LX trim. It contains collision warning with computerized emergency braking that detects pedestrians in addition to automobiles, lane- and road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise management that works all the best way right down to a cease. Lane-centering steering doesn’t work beneath 45 mph, which is a bummer, nevertheless it does work effectively at larger speeds. Entrance and rear parking sensors are lastly included — however solely on the Hybrid Touring. Nonetheless oddly lacking are 360-degree digicam techniques, such because the RAV-4’s Fowl’s Eye View digicam.
The 2020 CR-V earns high scores from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security for all crashworthiness checks and for the crash-prevention measures coated by Honda Sensing. Solely the headlights differ of their ranking (frequent these days), starting from marginal (halogen) to good (LED on Touring solely). In IIHS’ Small SUVs class, the CR-V’s scores qualify because the extremely rated High Security Decide.
For households who search to put in child-safety seats, the CR-V’s beneficiant inside quantity mixed with a few shortfalls to web a median efficiency within the CR-V’s Automobile Seat Test. Although the backseat scored A grades for toddler and booster seats, its lowest rating was a C for a rear-facing convertible seat resulting from hard-to-reach Latch anchors and the necessity to transfer the entrance passenger seat ahead. Our licensed installers additionally famous that the center seat’s high tether anchor is within the cargo space ceiling, which impedes the motive force’s rear visibility.
CR-V Vs. RAV4, Common and Hybrid
In case you ask me which is best, the Honda CR-V or its archrival, the Toyota RAV4, my reply for the non-hybrid variations would comply with our conclusions from the 2019 Problem, the place a CR-V Touring edged out a RAV4 Restricted (the latter ranked fifth general). The Honda rated (as a 2020 nonetheless would) notably higher than the Toyota by way of its backseat, cargo provisions and worth. It additionally scored a bit larger for in-cabin storage, dealing with and noise ranges (although neither have been nice). The RAV4 beat the CR-V within the multimedia and controls class and took a lead in powertrain factors, partly as a result of it has an eight-speed computerized transmission fairly than a CVT. Its real-world mileage additionally edged out the CR-V, confirming EPA estimates.
For the hybrids, nevertheless, it’s not so clear, and I’m leaning towards the RAV4. We’d already declared this model the most effective of the RAV4s, and that’s as a result of the non-hybrid could possibly be a bit stronger, particularly its optionally available all-wheel drive, which feels reactive and unsophisticated. The hybrid’s AWD, although, employs a devoted motor-generator for the rear axle, and it really works nice — the entire system feels extra refined than the common RAV4’s AWD.
<meta itemprop=”width” content material=”1170″>
<meta itemprop=”peak” content material=”1170″>
Automobiles.com picture by Christian Lantry
Conversely, the CR-V Hybrid makes use of the identical mechanical AWD system from the common CR-V. In case you’re confused by the speak of two motors, they’re each up entrance. Honda was truly the primary to the U.S. market with a gasoline-electric hybrid with the 2000 Perception, however the firm didn’t begin getting respectable outcomes till it ditched the unique design (Built-in Motor Help), which used one electrical motor-generator, and went with two electrical motors as all efficient hybrids do. (The 2-motor system can be used within the present Accord and Perception.)
Although Honda’s Acura division hybrids have employed a further motor on the rear axle to supply AWD just like the RAV4 Hybrid does, the CR-V doesn’t. The third motor can avoid wasting weight by eliminating the driveshaft whereas compensating with each extra acceleration and regeneration, nevertheless it isn’t the one solution to do it and positively not essentially the most reasonably priced. Honda mentioned this technique is simpler for inclement climate.
It’s customary for automakers to have competing automobiles at their launch occasions, and I’m normally skeptical of any impressions I’d garner. It’s not that I don’t belief Honda; it’s that I don’t belief anybody. However I drove the RAV4 Hybrid anyway and was extra apt to belief my impressions once I ended up liking it higher. Aside from its barely higher mileage rankings, the RAV4 Hybrid appeared to have extra passing energy than the CR-V Hybrid (which is sensible as a result of it has variable gear ratios), and although each have the telltale hybrid engine drone, the Honda’s sounded extra whiny, the Toyota’s extra growly and agreeable. The RAV4’s brakes have been mushier and made odd whooshing noises upon launch.
As for the AWD, Honda set us unfastened in a sand pit in each fashions. I wouldn’t have been stunned by a giant distinction each as a result of the common RAV4’s AWD has its shortcomings and since Toyota doesn’t appear to tune its hybrids as meticulously as Acura has its NSX and Sport Hybrid fashions. However I’m assured a purchaser can be pleased with both of these. Contemplating that it’s the identical AWD system because the non-hybrid — with no further motor for regeneration — it raises the query of why Honda doesn’t have a FWD CR-V Hybrid for larger mpg. Honda says it’s not out of the query, simply not this 12 months.
The RAV4 Hybrids run a bit dearer than the CR-Vs — $29,470 to $38,000 versus $28,870 to $37,070 — however the hybrid premium is $200 cheaper than the CR-V’s: $1,000 greater than a non-hybrid RAV4 of the identical trim degree.
CR-V within the Market
That the CR-V is without doubt one of the high sellers is not any mistake, and I’ve each motive to imagine the hybrid will proceed its success. Room for enchancment positively stays, however the market is notoriously sluggish to be taught. By all means, test-drive the CR-V, however you’ll want to pattern some opponents, as effectively, as a result of there are points the place it must catch up.
<meta itemprop=”width” content material=”1170″>
<meta itemprop=”peak” content material=”1170″>
Automobiles.com picture by Christian Lantry
Automobiles.com’s Editorial division is your supply for automotive information and evaluations. Consistent with Automobiles.com’s long-standing ethics coverage, editors and reviewers don’t settle for presents or free journeys from automakers. The Editorial division is impartial of Automobiles.com’s promoting, gross sales and sponsored content material departments.
Let’s block adverts! (Why?)
