read everything we have to say about the 2020 honda cr-v, and see the honda configurator to spec your own.
honda has added a hybrid model to the cr-v compact-crossover lineup for the 2020 model year, which makes sense: the cr-v is attractive, practical, and the brand's biggest seller. the new hybrid starts at $28,870 for the base lx model, comes only with all-wheel drive, and is epa rated at 38 mpg combined—that's 2 mpg lower than the popular toyota rav4 hybrid. we used honda's configurator to build our desired fuel-sipping cr-v hybrid to be ready for anything we throw its way.
model we'd choose:
- 2020 honda cr-v hybrid ex-l
we'd choose the well-equipped ex-l, the third of four trim levels, which starts at an attractive $33,870 (the fully loaded touring model tops out at $37,070). here, we get things like a 7.0-inch touchscreen with apple carplay and android auto capability (a must-have), leather interior, heated front seats and heated steering wheel—which will come in handy in our northern kingdom—plus a sunroof, power tailgate, and push-button start.
all-wheel drive is standard on the cr-v hybrid, and its powertrain is similar to the one found in the accord hybrid: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine paired with two electric motors. the epa rates the new hybrid powertrain at 40 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 38 mpg combined. for comparison, the toyota rav4 hybrid is rated at 40 mpg combined.
options we'd pick:
- obsidian blue pearl exterior
- gray leather interior
- crossbars ($249)
- gloss black front grille ($299)
- roof rails ($399)
- tailgate spoiler ($299)
- all-season floor mats with blue logo ($179)
- doorsill protection ($75)
there aren't many vibrant exterior color choices for the cr-v hybrid, mainly a few grays, white, and black, so we selected the elegant obsidian blue pearl paint, a no-cost option. the interior has even fewer choices—well, actually just one, and that's gray leather, which is the alternative to black if you choose blue or a few other exterior colors. we'd slap some roof rails ($399) and crossbars ($249) on the roof because we have a few adventurous types on staff who enjoy all things outdoors, from surfing to mountain biking. additionally, we'd select the blacked-out grille ($299) and add a tailgate spoiler ($299) to give our hybrid cr-v a touch of sportiness.
because we live in the wintry state of michigan, we'd have to select the all-season floor mats, but to go along with the somewhat dull gray leather, we selected the ones with the electric blue logo on them ($179). and the doorsills in our long-term test cars are always covered in dirt, so we'd keep them safe with some protection ($75). all in, our ideal 2020 honda cr-v hybrid would cost us $35,370, which is $1700 cheaper than the starting price of the fully loaded touring hybrid model, and we're okay with that.