Hybrid and Escape Hybrid, and it comes
in the least expensive of the three. The
hybrid powertrain in the CR-V is just a
$1,200 premium over the gas versions
with AWD.
The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a
versatile, spacious crossover that builds
on the likable former SUV of the Year
winner. Its value and handling make
it an attractive SUV—but we wish its
real-world fuel efficiency numbers were
better. Will the fuel economy improve-
ment over the gas model be enough for
the Honda faithful? Likely, once prices
at the pump shoot up again. QThe CR-V Hybrid represents
the first electrified SUV
from Honda in the U.S.,
and it comes with few
compromises relative to
the gas model. Both share
a handsome interior and,
unfortunately, an outmoded
infotainment system. The
CR-V has also earned Top
Safety Pick status from IIHS.feel tired or in need of a stretch. Sadly,
the infotainment system is old, slow, and
needs better graphics.
All Honda CR-Vs, regardless of the trim
or powertrain, come with standard Honda
Sensing, a suite of safety and driver assis-
tance technologies such as adaptive cruise
control and lane keeping assist. The CR-V
always stayed between the lane lines and
slowed down precisely when I approached
another car on the freeway.
Honda strategically priced the CR-V
Hybrid to compete against the RAV4drive back to Los Angeles. According
to the CR-V’s computer, I averaged an
underwhelming 26.7 mpg after driving
516.1 miles.
The experience varies greatly
depending on the drive mode. In Normal
mode, the CR-V offers decent power for
an SUV this size. The low-end torque
helps it get going, but press down the
throttle, and the engine will roar—and
not in a good way.
In Sport mode, the experience
becomes a bit more dynamic. There’s
more punch coming from the powertrain
thanks to a more aggressive throttle
mapping. Econ mode turns things down
significantly; it severely limits power to
get the most fuel-efficient drive. EV mode
lasts only about a mile, and performance
in this mode largely depends on the
battery’s state of charge.
The hybrid’s suspension is just as good
as the gas CR-V’s; it delivers a comfort-
able ride with little body roll and few
cabin vibrations. Its steering is light but
precise and delivers plenty of feedback on
what’s happening at the wheels.
The paddle shifters are a cool feature.
Instead of working with the transmission,
they let the driver choose between three
levels of regenerative braking. Normal
friction braking is also strong, providing
good feel from the pedal and terrific
stopping power.
All 2020 CR-Vs (hybrid or gas) get a rede-
signed center console that offers more
storage space. Interior space continues
to be one of the CR-V’s strongest points,
with great passenger room and ample
cargo volume. Hybrid models still get the
fold-flat seats.
After eight hours of driving, the seats
were comfortable, and I didn’t really
2020 Honda CR-V AWD Hybrid
PRICE $28,870-$37,070
LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD,
5-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE 2.0L/143-hp/129-lb-ft
DOHC 16-valve I-4;
plus 181-hp/232-lb-ft
electric motor, 212-hp
combined
TRANSMISSION Cont variable auto
CURB WEIGHT 3,650-3,750 lb (mfr)
WHEELBASE 104.7 in
L X W X H 182.1 x 73.0 x 66.5 in
0-60 MPH 7.0-7.5 sec (MT est)
EPA FUEL ECON 40/35/38 mpg
ON SALE CurrentlyJUNE 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 65