2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review

　　

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　The Honda CR-V is currently our top-ranked small SUV. It's roomy, practical and well built. How does Honda go up from there? Well, how about making it more fuel-efficient? Welcome to the 2020 CR-V Hybrid. This is the first time there's been a hybrid powertrain option for the Honda CR-V. In theory, it provides better fuel economy than the regular CR-V as well as more power. However, our real-world results — read our Expert Rating below to learn more — proved otherwise.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$101/mo  for CR-V Hybrid LX

　　CR-V Hybrid LX

　　LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,850 MSRPEX 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $30,360 MSRPEX-L 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $32,850 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $36,050 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

What's it like to live with?

Our team of experts have tested a Honda CR-V Hybrid as part of our long-term program, in which we drive vehicles for a year and report to you what they are like to own. Read our long-term CR-V Hybrid coverage to see what we've learned about real-world fuel economy, reliability and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the CR-V Hybrid drive? The CR-V Hybrid sets the standard for this class thanks in large part to the unparalleled smoothness from its hybrid powertrain. The transition from the electric motor to the gas engine is seamless and rivals that of systems typically found on luxury cars costing twice as much.

　　The brakes are equally as smooth and deliver confident stops up to a traffic light or in a panic-braking situation. At our test track, the CR-V Hybrid shows excellent consistency, stopping from 60 mph in 125 feet. That's 6 feet shorter than the RAV4 Hybrid we tested.

　　But the CR-V Hybrid is let down by its lackluster acceleration. Even though it's more powerful than a standard CR-V on the spec sheet, our testing showed otherwise. The 0-60 mph sprint took 8.5 seconds, which is a full second slower than the non-hybrid model. Climbing longer grades takes a heavy foot, and you can hear the underpowered gasoline engine struggling to hold a steady speed.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the CR-V Hybrid? It's difficult to find fault here. From its accommodating seats to its extremely well-sorted ride, the CR-V Hybrid is comfortable for a wide variety of people. The climate control system has no trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature and can adequately cool rear passengers too.

　　Oddly enough, because the engine and transmission are so smooth, the Hybrid exposes a real lack of sound insulation in the CR-V. Road noise from other vehicles on the road is prevalent, and wind noise is pervasive at highway speeds.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? With the exception of the push-button gear selector, there's not much to separate the CR-V Hybrid from the non-hybrid model, and that's fine by us. Thanks to its generous door openings and agreeable ride height, getting into the CR-V Hybrid is a breeze for all passengers. And once inside, the interior is spacious for all occupants. Even taller rear passengers will find more than enough legroom.

　　Visibility is generally good, especially looking forward thanks to slim windshield pillars and a relatively low hoodline. But a high beltline, no matter how tall the windows are, can make it difficult to see a car directly alongside you. And while rear visibility is fair, the high-contrast, low-resolution backup camera is not very clear in even the best conditions.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Tech is a bit of hit-and-miss. The CR-V's infotainment system looked sleek and attractive when it first came out for 2017, but by the latest standards it's showing its age. That's not to say it's poor, but offerings from Mazda and Hyundai are easier to use and nicer to look at.

　　Even though we weren't won over by our test vehicle's top-of-the line audio system — its sound quality was unremarkable — we were impressed with the number of charging options. With two USB ports for front passengers and two for rear passengers as well as an available wireless charging pad, every passenger's device should have power.

　　The CR-V's adaptive cruise control works well, as does the lane keeping function. Overall, the advanced driver aids are well calibrated to many different conditions.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The CR-V Hybrid offers 33.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is good for the class. But it doesn't quite match the space on offer in the RAV4 Hybrid (37.5 cubic feet) or non-hybrid CR-V (39.2 cubes). Of course, 60/40-split folding rear seats increase the capacity and flexibility of the CR-V Hybrid. Lowering the seats is easy, and the seats fold relatively flat, but they're a bit heavy to lift back up into position.

　　Honda continues to impress with interior storage options. From rubber-lined hidden cubbies to various trays and pockets, both front and rear passengers should have ample room to store their personal items. Generous rear-seat space and easy-to-access anchors make installing car seats, even large ones, a breeze.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA's 38 mpg combined estimate (40 city/35 highway) is competitive, but real-world fuel economy in our experience is disappointing. On our standardized 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, the CR-V Hybrid struggled to clear 32 mpg, even with a light foot. We suspect the underpowered gasoline engine has to work too hard to keep up with traffic, and the boost from the electric motor simply isn't enough at speeds more than 45 mph.

　　In contrast, we had a much easier time getting close to the EPA estimates with the RAV4 Hybrid (an EPA 40 mpg combined). We even got better fuel economy on our test route with the regular non-hybrid CR-V.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the CR-V Hybrid a good value? The CR-V Hybrid doesn't command much of a premium over the non-hybrid version, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. As is typical for Honda, the CR-V's build quality is unassailable, and the interior works and fits together in ways other manufacturers can't quite seem to match, especially at this price point.

　　The CR-V Hybrid's three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties are standard for the class. The hybrid components are warrantied for a strong eight years/100,000 miles, just like the RAV4 Hybrid. It's nice to see Honda offering roadside assistance to match the duration of the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　If you value practicality and refinement with a touch of efficiency, the CR-V Hybrid will likely make for a good companion. The Hybrid goes about its daily duties with near exceptional smoothness and composure, so much so that it almost starts feeling like more of a luxury car than a small Honda SUV. It provides little thrill or driving enjoyment, but the CR-V's competence can take the edge off in its own way.

　　

Which CR-V Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

Just as with the standard Honda CR-V, the EX trim strikes the right balance of standard features and affordability. It's a step up from the base trim and has equipment that will simply make life easier, yet its price is well within the range of the everyday buyer.

　　

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid models

The 2020 CR-V Hybrid is offered in four trim levels: the LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Each version comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid system. Combined output is 212 horsepower, and all-wheel drive is standard. Highlight features include:

　　LX

　　Starts you off with:

　　LED headlights Keyless ignition and entry USB port Automatic climate control 5-inch central infotainment display Four-speaker audio systemThe LX also has the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver safety aids:

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the CR-V Hybrid and the car in front) Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the CR-V Hybrid centered in its lane)EX

　　Adds a lot of appealing features, such as:

　　Remote engine start Heated side mirrors Heated front seats Power driver's seat with memory settings 7-inch touchscreen display Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Two rear USB ports Dual-zone automatic climate control Eight-speaker audio systemEX-L

　　Builds upon the EX with:

　　Heated steering wheel Ambient interior lighting Leather upholstery Power-adjustable passenger seat Power liftgateTouring

　　The top dog of the CR-V Hybrid lineup includes:

　　Unique LED headlights 19-inch alloy wheels Integrated navigation system Wireless smartphone charging Nine-speaker premium audio system Front and rear parking sensors Roof rails Hands-free liftgate

　　

2020 CR-V Hybrid Highlights

Trim: LXEXEX-LTouringLX

　　

Base MSRP	$27,850
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	38 MPG
Cost to Drive	$101/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles