History/Overview
Honda introduced its fifth-generation CR-V compact crossover in 2017, the first to use the company's turbocharged engine technology.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
For 2020, the fifth-gen CR-V gets its first major update in freshened styling, new Canada-only Sport and Black Edition trims, and standard Honda Sensing Active safety for all trims.
Available Trims
Honda offers the CR-V in LX, Sport (which replaces EX), EX-L, Touring, and the new-for-2020 Black Edition. Standard in all is a 1.5L turbo engine, which is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Only LX starts out with FWD; AWD is optional there, and standard in all other packages.
Standard Features
CR-V LX comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric parking brake, tire pressure monitoring, a front wiper de-icer, heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, automatic on/off headlights, a digital gauge cluster, a conversation mirror, driver attention monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, passive keyless entry, power windows, tilt-and-telescopic steering, heated front seats with manual adjustments, a four-speaker stereo with 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Wi-Fi tethering.
The now-standard Honda Sensing Suite comprises forward collision alert with automatic braking, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
The new Sport trim adds 19-inch wheels, the LaneWatch blind spot display, LED fog lights, variable intermittent front wipers, a sunroof and power tailgate, roof rails, an integrated garage door opener, a cargo cover, a 12-way power driver's seat with lumbar, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, a leather-trimmed shift lever, leatherette seat upholstery, a six-speaker stereo, and two rear-seat USB ports.
EX-L brings 18-inch wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver's seat memory, power front passenger seat adjustments, heated rear seats, perforated leather upholstery, an eight-speaker stereo, and satellite radio.
Touring moves back to 19-inch wheels, and adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, LED headlights, upgraded LED fog lights, hands-free tailgate operation, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, navigation, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker stereo with subwoofer.
Finally, Black Edition is this year's new top-end trim, adding black wheels, black woodgrain interior trim, and special seat trim and floor mats.
Fuel Economy
Honda's fuel consumption estimates are 8.3/7.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for the front-drive LX trim, and 8.7/7.4 for AWD models.
Competition
CR-V's Japanese competition comes from the Toyota RAV4, Mazda's CX-5, the Nissan Rogue, Subaru's Forester, and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Domestic brands supply the Ford Escape, the Dodge Journey and GM's Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.
South Korea's Hyundai and Kia send the Tucson and Sportage.
Finally, Germany's sole small crossover is the Volkswagen Tiguan.
