Getting used to the CR-V’s styling? Well, that’s too bad because Honda just refreshed it for the 2020 model year. Launched first in the U.S., expect this refreshed compact crossover to roll out in international market including the Philippines sometime next year.
The 2020 CR-V gets a refreshed exterior styling that adds a “more upscale and rugged appearance.” With that, it echoes the enlarged lower maw first seen in the 219 Civic. The broad opening encompasses the fog lights which are bar-type for the higher trim models and round for the lower trim ones. Over at the back, there are new dark tinted taillights and a new dark chrome treatment just below the rear glass. Best of all, wheel sizes are up across the range with 18’s the smallest and 19’s the largest.
Inside though, the changes are minimal. The controversial push-button shifter remains, but at least there’s available Qi wireless charging now.
For the U.S. market, the long-serving normally-aspirated 2.4-liter says bye-bye and in its place is the 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo that still makes the same 190 horsepower. For the first time ever though, the CR-V Hybrid will be sold there.
Part of Honda’s electrification initiative, the CR-V uses the two-motor i-MMD set-up that operates without a conventional automatic for smooth and seamless power delivery akin to a pure EV. Peak power is 212 horsepower and can operate in pure electric mode for a short period of time. Oddly enough, Honda has added three driving modes only for the CR-V Hybrid—Econ, Sport, or EV. The Sport sharpens throttle response while also pumping in the engine sound similar to the Civic Type R.
Moreover, the CR-V Hybrid can alert pedestrians through a new Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System. A speaker mounted in the front bumper generates a distinct audible alert that varies in volume depending on vehicle speed.
Chassis-wise, the CR-V is unchanged.
Honda Sensing is standard equipment now. This suite of driver assist and safety features include: Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow, Lane Keeping Assist, and others.
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