2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring AWD: The Brand’s Stylish Compact Crossover

Highlights: The hybrid model is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration. And the two-motor hybrid system in the CR-V is a more advanced version of the one currently being used in the Accord hybrid.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $37,070 (Base Model: $28,870)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: all-wheel drive; airbags; side airbags; ABS; hill launch assist; traction control system; stability control; a hillstart assist system; an automatic brake hold feature; a rearview camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a collision mitigation braking system; a road departure mitigation system; a lane keep assist system; a radar activated cruise control system; automatic highbeam headlights; a road departure mitigation system; and a tire repair kit

Standard Equipment (LX): 17-inch wheels; a variety of driving modes (econ, sport and ev); LED daytime running lights; an active shutter grille; a rear window wiper; roofline spoiler; body colored door handles;  an automatic climate control system; a manual operated tilt and telescopic steering wheel; a rear seat center armrest with split rear seat backs; a push button ignition starter system; a manual operated height adjustable driver’s seat; a 5-inch infotainment; and a retractable cargo cover system  

Standard Equipment (Touring): 19-inch wheels; an active noise cancellation system; a multi-link double wishbone rear suspension; a 360-degree camera; a heated leather steering wheel; a rear privacy glass; body colored roofline spoiler with an integrated brake light; a power moonroof; LED foglights; a keyless entry system; integrated turn indicators; a power tailgate; roof rails; heated front seats; power driver’s seat with a memory setting; a power front passenger seat; leather seats; a 7-inch infotainment screen; a 9-speaker, 330-watt audio system with HD; SiriusXM; and a wireless charger  

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: None

Other Trim Levels:

EX

EX-L

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 4-speaker AM/FM, 160-watt audio system

Apple CarPlay/Android: Available

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Hybrid Battery Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/143-hp (horsepower)

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage (AWD): 40-city/35-hwy

What’s New: The hybrid model is a new addition to the stylish and highly popular CR-V.

Why: With its car-like ride, the stylish Honda CR-V is available in both a gasoline and a hybrid model. We had an opportunity to review the higher end Touring hybrid trim.

The roomy hybrid model is available in four trims: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Being that the CR-V hybrid is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration, its capable of weathering most driving conditions. With the smooth-shifting, fuel-efficient system, the vehicle can achieve a combine 38-mpg on a tank of gas. In fact, with the CR-V being driven by an all-wheel drive system, the power is repositioned to the rear wheels, which helps to improve the miles per gallon.

The CR-V hybrid is outfitted with one powertrain, a peppy, 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, which pushed out 143-horsepower. Typically, when one thinks of a such limited horsepower, its associated with being severely underpowered. Thankfully, that's not the case with this hybrid. In fact, Honda engineers tuned the vehicle to match, what seems to be its 6-cylinder vehicles of the past. While we’re not being literal, one will not be lacking for power with this hybrid.

Moreover, each hybrid model comes standard with the most extensive list of driving safety features one can expect, ranging from a lane departure warning system to a radar activated cruise control system.   

Furthermore, our hybrid model was outfitted with a number of premium features too that were once reserved for their sister brand from Acura, making this a great road trip vehicle. For a price point under $40,000, our higher end crossover model was equipped with such features as leather seats, a 360-degree camera, a power moonroof and a power tailgate.

But: The CRV hybrid model is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration. A front wheel drive configured CR-V would help lower the price of the vehicle.

And while the infotainment system has been improved, the technology still seems to lag behind the competition. Honda should take a page from both Kia and Hyundai, revamping their infotainment, using the Koreans as a benchmark.

Verdict: Honda’s best-selling vehicle just sweetened the pot, adding on a fuel- efficient hybrid configuration to the CR-V's portfolio. Pricing for the vehicle starts at $28,000 and can push near $40,000, depending upon the trim. Although this is a hybrid, the vehicle offers style, utility and performance!

Competition: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid