2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid | Car review

There’s a reason Honda’s CR-V has been America’s top-selling crossover vehicle over the past 23 years.

The 2020 CR-V AWD Touring Hybrid is the most powerful, fuel-efficient and refined CR-V yet. As the Honda brand’s first electrified light-truck for the U.S. market, the new CR-V Hybrid offers the same refinement, fun-to-drive performance and versatile, spacious packaging that have made it so popular – now with the added benefits of Honda’s innovative two-motor hybrid technology.

The new CR-V Hybrid is available in the same four trims as its gasoline-only counterpart: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Moreover, Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is standard equipment on all CR-V Hybrids, providing a high level of inclement-weather on- and off-road driving confidence.

My tester seated five adults on our annual sojourn to Camano Island and our family’s Fourth o July celebration. The rear cargo area was just large enough to accomodate our cooler, gear, clothing and other necessities.

The 2020 CR-V Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine, developing a peak 143 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 129 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm.

The hybrid-electric system uses two electric motors, each with unique functions. Both motors use magnets containing no heavy rare-earth metals based on a proprietary, jointly patented Honda and Daido Electronics design.

The propulsion motor is rated at 135 kilowatts (181 horsepower) and 232 lb.-ft. of torque. When coasting or braking, the motor switches to a regenerative mode, converting the kinetic energy from deceleration into electrical energy to recharge the battery. Its operation is seamlessly coordinated with CR-V Hybrid’s electric-servo braking system, offering natural, linear, and responsive brake performance and pedal feel.

The starter-generator motor is connected directly to the gasoline engine—its primary function to convert engine power to electricity to recharge the hybrid battery pack or to provide electricity directly to the propulsion motor when in Hybrid Drive mode. The starter/generator motor also restarts the gasoline engine under most circumstances.

The CR-V in silent with the start button is depressed and at stops. A week’s worth of driving in city/highway conditions netted an impressive 35 mile per gallon fuel economy.

Functionality is increased with standard Real Time AWD and Intelligent Control System. The system provides a high degree of control and driving confidence in rain, snow, dirt roads and on dry pavement. The driver can simply step on the accelerator and let the system maximize use of available grip and climbing capability. System operation is completely automatic and virtually transparent in smoothness.

My father-in-law, who has been a CR-V owner for almost a decade, was impressed with the CR-V’s increased power, and roomy, quiet cabin. He was less impressed with the push-button selection of drive, reverse and park compared to his standard gear shift.

Convenience features are highighted by heated leather seats, Apple CarPlay, wireless cell phone charging, navigation, power moonroof, nine-speaker audio, two rear USB ports, ambient lighting and power tailgate.

Beginning with this model year, the CR-V Hybrid comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. The suite includes collision mitigation braking with forward collision warning, road departure mitigation with lange departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot information, rear ross traffic monitor and auto high beam headlights.

Base Price:

Price As Driven:

Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are providedby the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.

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Contact writer Larry Lark: lrwheels57@gmail.com