Malaysia’s best-selling SUV since 1996 has just gotten a mild facelift for 2020. Sporting freshened styling, new features and upgraded powertrains-including a new CR-V Hybrid, the 2020 CR-V Hybrid is the first electrified SUV from the Honda brand.
In addition to the new hybrid-electric variant, major upgrades to the 2020 Honda CR-V include bolder front and rear styling, re-designed wheels and standard Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technology.
Honda Electrification Initiative
Honda is targeting two-thirds of its global automobile sales to come from electrified vehicles by 2030. Honda is focusing on the expanded application of its advanced two-motor hybrid-electric technology as the most effective means to meet customer needs while realizing significant near-term gains in fuel efficiency and accompanying reductions in CO2 emissions that contribute to global climate change.
Advanced Powertrains
The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid promises substantially improved fuel efficiency while maintaining CR-V’s award-winning balance of interior space, driving dynamics and comfort that has made CR-V such a success with Malaysia buyers. The CR-V’s advanced two-motor hybrid powertrain, shared with the current Accord Hybrid, combines two electric motors with a 2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC Atkinson cycle engine with greater than 40 percent thermal efficiency, the highest for any mass-produced Honda engine.
The Honda CR-V’s two-motor system operates without the need for a conventional automatic transmission for smooth and seamless power delivery similar to a pure electric vehicle, and boasts a broad range of electric-only operation. The compact intelligent power unit (IPU), containing the hybrid battery pack and its control systems, is mounted under the cargo floor, allowing the new CR-V Hybrid to retain excellent cargo utility, including a 60/40 split rear seatback with a flat load floor. Peak total system horsepower is 212, up from 190 HP on the CR-V, along with an anticipated 50 percent increase in the EPA city fuel economy rating compared to the CR-V.
Also for 2020, all non-hybrid CR-V models, including LX, are powered by the efficient 1.5-liter DOHC, direct-injected VTEC™ Turbo powerplant rated at 190 horsepower (SAE net), with responsive and refined performance across the engine’s full operating range. Available in front- or all-wheel drive configurations, power is transmitted through a smooth yet sporty continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Honda G-Shift control logic.
Sophisticated Interior and Exterior Styling
Exterior styling updates to the 2020 Honda CR-V result in a more upscale and rugged appearance. In front, broad openings for the fog lights are fully integrated into the bumper, giving the 2020 CR-V a more aggressive look, while the chrome grille is more pronounced.
Honda CR-V Hybrid models will also get hybrid badging and a distinctive blue Honda logo in the center of the grille. In the rear, all CR-V trims feature sophisticated new dark-tinted taillights and a new dark chrome treatment for the garnish below the rear glass, better integrated with the more darkly tinted rear window. In addition to hybrid badges on the hatch, CR-V Hybrid Touring trims receive a unique rear bumper.
Inside, the new CR-V Hybrid is distinguished from non-hybrid models through its unique interior trim. Most apparent is the new push-button gear selector flanked by three switches for Econ, Sport or EV mode. Econ mode alters throttle inputs to help driver’s maximize fuel efficiency, while Sport enhances throttle response for a more aggressive feel, with the engine sound enhanced by Active Sound Control for a sportier note. EV Mode allows the CR-V Hybrid to operate under electric-only power when the hybrid battery has a sufficient charge.
The instrument panel also is unique to CR-V Hybrid models, and features a display for power/charge status, as well as a driver-selectable display for power distribution and regeneration. CR-V Hybrid models also receive deceleration selector paddles on the steering wheel. By clicking the left paddle, drivers can increase the amount of regenerative braking from the hybrid system’s electric motor when decelerating.
Advanced Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
With the 2020 model year, all Honda CR-Vs now come standard with the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS)
- Additional driver-assistive technologies include the available blind spot information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) and Auto High Beam headlights.
CR-V Hybrid models benefit from a new Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) designed to increase awareness by pedestrians when travelling under electric-only power. A speaker mounted in the front bumper generates a distinct audible alert that varies in volume depending on vehicle speed and is easily noticeable to pedestrians, but nearly inaudible to the driver or passengers under most circumstances.
Chassis Technology
The 2020 Honda CR-V and CR-V Hybrid maintain the same agile and confident handling, greater refinement, additional ground clearance and superior overall versatility versus its competition. Its front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension use specially tuned low-friction dampers, with both FWD and AWD models including tubular front and solid rear stabilizer bars that promote responsive turn-in and flatter cornering. Dual-pinion, variable ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS) also contributes to the CR-V’s direct and satisfying steering feel. For CR-V Hybrid, an electronic servo brake pedal maintains a firm and linear brake feel like its non-hybrid sibling.
