2020 Honda CR-V Gains New U.S.-Built Hybrid Version, Drops Base 2.4L Engine

Honda has finally added a hybrid version to the 2020 CR-V’s U.S. lineup, making it the first electrified SUV the brand has offered in America.

In addition to the new Hybrid, the rest of the range has been updated with subtle design tweaks in the front and rear, as well as having the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance systems offered as standard.

Honda has also ditched the base 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine from its lineup, which leaves the turbocharged, 190 HP 1.5-liter four as the only non-hybrid option.

Also Read: Honda Expects CR-V Hybrid To Account For Half Of European Sales

The new hybrid powertrain of the 2020 CR-V is similar to that of the Accord Hybrid, as it combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with two electric motors. This also makes it all-wheel drive, with an electronic clutch activated when slip is detected to power the rear wheels.

Honda says that the combined output of the CR-V Hybrid is 212 HP and claims it offers a 50 percent increase in EPA’s city fuel economy rating compared to the standard 1.5 Turbo. The final EPA fuel economy ratings aren’t available yet, but if Honda’s claims turn out to be accurate, expect the hybrid version to offer around 44 mpg city.

The exterior design differences are limited to a set of bar-type LED fog lights, a blue Honda logo, Hybrid badging and a hidden exhaust tailpipe. All 2020 CR-Vs feature a more pronounced chrome grille, wider openings for the fog lights, dark-tinted taillights and a dark-chrome treatment for the garnish below the rear glass.

The new CR-V Hybrid also gets a unique instrument panel that shows hybrid-specific information about the power/charge status and more, a set of deceleration selector paddles behind the steering wheel, as well as three available driving modes named Econ, Sport and EV.

All versions benefit from a redesigned center console bin that now offers more flexible storage options and wireless phone charging from the Touring trim level upwards.

Sales of the revamped CR-V will commence this fall, with the Hybrid, which will be produced in Honda’s Indiana plant, to follow in early 2020.