2020 Honda CR-V Gains LX Powertrain And New Tech

Honda has announced details on the refreshed 2020 Honda CR-V, which it says is the most popular crossover in America. The vehicle landed in dealerships earlier this month and for 2020 there is a new powertrain for the LX trim. The 2020 CR-V LX gains a 1.5-liter turbo engine and Honda Sensing safety suite as standard.Honda notes that the MSRP for the 2020 CR-V starts at $25,050 excluding destination and handling. That makes a $600 price increase compared to last year's model despite gaining in a new and more powerful engine and Honda Sensing as standard in the LX. All CR-V models get a new front bumper and grille and new headlight designs.

EX and EX-L trims get new alloy wheels, and Touring grades get new 19-inch wheels and tires. 2020 bings three new colors to the mix with Radiant Red Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Aegean Blue Pearl. The new engine in the LX trim replaces a 2.4-liter engine from the last year. The new turbo engine gives LX buyers six more horsepower and a broader torque curve along with better fuel efficiency than past years.

The 1.5-liter Turbo engine is now standard across the entire line. It makes 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. All versions of the CR-V use a CVT transmission. Honda also has a two-motor hybrid powertrain coming with more information early next year on that version.

The addition of Honda Sensing to the base LX model for 2020 means that the entire range has Honda Sensing as standard. Honda Sensing includes 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 and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). The base CR-V LX 2-door is $26,145 with destination charge, and the all-wheel-drive version is $27,645. The top-of-the-line Touring AWD version sells for $35,845.