Honda Kicks Base Engine to the Curb, Adds Hybrid for 2020 CR-V

A slew of changes are on the way for the Honda CR-V’s mid-cycle refresh, though you might not be able to spot them from across a parking lot. For sure, there’s the obligatory tweaks to the compact CUV’s front and rear fascia, but the big news lies in its powertrain.

There’s still a choice of two propulsion sources, just not what greeted buyers for 2019. It seems Honda’s run away with the hybrid crown for too long.

For 2020, the CR-V gains an available hybrid powertrain sourced from the Accord Hybrid. In this guise, the CR-V joins Honda’s two-motor hybrid system with a thermally-efficient Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Combined output is 212 horsepower, and yes, you can get it in AWD.

While EPA efficiency figures remain out of reach for now, Honda predicts a 50-percent hike in city fuel economy. This vehicle, as well as Ford’s returning Escape Hybrid, could spell big trouble for Toyota’s segment-leading RAV4 Hybrid.

You’ll be able to tell the Hybrid apart from its gas-only brethren by a blue Honda logo, trim-specific bar-type foglights, a hidden tailpipe, and boastful bodyside badging. Three drive modes (Econ, Sport, and EV) and a special driver information display greet Hybrid drivers; a low-speed warning sound will be audible to pedestrians when you’re in electric-only mode. How fast a driver can go in this mode, and for how long, remains to be seen.

Regular CR-Vs gain round foglights fully integrated into the bumper, underscored by a curving length of chrome, but don’t expect to see the base 2.4-liter four-cylinder make a return appearance. For 2020, the 184 hp, 180 lb-ft mill gives way to a standard turbo 1.5-liter across the non-hybrid trim range.

The 1.5L makes 190 hp and 179 lb-ft, sent to either the front or all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic.

Further changes can be found at each corner. For 2020, redesigned 18-inch wheels become the norm on EX, EX-L, and Hybrid trims, with the top-flight Touring gaining 19-inch hoops. Inside, the only standard alteration is a redesigned console storage bin. As you move up the trim ladder, niceties mount, though all CR-Vs contain Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capability, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow, and Lane Keeping Assist.

Features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and auto high beams are not standard kit, but they’re available for those who can’t live without full peace of mind.

Arriving later this fall (CR-V) and early next year (CR-V Hybrid), the refreshed model does not yet carry a list of price tags. Expect these to roll out closer to the on-sale date.

[Images: Honda]