The 2020 Honda CR-V is excellent, there’s no denying it. But so are the rivals it faces. Before you settle on the Honda CR-V, check out how other options like the Mazda CX-5 or Chevy Equinox have been putting in the work to beat it. 

Excellent 2020 Honda CR-V alternatives 

First, we will give you a rundown on the 2020 Honda CR-V, which begins around $25,000. That’s a little steep for a compact SUV, but it comes with a powerful 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that provides 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. 

It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds but can only tow up to 1,500 lb. It gets up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it super fuel-efficient. Also, for a bit more cash, you can add all-wheel-drive to tackle snow and other challenges. 

Drivers enjoy the 2020 Honda CR-V because it has a smooth, comfortable ride with a spacious cabin. It’s also paired with a powerful engine. However, other rivals provide more utility and a sportier ride. Other options may provide more value with their price too. 

1. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 also starts around $25,000, so it doesn’t provide much savings in contrast. It also comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 187-hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the turbocharged engine for 250 hp. 

One reason to go for the Mazda CX-5 is for its sporty drive and superior handling. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. It can also tow up to 2,000 lb, making it stronger than the Honda CR-V. The Mazda CX-5 is also pretty fuel-efficient, with the ability to get up to 31 mpg on the highway. 

It may have a bit less cargo space than the Honda CR-V, but the seating is comfortable for five adults. Plus, the Mazda CX-5 is an IIHS top safety pick, and drivers enjoy the upscale interior that’s made with premium materials. 

2. The 2021 Chevy Equinox 

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox comes in at around $23,000, providing some savings. However, the base engine is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder option with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, which is a little underpowered. The 2.0-liter turbo engine provides 252 hp. 

You can tow between 1,500 to 3,500 lb with the Chevy Equinox, and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds. It’s also more fuel-efficient than the Honda CR-V and gets up to 39 mpg on the highway. 

Drivers find the Chevy Equinox to have very comfortable seating, but it has a little less cargo space than the Honda CR-V. It’s a good vehicle for new drivers as you can set driver controls for audio levels, speed, and more for secondary drivers. 

3. The 2020 Kia Sportage 

The 2020 Kia Sportage starts at about $24,000 and has a powerful 2.7-liter four-cylinder 181-hp engine. You can also upgrade to the 240-hp turbo-four engine. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds and tow up to 1,653 lb.

It has a competitive fuel economy and gets up to 30 mpg on the highway. 
According to U.S.News, the Kia Sportage has more zest than the Honda CR-V. Drivers enjoy the comfortable seats that offer plenty of legroom. Plus, it has an excellent reliability rating and was rated as one of the 2020 Best Cars for Teens.