There is a lot going on with America’s best-selling crossover for 2020. Yes, Honda’s CR-V has been America’s best-selling CUV for 22 years. Since being launched in 1997 the CR-V has surpassed 5,000,000 sold. Honda is on a pace to produce more than 300,000 CR-Vs for 2019. Here’s what has been announced by Honda for the 2020 CR-V:

2020 CR-V Styling Update

On the outside, Honda has restyled the front end with larger openings and integrated fog lights. Hybrid versions will get LED bar-type fog lights with five LEDs. The hybrid also gets unique badging including a new blue badge for the grille. The rear now features dark trim and dark tint on the taillights. On hybrid Touring models, the rear bumper is unique. CR-V EX and EX-L trims get new 18-inch wheels while the Touring package comes with 19-inch wheels.

Inside unique interior trims update the hybrid cabin. A unique instrument panel and push-button selector allows for three different driving modes for Econ, Sport, or EV. Econ allows for the best fuel efficiency in hybrid mode, Sport gives better throttle response and a more aggressive sound through Honda’s Active Sound Control system, and EV allows the CR-V to be in electric-only mode. All models get a new center console while Touring versions get Qi-compatible cell phone charging.

CR-V Hybrid Option

The new hybrid version receives Honda’s two-motor powertrain combining two electric motors with a DOHC Atkinson cycle engine. There is no conventional automatic transmission, instead, through the electric system, a seamless stream of power is available much like an all-electric vehicle performs. There is an optional all-wheel-drive system for hybrids with an electronic clutch activating power to all four wheels.

Conventional CR-Vs are powered by the 1.5-liter DOHC Turbo engine with 190 hp, available with two- or all-wheel drive

New CR-V Driver-Assistive Technology

The CR-V now has the Honda Sensing group of safety and driver-assistive technology that includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist. Hybrids also come with the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System with speakers hidden in the front bumper for increased awareness by pedestrians in electric-only power

2020 CR-V Adds New Hybrid

The CR-V hybrid is the first hybrid Honda in America. Honda will be applying their two-motor hybrid technology to all of its core models over the coming months and years. 

CR-V Built In Indiana

With the announcement of the hybrid Honda also had targeted its Greenburg, Indiana, facility for production of the hybrid alongside conventional CR-Vs and the Insight hybrid. Honda will invest $4.2 million and add 34 new jobs for the hybrid’s production.

Honda’s Electrification

Honda plans on having two-thirds of its products to be electrified by 2030 largely based around its new two-motor technology. Already this year combined sales of the Accord hybrid, Insight and Clarity have reached over 42,000 vehicles. Last year Honda sold close to 50,000 hybrids.