The Honda CR-V has been one of Honda’s best-sellers for many years. With all the great entries in the current SUV market, this is no easy feat. The CR-V definitely earns it with its excellent fuel economy, comfortable interior, and massive cargo area.

A brand-new hybrid version of the Honda CR-V was released for the 2020 model year. It already has many great reviews from popular critics, like Ward’s Auto. The site only listed one major complaint, but it doesn’t detract from the car’s overall appeal. Here’s what Ward’s loved the most about the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid.

Great interior

The 2020 CR-V Hybrid can have either cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim. According to Ward’s, both rows have plenty of legroom for even the tallest passengers.

The reviewer also appreciated the power-adjustable passenger seat, which is not usually an option in similar SUVs. The interior quality looks exceptional on all trims, and the Touring version even comes with faux wood accents.

Ward’s also reported that the seats are comfortable and supportive, even during long drives. There’s less cabin noise and testers found that steering was practically effortless. The CR-V also comes with standard all-wheel drive and a good set of regenerative brakes.

Plenty of storage in the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Like the gas-powered version, there’s plenty of cargo space in this SUV. Drivers get 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.7 feet with the second row folded down. The CR-V Hybrid has the advantage of 60/40 split seats, plus seat-release levers to make things easier.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid also has a huge center console, big door pockets, and deep cupholders for the cabin’s occupants. The tray in front of the center console also has a hidden compartment underneath, perfect for storing small valuables. The tray itself can also hold your phone or keys in place as you’re driving.

Highly efficient powertrain

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid comes with two electric motors paired with a standard four-cylinder engine. It produces 212 hp and is paired with a CVT. Fuel economy is excellent, 40 mpg on city roads and 35 mpg on the highway.

During real-world testing, Ward’s testers got better results. On one test, they were able to get 51.6 mpg after driving 30 miles. They also hit 47.1 mpg on an 11-mile run, which they noted was significantly better than the CR-V’s competition. 

Only one drawback to the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Ward’s Auto didn’t find this SUV’s infotainment system to be very user-friendly or functional. The voice recognition feature is needlessly complicated and the computer can’t always recognize specific instructions. The tester also had problems trying to sync their phone with the infotainment system.

Additionally, the graphics don’t look crisp and the base screen is only 5 inches. If you opt for a more expensive trim, you’ll get a 7-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging unit, and smartphone integration. Even though the system is clunky to use, it probably won’t be a dealbreaker for most drivers.

How does it compare to the original?

There are only a few major differences between the two CR-V SUVs. The hybrid’s engine setup is a little more powerful than the singular 190-hp gas engine. As you may have expected, the gas-powered CR-V is also not as efficient as the hybrid.

However, with the addition of the battery pack in the rear, the hybrid has a little less cargo space. The original Honda CR-V has nearly seven cubic feet more of space with the back row folded down. Both SUVs have the same frustrating infotainment system. Despite that, the Honda CR-V Hybrid is a great addition to the current lineup of hybrid SUVs.