The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid has just gone on sale, offering Honda customers their first taste of a 40-mpg crossover. With the CR-V Hybrid now arriving at US dealerships, customers are bound to wonder which of the four trim levels is right for them. We recently had a chance to sample the top Touring trim during a first drive event but we've taken a look at the entire lineup to break down what comes on each trim level. Keep in mind, all prices exclude a $1,120 destination charge.
The CR-V Hybrid comes powered exclusively by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine mated to two electric motors with a total system output of 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Mechanical all-wheel-drive comes standard on all trim levels. The CR-V Hybrid also includes a standard Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies including a collision mitigation braking system with forward collision warning, road departure mitigation and lane keeping assist. Here's what else is available on the four trim levels:
CR-V Hybrid LX ($27,750)
At $27,750, the Honda CR-V Hybrid starts at about $600 less than the least expensive Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. In addition to all of the standard safety features and AWD, the base LX trim also includes LED headlights, smart entry with push-button start, a cargo cover, tire repair kit, automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, manual seats, and a four-speaker audio system. While the LX trim is reasonably priced, we'd recommend spending a bit more.
CR-V Hybrid EX ($30,260)
The EX trim comes at a sizable price increase over the LX but it does include a heap of additional features. Exterior changes include LED fog lights, 18-inch wheels, privacy glass, mirror turn signals, heated mirrors, and body-colored mirrors. Inside, the EX trim gets an eight-way power driver seat with memory, heated front seats, power moonroof, HD radio, four additional speakers (total of eight), a seven-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two rear USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto up/down windows, and variable intermittent windshield wipers.
Also included are additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. If you're looking to buy a CR-V Hybrid but can't afford the two highest trim levels, you won't be disappointed with the EX.
CR-V Hybrid EX-L ($32,750)
The EX-L isn't as large of a leap from the EX but it does come with a few nice options. These include a heated steering wheel, leather seats, power tailgate, power passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and HomeLink. There aren't any must-have options here, which is why we'd recommend sticking with the EX trim or going all-out with the Touring.
CR-V Hybrid Touring ($35,950)
The most fully-optioned CR-V Hybrid, the Touring trim offers 19-inch wheels, a wireless charging pad, built-in navigation, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free tailgate, and a nine-speaker premium audio system. The CR-V Hybrid misses out on a few features found on the highest trim RAV4 Hybrid including ventilated seats, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, and a panoramic roof, but it does undercut the most expensive RAV4 Hybrid Limited Trim by nearly $1,000 and more than $4,000 when the Toyota is fully-optioned. If you have the money, the CR-V Hybrid Touring does pack a ton of features but we still feel the EX is the best value on the board.