What is new about Honda CR-V 2020?

The two most useful features added to the 2020 Honda CR-V Touring (the top trim) is a Qi wireless charger, neatly laid out on the console, and front parking sensors. The most significant addition to the mid-spec EX must be the hands-free automatic tailgate function, which involves kicking in the air below the rear bumper to get the boot open – very helpful when your hands are full.

The rest of the changes are all about looking good – from a refreshed front and rear design on all grades to a fresh floral pattern for the 18” alloy wheels on the EX and Touring models. The front impression has been uplifted with refreshed headlamps, wing shaped LED daytime running lamps, a piano black upper grille design and a honeycomb lower grille – believe me the last two don’t look as weird together as they sound here. Actually, they add a touch of premium to the CR-V greeting. The new front sensors are tucked into the new front bumper fascia, which looks like extra-wide Watusi horns below the grille and above the front spoiler – while the sensors are only for the Touring, the ‘horns’ adorn the EX too!

The rear completes the new design package with a dark and desirable theme. The red taillights have dark lenses while a dark chrome strip runs end to end between them. A redesigned skid plate and bumper furnish the lower grid. The 2020 models also add two new reds and a grey to the colour palette.

The CR-V boasts of improved utility in 2020, with a three-part centre console design housing the wireless charging bed (Touring only) or an open box; cup holders; and the storage area. Half the storage area has a sliding lid, behind which is the extendable armrest and a storage pit beneath. Besides a USB charging port of 1.0 Amp, the new CR-V also gets a fast-charging 1.5 Amp for connecting Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

Honda CR-V 2020 on road review

If you want a dramatic review of three Honda SUVs involving three times ‘me,’ click this link or read on.

THE DIMENSIONS: L X W X H: 4586 x 1855 x 1678 mm, Wheelbase: 2660 mm, Curb weight: 1,500–1,540 kg (FWD) 1,551–1,593 kg (AWD), Wheel size: 17” and 18”

THE SPECS: 2.4L inline-4 engine and CVT,  184 hp @6400 rpm, 244 Nm @3900 rpm, Test fuel economy: 9.7 km / L

THE PRICE: Ex Plus AWD AED 114,900 Touring AWD AED 122,900

UPSIDE: Balanced space, uplifted design, fluent drive, premium features

FLIPSIDE: No off-road modes, Audio system scope for refinement

Features that impress and improve driving

If you get to see a Honda CR-V on the road even before you finish calling out “see R-V” it is because this midsize SUV from Honda has steadily improved its drive and convenience features through the years. It gradually brought CVT gearbox haters also into the fold by giving them a drive somewhat resembling the automatic shifting pattern. Launched in 2017, the current generation of Honda CR-V came with its share of gadgetry. The driver alert monitor that recommends a coffee break if tiredness showed up in your driving. Or the all wheel drive graphics in the driver information cluster that shows how power is being distributed between the front and rear set of wheels. The CR-V doesn’t claim exceptional skills in off-roading but this builds a reassuring image as a dependable crossover. Then there is the multi-angle rear view camera that also affords a close up of the curb, so you know what you are backing into. The electronic parking brake comes with a hill hold function as well, making it easy to stop and restart on slopes.

Cabin and controls

The interiors and the leather trims in the Touring model seem to be on par with German cars like Volkswagen – even the wood-finish inserts in plastic on the dashboard and the door take care not to hurt the sensibilities of haters of all things fake.

The central console of the CR-V is one of a kind, in that the gear shifter is presented on a pedestal. This makes it easy to reach and shift. The CR-V has a sport mode S below ‘D’ that can give a quick boost to the already smooth drive. A 7-inch touch screen enwrapped in black gloss look good on the EX and the Touring grades. The DX and the LX get 5-inch audio screens instead.

The built-in navigation on the top trim has simple input methods with pleasing graphics. The telephone controls are insightful – even though it takes a moment longer to choose between handset and car phone when a call comes in, it affords you privacy. The radio would have benefitted from a direct frequency input option, and tuning into some stations brought up some noise. The CR-V is so focused on practical aspects that the 8-speaker music system does its job all right, but no further.

The Drive

The Honda CR-V is comfortable with its 2.4 L i-VTEC inline-4 engine and CVT transmission. 184 hp and 244 Nm are delivered in a smooth manner while handling is all that you expect of a dependable midsize crossover. There is a manual mode with the steering wheel paddles, simulating a 7-speed gearbox, but that is merely a feature of fancy that doesn’t hold out for long before switching back to D.

The CR-V is rather refined for an affordable midsize crossover – wind noise and road noise are kept within reasonable limits. Combined with a considerate ride quality, journeys are comfortable in the Honda CR-V.

Family drive

Honda has been specialising in making the most of space with features like ‘magic seats’ in the Jazz and the HR-V. In the CR-V too the rear seats can be folded flat with one touch, making it easy and efficient to load luggage. The power tailgate, with the provision of setting the opening height, makes things easier still! Even with its passengers stretching comfortably, the CR-V reserves a good 561 L space in the boot, which expands to 1756 once the seats are folded! The CR-V doesn’t have a panoramic sunroof but hey, there is a sunroof for those who insist.

5-star safety rating and innovation

In the faculty of safety, Honda CR-V has secured an NCAP 5-star overall vehicle score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Honda claims the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE™) body structure adds strength to the vehicle. The CR-V has front airbags as standard while the Touring Grade gets side and curtain airbags too. The CR-V is equipped with a host of active safety features that support handling and braking. The LX and EX grades come with rear parking sensors while the 2020 Touring grade gets front sensors too. The EX and Touring get multi-angle rear cameras but let me say this again, it is high time every SUV made rear cameras standard.

Talking about cameras, the Touring and EX also get Honda Lane Watch – the innovative camera that reveals the right lane status as soon as the right indicator is activated. This works fine during the day but compromises clarity in dim light and at night.

The essential Honda CR-V 2020

Honda CR-V again justifies its popularity with consistently incremental comfort and convenience. In its 2020 form, it is a better-looking presence and all the car that it always was.