2019 Honda CR-V 1.5L VTEC CVT (212 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Honda introduced a major facelift for the CR-V’s fifth generation in 2019, three years after the model’s introduction at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.

Being the best-selling crossover in the U.S. for more than two decades was not an easy job for the Japanese automaker. It had to face stiff competition from American, German, and other Asian car manufacturers. But still, somehow, Honda managed to be one step ahead of everyone else. So, to keep it that way, it refreshed the CR-V’s fifth generation in 2019 for the 2020 model-year by improving the vehicle in all areas.

Honda’s design team didn’t look like it worked too much when they prepared the lines for the 2020 model-year. Still, at the front, the refreshed CR-V featured less chromed trims on the grille. At the same time, the lower bumper sported wider side scoops for the fog lights, creating a more aggressive look for the car. Depending on the trim level, some versions got LED bars for the fog lamps while others got round ones.

Inside, the CR-V sported a new 7″ instrument panel for the driver and a same-size touchscreen placed atop the center stack for the infotainment system that was Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. For the hybrid version, the CR-V sported buttons on the center console for drive modes and a set of paddles behind the steering wheel that controlled the energy recuperation programs.

Power came from either a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four engine or from a hybrid system. The latter consisted of a pair of motors and a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated powerplant that worked in Atkinson-cycle.